Process for preparation of diene polymers having amino groups, the polymers, rubber compositions and treads thereof

摘要

Production of amine-functional diene polymers (I) with a high proportion of 1,4-trans linkages comprises polymerizing at least one diene monomer using a catalyst system comprising a hydrocarbon solvent, a Group IIIA metal compound (II), an alkaline earth metal compound (III) and an amino lithium initiator (IV). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a catalyst system for production of (I), comprising: (a) a hydrocarbon solvent; (b) a Group IIIA metal compound; (c) an alkaline earth metal compound; and (d) an initiator which is a lithium amide or a polymer that is obtained by anionic polymerization and has a carbon-lithium bond and an amine function; (2) an amine-functional diene polymer (Ia) that has at least 70% 1,4-trans linkages and is at least 50% functionalized with terminal amino groups such that the termini are of formula (Va) or (Vb): R1, R2 = alkyl groups containing a total of 2-15 C atoms; n = 2-15; (3) a sulfur-vulcanizable rubber composition containing a reinforcing filler and comprising at least one polymer (Ia); (4) a pneumatic tire comprising the composition of (3).