Anionic polymerization initiators for preparing macro-branched diene rubbers
First Claim
1. A macro-branched diene polymer having the formula
prior to quenching, wherein P represents a particle that is insoluble in solvents for the polymer, the particle having a diameter of about 1 micron to about 100 microns and comprising a cured elastomer or a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polystyrene, substituted polystyrene and polyethylene, Me is a Group 1A alkali metal atom, n is an integer equal to or greater than 3, and (polymer) represents a polymer chain covalently bonded to the particle and comprising conjugated diene monomer units.
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Abstract
Novel solid supported anionic polymerization initiators that are multiply metalated with Group IA alkali metal atoms are provided and employed to produce extremely high molecular weight branched diene polymers. The initiators are prepared by metalating a particle comprising a thermoplastic polymer or a cured elastomer in the presence of a polar coordinator. The polymers obtained by anionic polymerization employing the initiators are multiply branched, with a polymer chain covalently attached to the particle at virtually every metalation site. The macro-branched polymers exhibit desirable properties, such as an extremely high molecular weight, a controlled molecular weight distribution, Tg and vinyl content, and the ability to readily absorb hydrocarbon solvents and oils. The polymers are easily compounded to form vulcanizable elastomeric compounds and articles that have excellent resistance to wear and tear and exhibit reduced hysteresis properties.
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Citations
22 Claims
- 1. A macro-branched diene polymer having the formula
- space="preserve" listing-type="equation">P-[(polymer)-Me].sub.n
prior to quenching, wherein P represents a particle that is insoluble in solvents for the polymer, the particle having a diameter of about 1 micron to about 100 microns and comprising a cured elastomer or a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polystyrene, substituted polystyrene and polyethylene, Me is a Group 1A alkali metal atom, n is an integer equal to or greater than 3, and (polymer) represents a polymer chain covalently bonded to the particle and comprising conjugated diene monomer units. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
- 19. A method of preparing a macro-branched diene polymer having the formula
- space="preserve" listing-type="equation">P-[(polymer)-Me].sub.n,
prior to quenching, wherein P represents a metalatable particle that is insoluble in solvents for the polymer, the particle having a diameter of about 1 micron to about 1000 microns and comprising a cured elastomer or a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polystyrene, substituted polystyrene and polyethylene, Me is a Group IA alkali metal, n is an integer equal to or greater than 3, and (polymer) represents a polymer chain covalently bonded to the particle, the method comprising the step of anionically polymerizing monomer units selected from the group of consisting of conjugated diene monomer units and conjugated diene monomer units together with monovinyl aromatic monomer units, in the presence of an anionic polymerization initiator having the formula P(Me)n, wherein P represents the particle metalated with n covalently bonded alkali metal atoms. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
Specification