RUBBER WITH BACKBONE AND END-GROUP FUNCTIONALIZATION

Abstract

Novel functionalized rubbers having low hysteresis and good compatibility with fillers, such as carbon black and silica, have been synthesized. These functionalized rubbers, including functionalized polybutadiene rubber and functionalized styrene-butadiene rubber, can be beneficially used in making a wide variety of rubber products that have enhanced physical properties. These improved properties are realized because the functional groups therein improve compatibility with reinforcing fillers that are typically included in such rubber compounds. These functionalized rubbers are comprised of polymer chains of the structural formula:

##STR00001##

wherein Polydiene represents a polymer chain which is comprised of at least one diene monomer and wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be the same or different and represent alkyl groups containing form 1 to 8 carbon atoms. These rubbers can also be functionally terminated with a silicon containing terminator.

Claims

1. An end-group functionalized rubber which is the reaction product of (1) a living rubbery polymer; and (2) a polymerization terminator, wherein the polymerization terminator may be of formula I: ##STR00031## wherein X is selected from the group consisting of chlorine atoms, bromine atoms, and iodine atoms; wherein m is an integer from 0 to 2, and n is an integer from 1 to 3, with the proviso that n+m=3; wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently alkyl groups or aryl groups containing from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, or wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 are independently —SiR.sup.3 groups, wherein R.sup.3 is independently selected from alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkoxy groups, or disubstituted amino groups, or wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 taken together with a common nitrogen atom and optionally a sulfur or oxygen heteroatom form a five to eight membered ring; wherein R.sup.3 is hydrogen or an alkyl group, an aryl group, or R.sup.3 is —SiR.sup.4 group wherein R.sup.4 is independently selected from alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkoxy groups, or disubstituted amino groups containing from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, or R.sup.3 is selected from —R.sup.6 and —R.sup.7, where R.sup.6 is alkanediyl containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and R.sup.7 is selected from the following structures —S—Z, —N(R.sup.8)(R.sup.9), —O(Y), and Si(OR.sup.10).sub.3, wherein R.sup.8 and R are independently selected from alkyl groups and aryl groups containing from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, Y and Z are independently selected from the group consisting of methoxymethyl groups, tetrahydropyranyl groups, tetrahydrothiopyranyl groups, tetrahydrofuranyl groups, tert-butyl groups, allyl groups, 1-ethoxyethyl groups, benzyl groups, triphenylmethyl groups, triethylsilyl groups, triisopropylsilyl groups, trimethylsilyl groups, tert-butyl dimethyl silyl groups, tert-butyl diphenyl silyl groups, and isopropyldimethylsilyl groups, and wherein R.sup.10 is represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; or the polymerization terminator may of formula II: ##STR00032## where R.sup.4, R.sup.5 are independently selected from alkyl groups or aryl groups containing from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, or R.sup.4, R.sup.5 are independently —SiR.sup.3 groups, wherein R.sup.3 is independently selected from alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkoxy groups, or disubstituted amino groups; wherein X is selected from the group consisting of chlorine atoms, bromine atoms, and iodine atoms; wherein R.sup.3 is hydrogen or an alkyl group, an aryl group, or R.sup.3 is —SiR.sup.4 group wherein R.sup.4 is independently selected from alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkoxy groups, or disubstituted amino groups containing from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, or R.sub.3 is selected from —R.sup.6 and —R.sup.7, where R.sup.6 is alkanediyl containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and R.sub.7 is selected from the following structures —S—Z, —N(R.sup.8)(R.sup.9), —O(Y), and Si(OR.sup.10).sub.3, wherein R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 are independently selected from alkyl groups and aryl groups containing from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, Y and Z are independently selected from the group consisting of methoxymethyl groups, tetrahydropyranyl groups, tetrahydrothiopyranyl groups, tetrahydrofuranyl groups, tert-butyl groups, allyl groups, 1-ethoxyethyl groups, benzyl groups, triphenylmethyl groups, triethylsilyl groups, triisopropylsilyl groups, trimethylsilyl groups, tert-butyl dimethyl silyl groups, tert-butyl diphenyl silyl groups, and isopropyldimethylsilyl groups, and wherein R.sup.10 is represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; wherein k is an integer from 0 to 10; and wherein the living rubbery polymer is comprised of polymer chains having functional groups of the structure: ##STR00033## in the backbone thereof, and wherein R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 can be the same or different and represent alkyl groups containing form 1 to 8 carbon atoms.

2. The end-group functionalized rubber of claim 1 wherein the living rubbery polymer is derived from at least one diene monomer.

3. The functionalized rubber of claim 1, wherein the polymerization terminator is of the formula: ##STR00034## and wherein the living rubbery polymer is derived from at least one diene monomer selected from the group consisting of 1,3-butadiene and isoprene.

4. The functionalized rubber of claim 1, wherein the polymerization terminator is of the formula: ##STR00035## and wherein the living rubbery polymer is derived from at least one diene monomer selected from the group consisting of 1,3-butadiene and isoprene.

5. The functionalized rubber of claim 1, wherein the polymerization terminator is of the formula: ##STR00036## and wherein the living rubbery polymer is derived from at least one diene monomer selected from the group consisting of 1,3-butadiene and isoprene.

6. The functionalized rubber of claim 1, wherein the polymerization terminator is of the formula: ##STR00037## and wherein the living rubbery polymer is derived from at least one diene monomer selected from the group consisting of 1,3-butadiene and isoprene.

