Provided is a method for preparing a modified filler. The method includes in sequence providing an acidified aqueous slurry of an untreated inorganic filler which has not been previously dried; an emulsifier material; and a hydrophobating agent having the following structural formula (I):
R.sub.a.sup.−M-X.sub.(4−a)  (I)
wherein: R is C.sub.6 to C.sub.22 alkyl, M is silicon, titanium or zirconium, X is OR′ or halogen, R′ is C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, and a is 1;
washing and/or filtering the acidified aqueous slurry to obtain a modified filler; and, optionally, drying the modified filler. Polymeric compositions and articles also are provided.

A porous filler for reducing the gas permeability of an elastomer composition, a process for producing the elastomer composition comprising the porous filler, and the elastomer composition itself. The porous filler is selected from surface-reacted calcium carbonate, precipitated hydromagnesite and mixtures thereof. The addition of the porous filler to the elastomer composition allows for reducing the gas permeability of the elastomer composition while retaining or improving the mechanical properties of the elastomer composition.

A porous filler for reducing the gas permeability of an elastomer composition, a process for producing the elastomer composition comprising the porous filler, and the elastomer composition itself. The porous filler is selected from surface-reacted calcium carbonate, precipitated hydromagnesite and mixtures thereof. The addition of the porous filler to the elastomer composition allows for reducing the gas permeability of the elastomer composition while retaining or improving the mechanical properties of the elastomer composition.

A display unit that includes an image display part and a light-transmitting protective part arranged on the image display part. A cured resin layer is arranged between the display part and the protective part. The cured resin layer can have a transmittance of 90% or higher in the visible range and a storage modulus at 25° C. of 1×10.sup.7 Pa or less. The cured resin layer can be formed from a resin composition that has a cure shrinkage of 5% or less.

A display unit that includes an image display part and a light-transmitting protective part arranged on the image display part. A cured resin layer is arranged between the display part and the protective part. The cured resin layer can have a transmittance of 90% or higher in the visible range and a storage modulus at 25° C. of 1×10.sup.7 Pa or less. The cured resin layer can be formed from a resin composition that has a cure shrinkage of 5% or less.

A rubber composition that includes a rubber component, an inorganic fiber material, and a coupling agent. The inorganic fiber material is one or more inorganic fiber materials selected from the group consisting of a magnesium sulfate fiber, a calcium silicate fiber, a potassium titanate fiber, an aluminum borate fiber, and a glass fiber.

A rubber composition that includes a rubber component, an inorganic fiber material, and a coupling agent. The inorganic fiber material is one or more inorganic fiber materials selected from the group consisting of a magnesium sulfate fiber, a calcium silicate fiber, a potassium titanate fiber, an aluminum borate fiber, and a glass fiber.

A rubber composition that includes a rubber component, an inorganic fiber material, and a coupling agent. The inorganic fiber material is one or more inorganic fiber materials selected from the group consisting of a magnesium sulfate fiber, a calcium silicate fiber, a potassium titanate fiber, an aluminum borate fiber, and a glass fiber.

The dynamic fatigue and hysteresis performances of fiber reinforced rubber compounds are compared using different plasticizers. Fiber reinforced rubber compounds including a non-linear functionalized fatty acid ester, preferably a trimellitate, and more preferably Tris (2-Ethylhexyl) Trimellitate (TOTM) are shown to demonstrate greatly improved dynamic fatigue and hysteretic performance as compared to reference fiber reinforced rubber compounds including conventional reference plasticizers such as Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP).

The dynamic fatigue and hysteresis performances of fiber reinforced rubber compounds are compared using different plasticizers. Fiber reinforced rubber compounds including a non-linear functionalized fatty acid ester, preferably a trimellitate, and more preferably Tris (2-Ethylhexyl) Trimellitate (TOTM) are shown to demonstrate greatly improved dynamic fatigue and hysteretic performance as compared to reference fiber reinforced rubber compounds including conventional reference plasticizers such as Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP).