There is disclosed a modified conjugated diene polymer including a structural unit derived from a compound represented by formula (1), and a structural unit derived from a conjugated diene.

##STR00001##

When n is 0, at least two of R.sup.11, R.sup.12, R.sup.13, R.sup.16, R.sup.17 and R.sup.18 are substituted amino groups, and at least one is a hydroxy group or hydrocarbyloxy group.

The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a butadiene pathway. The invention additionally provides methods of using such organisms to produce butadiene.

Disclosed herein are highly active dilithio initiators prepared from high molecular weight dienes (C≧6) and methods for the preparation of such compounds. These dilithio initiators result in greater control over polymer microstructure and provide useful polymers and oligomers with low vinyl incorporation.

There is a process for high sulfur content copolymer preparation having the step of reacting sulfur in solid form with at least one crosslinker selected from organic compounds having at least a double or triple bond in the presence of at least one catalyst selected from dithiocarbamates, mercaptobenzothiazoles, xanthates, thiophosphates, at a temperature ranging from 110° C. to 180° C.

The high sulfur content copolymer, depending on the glass transition temperature, can be of elastomeric or thermoplastic type and can be advantageously used in different applications. In case of an elastomeric-type high sulfur content copolymer, the copolymer can be advantageously used in different applications such as, for example, thermal insulation, conveyor belts, transmission belts, flexible tubes, elastomeric tire compositions. In case of a thermoplastic-type high sulfur content copolymer, the copolymer can be advantageously used, as such or in a mixture with other (co)polymers (for example, styrene, divinylbenzene), in different applications such as, for example, packaging, electronics, household appliances, computer cases, CD cases, kitchen, laboratories, offices and medical items, in building and construction.

The present invention provides a process for producing a conjugated diene polymer, the process including a production step of producing a conjugated diene polymer solution containing a conjugated diene polymer and a solvent, and a devolatilization step of heating the conjugated diene polymer solution while conveying the conjugated diene polymer solution with an apparatus having rotary twin screws, thereby devolatilizing the solvent, in which a motor current value of the screw in the devolatilization step and a motor current value of the screw under no load satisfy a predetermined relational expression.

The invention discloses a block copolymer intrinsic stretchable electroluminescent elastomer and its preparation method and application. This type of elastomer is made from organic electroluminescent monomers, styrene and 1,3-butadiene through anionic polymerization. The innovation of the present invention is: for the first time, the organic electroluminescence unit is introduced into the elastomer by chemical crosslinking. On the basis of improving the intrinsic stretchability of the elastomer, at the same time, it has characteristics of excellent luminescence and high carrier mobility, novel structure and unique design strategy; meanwhile, it also solves the inherent non-stretchability problem of traditional organic optoelectronic materials and the problem that traditional elastomers do not have electroluminescent properties. This type of elastomer is used as a light-emitting layer material to prepare organic electroluminescent devices with high stability, high stretchability and high efficiency.

Described herein are systems and methods for delivering catalyst to a reaction vessel. The methods include the use of a positive displacement reciprocating piston system having a catalyst delivery housing that contains a piston system. The piston system includes a top section, a bottom section, and a catalyst holding space between the top and bottom section such that the piston system is movable between a first and a second position to inject catalyst from the catalyst holding space into the reaction vessel when the piston system is in the second position and fill the catalyst holding space with catalyst from a catalyst feed supply when the piston system is in the first position.

Described herein are systems and methods for delivering catalyst to a reaction vessel. The methods include the use of a positive displacement reciprocating piston system having a catalyst delivery housing that contains a piston system. The piston system includes a top section, a bottom section, and a catalyst holding space between the top and bottom section such that the piston system is movable between a first and a second position to inject catalyst from the catalyst holding space into the reaction vessel when the piston system is in the second position and fill the catalyst holding space with catalyst from a catalyst feed supply when the piston system is in the first position.

Methods are described for quantifying an amount of natural rubber in a plant from a sample of the plant by obtaining a NMR spectrum and analyzing the signal peaks for the natural rubber in the plant sample and a standard component tested in combination with the plant sample. The NMR testing is conducted on a liquid state sample of a solution containing dissolved plant sample and standard component. A pre-determined and known amount of standard component is present in the liquid state sample and provides a reference for calculating an estimated amount of natural rubber in the plant sample. The estimated amount of natural rubber in the sample can be used to quantify the amount of extractable rubber in the sampled plant.

Methods are described for quantifying an amount of natural rubber in a plant from a sample of the plant by obtaining a NMR spectrum and analyzing the signal peaks for the natural rubber in the plant sample and a standard component tested in combination with the plant sample. The NMR testing is conducted on a liquid state sample of a solution containing dissolved plant sample and standard component. A pre-determined and known amount of standard component is present in the liquid state sample and provides a reference for calculating an estimated amount of natural rubber in the plant sample. The estimated amount of natural rubber in the sample can be used to quantify the amount of extractable rubber in the sampled plant.