7. The functionalized rubber of claim 1, wherein the polymerization terminator is of the formula: ##STR00038## and wherein the living rubbery polymer is derived from at least one diene monomer selected from the group consisting of 1,3-butadiene and isoprene.

8. A functionalized rubber which is comprised of polymer chains of the structural formula: ##STR00039## wherein Polydiene represents a polymer chain which is comprised repeat units of at least one diene monomer and wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be the same or different and represent alkyl groups containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms or moieties of the formula: ##STR00040## wherein R.sup.3 represents alkyl groups containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms.

9. The functionalized rubber of claim 8 wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent alkyl groups containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

10. The functionalized rubber of claim 9 wherein the Polydiene chains are polybutadiene rubber chains or styrene-butadiene rubber chains.

11. The functionalized rubber of claim 8 wherein at least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represents moieties of the formula: ##STR00041## wherein R.sub.3 represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and.

12. The functionalized rubber of claim 10 wherein at least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

13. The functionalized rubber of claim 12 wherein the Polydiene chains are polybutadiene rubber chains or styrene-butadiene rubber chains.

14. The functionalized rubber of claim 8 wherein the functionalized rubber exhibits essentially no Mooney creep upon storage at ambient temperature after a period of 2 weeks.

15. A method of synthesizing a functionalized rubber which comprises the steps of (1) initiating the polymerization of a conjugated diene monomer in an inert organic liquid medium with a functionalized lithium initiator of the structural formula: ##STR00042## wherein n is an integer from 1 to 8, wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 can be the same or different and are selected from alkyl groups containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; (2) allowing the polymerization to continue in the inert organic liquid medium until a desired level on monomer conversion has been attained to produce a rubbery polymer having living polymer chains; (3) adding a polymerization terminator to the living polymer chains to produce the functionalized rubber which has polymer chains of the structural formula: ##STR00043## wherein Polydiene represents polymer chains which are comprised of at least one diene monomer and wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be the same or different and represent alkyl groups containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; (4) distributing throughout the inert organic liquid medium an acid and water under conditions of agitation; and (5) recovering the functionalized rubber from the inert liquid organic medium.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 represent alkyl groups containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein 0.1 phr to about 5 phr of the acid and from about 0.1 phr to about 5 phr of water is distributed throughout the liquid organic medium, and wherein the acid is a carboxylic acid of the formula: R—COOH, wherein R represents a hydrocarbyl radical containing from 15 to about 20 carbon atoms.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the functionalized lithium initiator is made by reacting an alkyl lithium compound with a bis-(dialkylamino)vinylalkylsilane, wherein the alkyl lithium compound and the bis-(dialkylamino)vinylalkylsilane are reacted in the presence of a polar modifier in an inert organic solvent.

19. The method as specified in claim 17 wherein the bis-(dialkylamino)vinylalkylsilane is bis-(dimethylamino)vinylmethylsilane, and wherein the alkyl lithium compound is n-butyl lithium.

20. A pneumatic tire which is comprised of a generally toroidal-shaped supporting carcass with an outer circumferential tread, two spaced beads, at least one ply extending from bead to bead, sidewalls extending radially from and connecting said tread to said beads, wherein said circumferential tread is adapted to be ground-contacting, and wherein the tread and/or the sidewalls of the tire are comprised of the functionalized rubber as specified in claim 8.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] A wide variety of functionalized rubbers can be made in accordance with this invention. These rubbers will normally be homopolymers or copolymers of conjugated diolefin monomers and can further contain vinyl aromatic monomers. The polymerizations used in synthesizing the functionalized rubbers of this invention are normally carried out as solution polymerizations in an inert organic medium utilizing a lithium catalyst. The vinyl content of the functionalized rubbery polymer made is controlled by the amount of modifier present during the polymerization.

[0046] The rubbery polymers synthesized using the modifiers of this invention can be made by the homopolymerization of a conjugated diolefin monomer or by the copolymerization of a conjugated diolefin monomer with a vinyl aromatic monomer. It is, of course, also possible to make rubbery polymers by polymerizing a mixture of conjugated diolefin monomers with one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, such as vinyl aromatic monomers. The conjugated diolefin monomers which can be utilized in the synthesis of rubbery polymers in accordance with this invention generally contain from 4 to 12 carbon atoms. Those containing from 4 to 8 carbon atoms are generally preferred for commercial purposes. For similar reasons, 1,3-butadiene and isoprene are the most commonly utilized conjugated diolefin monomers. Some additional conjugated diolefin monomers that can be utilized include 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, piperylene, 3-butyl-1,3-octadiene, 2-phenyl-1,3-butadiene, and the like, alone or in admixture.

[0047] Some representative examples of ethylenically unsaturated monomers that can potentially be copolymerized into rubbery polymers using the modifiers of this invention include alkyl acrylates, such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate and the like; vinylidene monomers having one or more terminal CH2=CH— groups; vinyl aromatics such as styrene, α-methylstyrene, bromostyrene, chlorostyrene, fluorostyrene and the like; α-olefins such as ethylene, propylene, 1-butene and the like; vinyl halides, such as vinylbromide, chloroethane (vinylchloride), vinylfluoride, vinyliodide, 1,2-dibromoethene, 1,1-dichloroethene (vinylidene chloride), 1,2-dichloroethene and the like; vinyl esters, such as vinyl acetate; μ, β-olefinically unsaturated nitriles, such as acrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile; μ, β-olefinically unsaturated amides, such as acrylamide, N-methyl acrylamide, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, methacrylamide and the like.

