Wen-Liang Hsu

IBR block copolymers as compatibilizers in NR/BR blends

Abstract The effect of the addition of 1,4-polyisoprene-1 ,4-polybutadiene (IBR) block copolymers on polymer compatibility and vulcanizate properties of a natural rubber/cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber blend is studied. Differential scanning calorimetry and transmission electron microscopy are used to determine the degree of polymer compatibility and vulcamzate properties are measured in a sulfur cured, carbon-black filled rubber compound Block copolymer composition, concentration and molecular weight are found to be critical. Improvements in compatibility and vulcamzate properties are observed at low concentrations of IBR block copolymers.

MULTIPLE GLASS TRANSITION TERPOLYMERS OF ISOPRENE, BUTADIENE, AND STYRENE

Abstract Novel polymers that will contribute to a better combination of traction and tread wear in tire applications, which is historically difficult to achieve, have been developed. In this work, ...

Novel ether modifiers for anionic polymerization of isoprene

Abstract Because of demands on tire skid resistance, polyisoprenes with high 3,4-content are of particular interest to the tire industry due to their inherently better grip properties. Polar bident...

Preparation and characterization of crystalline 3,4-polyisoprene

Abstract Gel-free, semi-crystalline polyisoprenes containing 70–81% 3,4 units were prepared using an improved iron catalyst. A partially hydrolyzed triisobutylaluminum was used as the reducing agent for the improved catalyst, which allowed the title polymers to be prepared in aliphatic solvents at fast rates.