CHAIN-COUPLED POLYMERIC ALKOXIDE COMPOUNDS HAVING CONTROLLED VISCOSITY

摘要

The invention provides chain-coupled polymeric alkoxide compounds for use as the elastomeric component in vulcanizable elastomeric compositions comprising silica, carbon black or mixtures thereof. In particular, the invention provides anionically polymerized polymers having polymer chain living ends that are functionalized with alkoxide groups and coupled together by a metal or nonmetal atom. The polymeric alkoxide compounds have an initial high viscosity for ease of handling prior to compounding, a stable viscosity during storage, and a decreased compound viscosity for better filler dispersion and improved mixing efficiency. The invention further provides a pneumatic tire having at least one component produced from the vulcanizable elastomeric composition of the invention.