[0048] Rubbery polymers which are copolymers of one or more diene monomers with one or more other ethylenically unsaturated monomers will normally contain from about 50 weight percent to about 99 weight percent conjugated diolefin monomers and from about 1 weight percent to about 50 weight percent of the other ethylenically unsaturated monomers in addition to the conjugated diolefin monomers. For example, copolymers of conjugated diolefin monomers with vinylaromatic monomers, such as styrene-butadiene rubbers which contain from 50 to 95 weight percent conjugated diolefin monomers and from 5 to 50 weight percent vinylaromatic monomers, are useful in many applications.

[0049] Vinyl aromatic monomers are probably the most important group of ethylenically unsaturated monomers which are commonly incorporated into polydienes. Such vinyl aromatic monomers are, of course, selected so as to be copolymerizable with the conjugated diolefin monomers being utilized. Generally, any vinyl aromatic monomer which is known to polymerize with organolithium initiators can be used. Such vinyl aromatic monomers typically contain from 8 to 20 carbon atoms. Usually, the vinyl aromatic monomer will contain from 8 to 14 carbon atoms. The most widely used vinyl aromatic monomer is styrene. Some examples of vinyl aromatic monomers that can be utilized include styrene, 1-vinylnaphthalene, 2-vinylnaphthalene, α-methylstyrene, 4-phenylstyrene, 3-methylstyrene and the like.

[0050] Some representative examples of rubbery polymers which can be functionalized in accordance with this invention include polybutadiene, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), α-methylstyrene-butadiene rubber, α-methylstyrene-isoprene rubber, styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber (SIBR), styrene-isoprene rubber (SIR), isoprene-butadiene rubber (IBR), α-methylstyrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber and α-methylstyrene-styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber.

[0051] Functionalized high vinyl polybutadiene rubber and styrene-butadiene rubbers made in accordance with this invention typically contain from 0 to 40 weight percent styrene and from 60 weight percent to 100 weight percent 1,3-butadiene. The functionalized styrene-butadiene rubber of this invention will more typically contain from 15 to 40 weight percent bound styrene and from 60 to 85 weight percent bound 1,3-butadiene. For instance, the functionalized styrene-butadiene rubber of this invention can contain from 18 to 24 weight percent styrene and from 76 to 82 weight percent 1,3-butadiene or from 24 to 32 weight percent styrene and from 68 to 76 weight percent 1,3-butadiene or 32 to 40 weight percent styrene and from 60 to 68 weight percent 1,3-butadiene.

[0052] In solution polymerizations the inert organic medium which is utilized as the solvent will typically be a hydrocarbon which is liquid at ambient temperatures which can be one or more aromatic, paraffinic or cycloparaffinic compounds. These solvents will normally contain from 4 to 10 carbon atoms per molecule and will be liquids under the conditions of the polymerization. It is, of course, important for the solvent selected to be inert. The term “inert” as used herein means that the solvent does not interfere with functionalized initiator, the polymerization reaction, or react with the polymers made thereby. Some representative examples of suitable organic solvents include pentane, isooctane, cyclohexane, normal hexane, benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene and the like, alone or in admixture. Saturated aliphatic solvents, such as cyclohexane and normal hexane, are most preferred.

[0053] The functionalized lithium initiators which are used in synthesizing the functionalized rubbers of this invention are of the structural formula:

##STR00022##

wherein n is an integer from 1 to 8, wherein R groups can be the same or different and represents hydrogen atoms or alkyl groups containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 can be the same or different and are selected from alkyl groups containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms. It is normally preferred for n to represent an integer from 3 to 5 with it being most preferred for n to represent 4. It normally preferred for R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 to represent alkyl groups containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms with it being more preferred for R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 to represent alkyl groups containing from 1 or 2 carbon atoms (for R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 to be methyl or ethyl groups). For instance a highly preferred functionalized initiator is of the formula:

##STR00023##

[0054] These functional initiators are made by reacting an alkyl lithium compound with a bis-(dialkylamino)vinylalkylsilane in an inert organic solvent in the presence of a polar modifier, such as tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA). This reaction can be depicted as follows:

##STR00024##

wherein n is an integer from 1 to 8, wherein R groups can be the same or different and represents hydrogen atoms or alkyl groups containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 can be the same or different and are selected from alkyl groups containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms and wherein R.sup.4 is an alkyl group containing from 1 to 7 carbon atoms. In cases where normal-butyl lithium is reacted with bis-(dimethylamino)vinylmethylsilane in a hexane solvent in the presence of tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) this reaction can be depicted as follows:

##STR00025##

[0055] The organolithium compounds which are preferred for use in making the functionalized initiator can be represented by the formula: R—Li, wherein R represents a hydrocarbyl radical containing from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms. Generally, such monofunctional organolithium compounds will contain from 1 to about 7 carbon atoms and will be alkyl lithium compounds. Some representative examples of organolithium compounds which can be employed include methyllithium, ethyllithium, isopropyllithium, n-butyllithium, sec-butyllithium, n-octyllithium, tert-octyllithium, n-decyllithium, phenyllithium, 1-napthyllithium, 4-butylphenyllithium, p-tolyllithium, 1-naphthyllithium, 4-butylphenyllithium, p-tolyllithium, 4-phenylbutyllithium, cyclohexyllithium, 4-butylcyclohexyllithium, and 4-cyclohexylbutyllithium. Organo monolithium compounds, such as alkyllithium compounds and aryllithium compounds, are usually employed. Some representative examples of preferred organo monolithium compounds that can be utilized include ethylaluminum, isopropylaluminum, n-butyllithium, secondary-butyllithium, normal-hexyllithium, tertiary-octyllithium, phenyllithium, 2-napthyllithium, 4-butylphenyllithium, 4-phenylbutyllithium, cyclohexyllithium, and the like. Normal-butyllithium and secondary-butyllithium are highly preferred lithium initiators.

