A rubber composition comprises at least one resin based on: (A1) at least one aromatic compound resulting from the reaction between a reactant of formula (α): ##STR00001##
where B represents CHO or CH.sub.2OH, (α) and a reactant of formula (β) or ##STR00002##
and (A2) at least one phenolic compound chosen from: (A21) at least one aromatic polyphenol comprising at least one aromatic ring bearing at least two hydroxyl functional groups in the meta position with respect to one another, the two positions ortho to at least one of the hydroxyl functional groups being unsubstituted; and/or (A22) at least one aromatic monophenol comprising at least one six-membered aromatic ring bearing a single hydroxyl functional group, the two positions ortho to the hydroxyl functional group being unsubstituted or at least one position ortho to and the position para to the hydroxyl functional group being unsubstituted.

The present invention provides a liquid antioxidant composition used for raw rubbers comprising 5% to 30% by weight of at least one aromatic amine-based antioxidant agent, 20% to 70% by weight of at least one hindered phenol-based antioxidant agent, 0% to 40% by weight of at least one phosphite-based antioxidant agent; and 20% to 40% by weight of at least one solvent having boiling point higher than 185° C. and freezing point lower than −10° C. under 101.325 KPa, the weight percentage of component a), b), c) or d) is based on the total weight of antioxidant composition, wherein the mixture of component a), b) and c) is liquid at 25° C. under 101.325 KPa. The weight percentage is based on the total weight of antioxidant composition. The present invention further provides an application of said liquid antioxidant composition in raw rubbers such as natural rubber and raw rubbers synthesized via solution polymerization.

A process is provided for making a silica masterbatch, that contains silica and solution-made rubber. The silica masterbatch has physical properties similar to those found in a comparable dry-mixed composition, but the silica masterbatch can be incorporated more easily and less expensively into tires and other rubber products than the dry-mixed composition. A process is also provided for making a masterbatch of silica, a solution-made rubber and an emulsion-made rubber.

Foamed thermoplastic vulcanizate compositions having minimal water absorption, and in particular having predominantly closed cell structure. The foam compositions exhibit desirable properties including, but not limited to, low density, tensile strength, ultimate elongation, and low modulus of elasticity. The foam may be used in one or more commercial products or articles, such as use in forming weather seals.

A cured elastomer comprising: an elastomer at 100 parts per hundred rubber (phr); and an expandable thermoplastic microsphere at about 0.1 to about 10 phr. Such a cured elastomer can be used, optionally with additives, in an air barrier article that is selected from the group consisting of a tire innerliner, a pneumatic tire, a tire curing bladder, an air sleeves, a diaphragm, and a hose. With microspheres the compounded cured elastomer shows a reduction in specific gravity and a reduction in permeability. Both of these properties are highly desirable in tire design and performance.

A laminate body of a rubber layer and a resin layer made of a resin, wherein the rubber layer includes a surface-treated superficial layer 4 directly united with the resin layer without any intervening adhesive layer.

The invention pertains to the use of porous, chemically interconnected, carbon-nanofibre-comprising carbon networks for reinforcing elastomers. It has been found that said carbon-nanofibre-comprising carbon networks can beneficially be used when added in an amount of 10-120 phr to an elastomer, in particular to styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The benefits include lower tan delta at 60° C. (rolling resistance), higher tan delta at 0° C. (wet grip), better abrasion resistance, higher flexibility and lower stiffness. The reinforced elastomers can be used in many areas of technology such as tyres, conveyor belts, hoses, etc.

A highly fire-resistant expanded polymeric material for thermal insulation, acoustic insulation and/or fire barrier contains rubber, expandable graphite, at least one alkaline earth metal component selected from alkaline earth metal carbonates, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, hydrates of either, and combinations thereof, and a component containing silica or a silicate. The expanded polymeric material is preferably manufactured by a process including decomposition of a chemical blowing agent.

A modified starch product includes a quantity of particles, each having a starch core with an intermediate polymer coating and an exterior coating of a nano-silica. A method for manufacturing a modified starch product including admixing to a silicate and water to form a nano-silica solution; admixing an original starch and a polymer to form particles with a starch core having an intermediate polymer layer; admixing the nano-silica solution and the starch particles having an intermediate polymer layer to form a suspension of the modified starch product; dewatering the suspension of the modified starch product; and drying the modified starch product to form the modified starch having particles including the starch core with the intermediate polymer coating and the exterior coating of a nano-silica. A rubber formulation includes a quantity of elastomer and a quantity of the modified starch. The particles are substantially evenly distributed throughout the elastomer.

Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from aged briquettes made from compressed plant matter (briquettes) of non-Hevea plants.