A star block copolymer and a thermoplastic elastomer including plurality of the star block copolymers and a method of making both is taught. The star block copolymers of the present invention include a core component having either a styrene oligomer or -methyl styrene oligomer, wherein arms emanate from the core component and the arms are poly(isobutylene-block-styrene) diblock copolymers.

A star block copolymer and a thermoplastic elastomer including plurality of the star block copolymers and a method of making both is taught. The star block copolymers of the present invention include a core component having either a styrene oligomer or -methyl styrene oligomer, wherein arms emanate from the core component and the arms are poly(isobutylene-block-styrene) diblock copolymers.

Polar silane linkers are provided that attach to resins to form silane-functionalized resins. The functionalized resins can be bound to hydroxyl groups on the surface of silica particles to improve the dispersibility of the silica particles in rubber mixtures. Further disclosed are synthetic routes to provide the silane-functionalized resins, as well as various uses and end products that benefit from the unexpected properties of the silane-functionalized resins. Silane-functionalized resins impart remarkable properties on various rubber compositions, such as tires, belts, hoses, brakes, and the like. Automobile tires incorporating the silane-functionalized resins are shown to possess excellent results in balancing the properties of rolling resistance, tire wear, and wet braking performance.

Polar silane linkers are provided that attach to resins to form silane-functionalized resins. The functionalized resins can be bound to hydroxyl groups on the surface of silica particles to improve the dispersibility of the silica particles in rubber mixtures. Further disclosed are synthetic routes to provide the silane-functionalized resins, as well as various uses and end products that benefit from the unexpected properties of the silane-functionalized resins. Silane-functionalized resins impart remarkable properties on various rubber compositions, such as tires, belts, hoses, brakes, and the like. Automobile tires incorporating the silane-functionalized resins are shown to possess excellent results in balancing the properties of rolling resistance, tire wear, and wet braking performance.

A star block copolymer and a thermoplastic elastomer including plurality of the star block copolymers and a method of making both is taught. The star block copolymers of the present invention include a core component having either a styrene oligomer or -methyl styrene oligomer, wherein arms emanate from the core component and the arms are poly(isobutylene-block-styrene) diblock copolymers.

A star block copolymer and a thermoplastic elastomer including plurality of the star block copolymers and a method of making both is taught. The star block copolymers of the present invention include a core component having either a styrene oligomer or -methyl styrene oligomer, wherein arms emanate from the core component and the arms are poly(isobutylene-block-styrene) diblock copolymers.

A star block copolymer and a thermoplastic elastomer including plurality of the star block copolymers and a method of making both is taught. The star block copolymers of the present invention include a core component having a styrene oligomer wherein arms emanate from the core component and the arms are poly(isobutylene-block-styrene) diblock copolymers.

A star block copolymer and a thermoplastic elastomer including plurality of the star block copolymers and a method of making both is taught. The star block copolymers of the present invention include a core component having a styrene oligomer wherein arms emanate from the core component and the arms are poly(isobutylene-block-styrene) diblock copolymers.

A star block copolymer and a thermoplastic elastomer including plurality of the star block copolymers and a method of making both is taught. The star block copolymers of the present invention include a core component having an -methylstyrene oligomer wherein arms emanate from the core component and the arms are poly(isobutylene-block-styrene) diblock copolymers.

A star block copolymer and a thermoplastic elastomer including plurality of the star block copolymers and a method of making both is taught. The star block copolymers of the present invention include a core component having an -methylstyrene oligomer wherein arms emanate from the core component and the arms are poly(isobutylene-block-styrene) diblock copolymers.