[0056] In making the functionalized initiator a stoichiometric ratio of the lithium compound to the bis-(dialkylamino)vinylalkylsilane will typically be used. For instance, the molar ratio of mono-lithium compounds to bis-(dialkylamino)vinylalkylsilane will typically be within the range of 0.5:1 to 1.2:1 with molar ratios which are within the range of 0.9:1 to 1.1:1 being preferred.

[0057] As previously noted, the lithium compound is reacted with the bis-(dialkylamino)vinylalkylsilane in the presence of a polar modifier to make the functionalized initiator. The polar modifier used is typically selected from ethers and tertiary amines which act as Lewis bases. Some representative examples of polar modifiers that can be utilized include diethyl ether, di-n-propyl ether, diisopropyl ether, di-n-butyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether, trimethylamine, triethylamine, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA), N-methyl morpholine, N-ethyl morpholine, N-phenyl morpholine, 1,2,3-trimethoxybenzene, 1,2,3-triethoxybenzene, 1,2,3-tributoxybenzene, 1,2,3-trihexoxybenzene, 4,5,6-trimethyl-1,2,3-trimethoxybenzene, 4,5,6-tri-n-pentyl-1,2,3-triethoxybenzene, 5-methyl-1,2,3-trimethoxybenzene, 5-propyl-1,2,3-trimethoxybenzene, 1,2,4-trimethoxybenzene, 1,2,4-triethoxybenzene, 1,2,4-tributoxybenzene, 1,2,4-tripentoxybenzene, 3,5,6-trimethyl-1,2,4-trimethoxybenzene, 5-propyl-1,2,4-trimethoxybenzene, and 3,5-dimethyl-1,2,4-trimethoxybenzene.

[0058] The amount of functionalized lithium initiator utilized in synthesizing the functionalized rubber will vary from one functionalized lithium initiator to another and with the molecular weight that is desired for the functionalized rubber being synthesized. As a general rule, as in all anionic polymerizations, the molecular weight (Mooney viscosity) of the polymer produced is inversely proportional to the amount of catalyst utilized. In any case, from about 0.01 phm (parts per hundred parts by weight of monomer) to 1 phm of the functionalized lithium catalyst will typically be employed. In most cases, from 0.01 phm to 0.1 phm of the functionalized lithium catalyst will be employed with it being preferred to utilize 0.025 phm to 0.07 phm of the functionalized lithium initiator.

[0059] Normally, the polymerization medium will be charged with from about 5 weight percent to about 35 weight percent of monomer(s), based upon the total weight of the polymerization medium (including the organic solvent and monomers). In most cases, it will be preferred for the polymerization medium to contain from about 10 weight percent to about 30 weight percent monomer. It is typically more preferred for the polymerization medium to contain from about 20 weight percent to about 25 weight percent monomer.

[0060] The microstructure of the rubbery polymer being synthesized is somewhat dependent upon the polymerization temperature. In any case, the polymerization temperature will normally be within the range of about 5° C. to about 100° C. The polymerization temperature will preferably be within the range of about 40° C. to about 90° C. for practical reasons and to attain the desired polymer microstructure. Polymerization temperatures within the range of about 60° C. to about 90° C. are generally most preferred.

[0061] To increase the level of vinyl content the polymerization is normally carried out in the presence of at least one polar modifier. The types of polar modifiers previously described for use in making the functionalized lithium initiator can be used for this purpose. In fact, the polymerization can be carried out with the same polar modifier as was employed in making the functionalized lithium initiator, such as TMEDA. Ethers and tertiary amines which act as Lewis bases as well 1,2,3-trialkoxybenzenes and 1,2,4-trialkoxybenzenes as are representative examples of polar modifiers that can be utilized in the polymerization for the purpose of increasing the vinyl content of the rubbery polymer being synthesized. Dipiperidinoethane, dipyrrolidinoethane, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA), diethylene glycol, dimethyl ether, and tetrahydrofuran are representative of highly preferred modifiers.

[0062] U.S. Pat. No. 4,022,959 describes the use of ethers and tertiary amines as polar modifiers in greater detail. The utilization of 1,2,3-trialkoxybenzenes and 1,2,4-trialkoxybenzenes as modifiers is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,986. The teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,022,959 and 4,696,986 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose of describing polar modifiers and the way that they can be used in modifying the polymerization of rubbery polymers.

[0063] In any case, the microstructure of the repeat units which are derived from conjugated diolefin monomers is a function of the polymerization temperature and the amount of polar modifier present. For example, it is known that higher polymerization temperatures result in lower vinyl contents (lower levels of 1,2-microstructure). Accordingly, the polymerization temperature, quantity of modifier, and specific modifier selected will be determined with the ultimate desired microstructure of the functionalized rubber being synthesized being kept in mind.

[0064] It has been found that a combination of a metal salt of a cyclic alcohol and a polar modifier act synergistically to increase the vinyl content of rubbery polymer synthesized in their presence. The utilization of this synergistic modifier system can also be employed advantageously in the synthesis of a wide variety of functionalized rubbery polymers, such as functionalized high vinyl polybutadiene rubber, functionalized styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), functionalized styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber (SIBR), and functionalized isoprene-butadiene rubber.

[0065] The metal salt of the cyclic alcohol will typically be a Group Ia metal salt. Lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium salts are representative examples of such salts with lithium, sodium, and potassium salts being preferred. Sodium salts are typically the most preferred. The cyclic alcohol can be mono-cyclic, bi-cyclic or tri-cyclic and can be aliphatic or aromatic. They can be substituted with 1 to 5 hydrocarbon moieties and can also optionally contain hetero-atoms. For instance, the metal salt of the cyclic alcohol can be a metal salt of a di-alkylated cyclohexanol, such as 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol or 2-t-butyl-5-methylcyclohexanol. These salts are preferred because they are soluble in hexanes as well as most other common organic solvents. Metal salts of disubstituted cyclohexanol are highly preferred because they are soluble in for this reason and because they provide similar modification efficiencies to sodium t-amylate. Sodium mentholate is a highly preferred metal salt of a cyclic alcohol that can be employed in the practice of this invention. Metal salts of thymol can also be utilized. The metal salt of the cyclic alcohol can be prepared by reacting the cyclic alcohol directly with the metal or another metal source, such as sodium hydride, in an aliphatic or aromatic solvent.

[0066] The molar ratio of the metal salt of the cyclic alcohol to the polar modifier will normally be within the range of about 0.1:1 to about 10:1 and the molar ratio of the metal salt of the cyclic alcohol to the lithium initiator will normally be within the range of about 0.01:1 to about 20:1. It is generally preferred for the molar ratio of the metal salt of the cyclic alcohol to the polar modifier to be within the range of about 0.2:1 to about 5:1 and for the molar ratio of the metal salt of the cyclic alcohol to the lithium initiator to be within the range of about 0.05:1 to about 10:1. It is generally more preferred for the molar ratio of the metal salt of the cyclic alcohol to the polar modifier to be within the range of about 0.5:1 to about 1:1 and for the molar ratio of the metal salt of the cyclic alcohol to the lithium initiator to be within the range of about 0.2:1 to about 3:1.

[0067] The polymerization is allowed to continue until essentially all of the monomer has been exhausted. In other words, the polymerization is allowed to run to completion. Since a lithium catalyst is employed to polymerize the monomer, a living polymer is produced. The living polymer synthesized will typically have a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 25,000 to about 700,000. The rubber synthesized will more typically have a number average molecular weight which is within the range of about 150,000 to about 400,000.

[0068] After the desired level of monomer conversion has been attained, a functionalized terminator is added to the polymerization medium (the inert organic liquid medium in which the polymerization is conducted). Some representative examples of functional terminators that can be used include compounds of the following structural formulas:

##STR00026##

[0069] The reaction with the functional terminator causes the functional groups in the polymer to react forming functionalization in the backbone of the living rubbery polymer. Such functionalized living polymers are of the formula:

##STR00027##

wherein Polydiene and Polydiene represents polymer chains which are comprised of at least one diene monomer and wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be the same or different and represent alkyl groups containing form 1 to 8 carbon atoms.

[0070] Any remaining living chain ends in the rubbery polymer can then optionally be coupled with a suitable coupling agent, such as a tin halide or a silicon halide. Typically tin tetrahalide or a silicon tetrahalide, such a tin tetrachloride, tin tetrabromide, silicon tetrachloride, or silicon tetrabromide, is preferred for use as the coupling agent. In another embodiment of this invention the living rubbery polymer is coupled before the functionalized terminator is added. However, in this scenario it is important to limit the level of coupling agent employed to an amount which is insufficient to couple with all of the living chain ends of the rubbery polymer (less than a stoichiometric level of the coupling agent is added). This is, of course, because it is critical for living chain ends to be available to react with the functionalized terminator which will be added in a subsequent step.

[0071] After the rubbery polymer has been treated with the functionalized terminator and has optionally been coupled any remaining living chain ends are killed. A wide variety of organic and inorganic acids can be used for this purpose. For instance, inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid can be used. However, it is typically preferred to utilize an organic acid, such as a carboxylic acid, for this purpose. The carboxylic acids that can be used are typically of the structural formula: R—COOH, wherein R represents a hydrocarbyl moiety containing from 1 to about 30 carbon atoms, such as acetic acid or stearic acid. It is normally preferred for such carboxylic acids to contain from about 10 to about 25 carbon atoms, and more preferably from about 15 to 20 carbon atoms. Stearic acid is highly preferred.

[0072] The acid and the water can be added to the polymerization medium separately or as a mixed stream. It is typically preferred to add the water and the acid separately since the acid may not be water soluble. In any case, this addition will be done under conditions of agitation to mix the acid and the water throughout the polymerization medium. Normally from about 0.1 phr to about 5 phr of the acid and from about 0.1 phr to about 5 phr of water will be added. More typically, from about 0.5 phr to about 2 phr of the acid and from about 0.5 phr to about 2 phr of water will be added. Normally from about 0.1 phr to about 5 phr of the acid and from about 0.1 phr to about 5 phr of water will be added. More typically, from about 0.8 phr to about 1.2 phr of the acid and from about 0.8 phr to about 1.2 phr of water will be added.

[0073] The acid/water treatment has been unexpectedly found to result in the polymer being stable upon subsequent storage for a period of at least 2 weeks. More specifically, the rubbery polymer exhibits little or no Mooney creep after storage for 2 weeks. This is, of course, highly desirable in commercial scale production.

[0074] The rubbery polymer is then recovered from the organic solvent. The polybutadiene rubber can be recovered from the organic solvent and residue by any means, such as decantation, filtration, certification, and the like. It is often desirable to precipitate the rubbery polymer from the organic solvent by the addition of lower alcohols containing from about 1 to about 4 carbon atoms to the polymer solution. Suitable lower alcohols for precipitation of the rubbery polymer from the polymer cement include methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, normal-propyl alcohol and t-butyl alcohol. The utilization of lower alcohols to precipitate the rubber from the polymer cement also “kills” the living polymer by inactivating lithium end groups. In any case, after the rubbery polymer is recovered from the solution, steam stripping is typically employed to reduce the level of volatile organic compounds in the polymer. It should be noted that steam stripping also kills any remaining living chain ends. The inert solvent and residual monomer can then be recycled for subsequent polymerization.

[0075] The functionalized rubber can then be finished and recovered from the polymerization medium using conventional techniques. In any case, it produces a functionalized rubber which is comprised of polymer chains of the structural formula:

##STR00028##

wherein Polydiene represents a polymer chain which is comprised of at least one diene monomer and wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be the same or different and represent alkyl groups containing form 1 to 8 carbon atoms.

[0076] The functionalized polydiene rubbers of this invention can be compounded utilizing conventional ingredients and standard techniques. For instance, the functionalized polydiene rubber will typically be mixed with carbon black and/or silica, sulfur, fillers, accelerators, oils, waxes, scorch inhibiting agents, and processing aids. In most cases, the functionalized polydiene rubber will be compounded with sulfur and/or a sulfur containing compound, at least one filler, at least one accelerator, at least one antidegradant, at least one processing oil, zinc oxide, optionally a tackifier resin, optionally a reinforcing resin, optionally one or more fatty acids, optionally a peptizer and optionally one or more scorch inhibiting agents. Such blends will normally contain from about 0.5 to 5 phr (parts per hundred parts of rubber by weight) of sulfur and/or a sulfur containing compound with 1 phr to 2.5 phr being preferred. It may be desirable to utilize insoluble sulfur in cases where bloom is a problem.

[0077] Normally from 10 phr to 150 phr of at least one filler will be utilized with 30 phr to 80 phr being preferred. In most cases at least some carbon black will be utilized as the filler. The filler can, of course, be comprised totally of carbon black. Silica can be included in the filler to improve tear resistance and heat buildup. Clays and/or talc can be included in the filler to reduce cost. The productive rubber compounds will also normally include from 0.1 phr to 2.5 phr of at least one accelerator with 0.2 phr to 1.5 phr being preferred. Antidegradants, such as antioxidants and antiozonants, will generally be included in the rubber compound in amounts ranging from 0.25 phr to 10 phr with amounts in the range of 1 phr to 5 phr being preferred. Processing oils will generally be included in the blend in amounts ranging from 2 phr to 100 phr with amounts ranging from 5 phr to 50 phr being preferred. The compounded functionalized polydiene rubbers of this invention will also normally contain from 0.5 phr to 10 phr of zinc oxide with 1 phr to 5 phr being preferred. These blends can optionally contain from 0 phr to 10 phr of tackifier resins, 0 phr to 10 phr of reinforcing resins, 1 phr to 10 phr of fatty acids, 0 phr to 2.5 phr of peptizers, and 0 phr to 1 phr of scorch inhibiting agents.

[0078] An extending oil can also optionally be added to the cement of the rubbery polymer. Such extending oils will typically be added at a level which is within the range of 0 phr to 50 phr. In the case of oil extended rubbers the oil will more typically be added in an amount which is within the range of 10 phr to 45 phr, and will most typically be added at a level which is within the range of 20 phr to 35 phr.

[0079] To fully realize the total advantages of the functionalized polydiene rubbers of this invention, silica will normally be included in the tread rubber formulation. Various commercially available silicas may be considered for use in the practice of this invention. Some representative examples of silica that can be used in the practice of this invention includes, but is not limited to, silicas commercially available from PPG Industries under the Hi-Sil trademark, such as Hi-Sil® 210 and Hi-Sil® 243, silicas available from Rhone-Poulenc, with, for example, designations of Z1165MP and Z165GR and silicas available from Degussa AG with, for example, designations VN2, VN3, and BV9000GR. Zeopol® 8745 silica from J. M. Huber Corporation, reportedly having an average total of about 13 hydroxyl groups per square nanometer of silica surface area and a ratio of geminal hydroxyl groups to said average total of about 0.23/1; a CTAB value of about 145 m.sup.2/g and a BET value of about 185 m.sup.2/g can also be used in the practice of this invention. Zeopol® 8715 silica from J. M Huber Corporation reportedly characterized by having an average total of about 18 hydroxyl groups per square nanometer surface of said silica and a ratio of geminal hydroxyl groups to said average total of about 0.27/1, a CTAB value of about 94 m.sup.2/g and a BET value of about 163 m.sup.2/g is another example of a silica that can be used in the practice of this invention.

[0080] The commonly employed siliceous pigments used in rubber compounding applications can be used as the silica. For instance, the silica can include pyrogenic and precipitated siliceous pigments (silica), although precipitate silicas are preferred. The siliceous pigments preferably employed in this invention are precipitated silicas such as, for example, those obtained by the acidification of a soluble silicate, e.g., sodium silicate. Such silicas might be characterized, for example, by having a BET surface area, as measured using nitrogen gas, preferably in the range of about 40 to about 600, and more usually in a range of about 50 to about 300 square meters per gram. The BET method of measuring surface area is described in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Volume 60, page 304 (1930).

[0081] The silica may also be typically characterized by having a dibutylphthalate (DBP) absorption value in a range of about 100 to about 400, and more usually about 150 to about 300. The silica might be expected to have an average ultimate particle size, for example, in the range of 0.01 to 0.05 micron as determined by the electron microscope, although the silica particles may be even smaller, or possibly larger, in size.

[0082] Various commercially available silicas may be considered for use in this invention such as, only for example herein, and without limitation, silicas commercially available from PPG Industries under the Hi-Sil trademark with designations 210, 243, etc; silicas available from Rhone-Poulenc, with, for example, designations of Z1165MP and Z165GR and silicas available from Degussa AG with, for example, designations VN2 and VN3.

[0083] The processing of the functionalized polydiene rubber is normally conducted in the presence of a sulfur containing organosilicon compound to realize maximum benefits. Examples of suitable sulfur containing organosilicon compounds are of the formula:

Z-Alk-S.sub.n-Alk-Z

in which Z is selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00029##

where R.sup.1 is an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, cyclohexyl or phenyl; wherein R.sup.2 is alkoxy of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or cycloalkoxy of 5 to 8 carbon atoms; and wherein Alk is a divalent hydrocarbon of 1 to 18 carbon atoms and n is an integer of 2 to 8.

[0084] Specific examples of sulfur containing organosilicon compounds which may be used in accordance with the present invention include: 3,3′-bis(trimethoxysilylpropyl) disulfide, 3,3′-bis(triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide, 3,3′-bis(triethoxysilylpropyl) octasulfide, 3,3′-bis(trimethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide, 2,2′-bis(triethoxysilylethyl) tetrasulfide, 3,3′-bis(trimethoxysilylpropyl) trisulfide, 3,3′-bis(triethoxysilylpropyl) trisulfide, 3,3′-bis(tributoxysilylpropyl) disulfide, 3,3′-bis(trimethoxysilylpropyl) hexasulfide, 3,3′-bis(trimethoxysilylpropyl) octasulfide, 3,3′-bis(trioctoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide, 3,3′-bis(trihexoxysilylpropyl) disulfide, 3,3′-bis(tri-2″-ethylhexoxysilylpropyl) trisulfide, 3,3′-bis(triisooctoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide, 3,3′-bis(tri-t-butoxysilylpropyl) disulfide, 2,2′-bis(methoxy diethoxy silyl ethyl) tetrasulfide, 2,2′-bis(tripropoxysilylethyl) pentasulfide, 3,3′-bis(tricyclonexoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide, 3,3′-bis(tricyclopentoxysilylpropyl) trisulfide, 2,2′-bis(tri-2″-methylcyclohexoxysilylethyl) tetrasulfide, bis(trimethoxysilylmethyl) tetrasulfide, 3-methoxy ethoxy propoxysilyl 3′-diethoxybutoxy-silylpropyltetrasulfide, 2,2′-bis(dimethyl methoxysilylethyl) disulfide, 2,2′-bis(dimethyl sec.butoxysilylethyl) trisulfide, 3,3′-bis(methyl butylethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide, 3,3′-bis(di t-butylmethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide, 2,2′-bis(phenyl methyl methoxysilylethyl) trisulfide, 3,3′-bis(diphenyl isopropoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide, 3,3′-bis(diphenyl cyclohexoxysilylpropyl) disulfide, 3,3′-bis(dimethyl ethylmercaptosilylpropyl) tetrasulfide, 2,2′-bis (methyl dimethoxysilylethyl) trisulfide, 2,2′-bis(methyl ethoxypropoxysilylethyl) tetrasulfide, 3,3′-bis(diethyl methoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide, 3,3′-bis(ethyl di-sec. butoxysilylpropyl) disulfide, 3,3′-bis(propyl diethoxysilylpropyl) disulfide, 3,3′-bis(butyl dimethoxysilylpropyl) trisulfide, 3,3′-bis(phenyl dimethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide, 3-phenyl ethoxybutoxysilyl 3′-trimethoxysilylpropyl tetrasulfide, 4,4′-bis(trimethoxysilylbutyl) tetrasulfide, 6,6′-bis(triethoxysilylhexyl) tetrasulfide, 12,12′-bis(triisopropoxysilyl dodecyl) disulfide, 18,18′-bis(trimethoxysilyloctadecyl) tetrasulfide, 18,18′-bis(tripropoxysilyloctadecenyl) tetrasulfide, 4,4′-bis(trimethoxysilyl-buten-2-yl) tetrasulfide, 4,4′-bis(trimethoxysilylcyclohexylene) tetrasulfide, 5,5′-bis(dimethoxymethylsilylpentyl) trisulfide, 3,3′-bis(trimethoxysilyl-2-methylpropyl) tetrasulfide, 3,3′-bis(dimethoxyphenylsilyl-2-methylpropyl) disulfide.

[0085] The preferred sulfur containing organosilicon compounds are the 3,3′-bis(trimethoxy or triethoxy silylpropyl) sulfides. The most preferred compound is 3,3′-bis(triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide. Therefore as to formula I, preferably Z is

##STR00030##

where R.sup.2 is an alkoxy of 2 to 4 carbon atoms, with 2 carbon atoms being particularly preferred; Alk is a divalent hydrocarbon of 2 to 4 carbon atoms with 3 carbon atoms being particularly preferred; and n is an integer of from 3 to 5 with 4 being particularly preferred.

[0086] The amount of the sulfur containing organosilicon compound in a rubber composition will vary depending on the level of silica that is used. Generally speaking, the amount of the compound of formula I will range from about 0.01 to about 1.0 parts by weight per part by weight of the silica. Preferably, the amount will range from about 0.02 to about 0.4 parts by weight per part by weight of the silica. More preferably the amount of the compound of formula I will range from about 0.05 to about 0.25 parts by weight per part by weight of the silica.

[0087] In addition to the sulfur containing organosilicon, the rubber composition should contain a sufficient amount of silica, and carbon black, if used, to contribute a reasonably high modulus and high resistance to tear. The silica filler may be added in amounts ranging from about 10 phr to about 250 phr. Preferably, the silica is present in an amount ranging from about 15 phr to about 80 phr. If carbon black is also present, the amount of carbon black, if used, may vary. Generally speaking, the amount of carbon black will vary from about 5 phr to about 80 phr. Preferably, the amount of carbon black will range from about 10 phr to about 40 phr. It is to be appreciated that the silica coupler may be used in conjunction with a carbon black, namely pre-mixed with a carbon black prior to addition to the rubber composition, and such carbon black is to be included in the aforesaid amount of carbon black for the rubber composition formulation. In any case, the total quantity of silica and carbon black will be at least about 30 phr. The combined weight of the silica and carbon black, as hereinbefore referenced, may be as low as about 30 phr, but is preferably from about 45 to about 130 phr.

[0088] Rubber formulations made in accordance with this invention which includes silica and an organosilicon compound will typically be mixed utilizing a thermomechanical mixing technique. The mixing of the tire tread rubber formulation can be accomplished by methods known to those having skill in the rubber mixing art. For example, the ingredients are typically mixed in at least two stages, namely at least one non-productive stage followed by a productive mix stage. The final curatives including sulfur vulcanizing agents are typically mixed in the final stage which is conventionally called the “productive” mix stage in which the mixing typically occurs at a temperature, or ultimate temperature, lower than the mix temperature(s) than the preceding non-productive mix stage(s). The rubber, silica and sulfur containing organosilicon, and carbon black if used, are mixed in one or more non-productive mix stages. The terms “non-productive” and “productive” mix stages are well known to those having skill in the rubber mixing art. The sulfur vulcanizable rubber composition containing the sulfur containing organosilicon compound, vulcanizable rubber and generally at least part of the silica should be subjected to a thermomechanical mixing step. The thermomechanical mixing step generally comprises a mechanical working in a mixer or extruder for a period of time suitable in order to produce a rubber temperature which is within the range of 140° C. to 190° C. The appropriate duration of the thermomechanical working varies as a function of the operating conditions and the volume and nature of the components. For example, the thermomechanical working may be for a duration of time which is within the range of about 2 minutes to about 20 minutes. It will normally be preferred for the rubber to reach a temperature which is within the range of about 145° C. to about 180° C. and to be maintained at said temperature for a period of time which is within the range of about 4 minutes to about 12 minutes. It will normally be more preferred for the rubber to reach a temperature which is within the range of about 155° C. to about 170° C. and to be maintained at said temperature for a period of time which is within the range of about 5 minutes to about 10 minutes. By utilizing the functionalized rubbers of this invention in tire tread compounds, traction characteristics can be improved without compromising tread wear or rolling resistance.

[0089] This invention is illustrated by the following examples that are merely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the invention or the manner in which it can be practiced. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, parts and percentages are given by weight.

Example 1

[0090] In this example, synthesis of bis(dimethylamino)chloromethylsilane is illustrated. In a 100 mL Schlenk flask, 35 ml (0.3 mol) of trichloromethylsilane were diluted with THF, followed by the addition of 4.0 eq dimethylamine (600 ml, 2M solution in THF) in a bath which was maintained at OC. The reaction was stirred for 4 hours, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The concentrated product solution was distilled to give 34 g of bis(dimethylamino)methylchlorosilane as a colorless liquid, boiling point: 72-74° C., 80 Torr. H NMR structures matches known material.

Example 2

[0091] In this example, termination of a polymerization reaction with a terminator of the invention is illustrated. In the procedure used 60 grams of a 15 weight percent solution of 1,3-butadiene in hexane was charged into a 4 oz bottle followed by 41 μl 2,2-di-tetrahydrofuryl propane (DTP, 1 eq) and 95 μl of 2.5 M n-BuLi/hexanes solution. The mixture was tumbled in a 65° C. water bath for 30 min, and then 0.24 mmol (1.1 eq to Li) of the aminochlorosilane prepared in Example 1 was added with additional reaction at 65° C. for another 35 minutes. An analogous control polymerization was done with trietthoxymethyl silane (TEMS) in place of the aminochlorosilane. The resulted polymer was quenched with 0.1 ml degassed methanol and sampled for characterization.

[0092] Coupling weight percentage and Mn was measured by GPC, the functionalization percentage of reacted chain end was measured by proton NMR, with the results attained being provided in Table 1.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Single Chain Terminator Base Mn Coupling.sup.1 Functionalization.sup.2 Example 1.sup.3 48.9k 12.6 wt. % 96.3 wt. % TEMS.sup.4 35.3k 34.9 wt. % 81.3 wt. % .sup.1Example 1 terminator: 86.6% base chain, 12.6% coupled, 0.8%; TEMS: 63.2% base, 34.9% coupled, 1.9% trimer. .sup.2Example 1 terminator: 96.3% functionalized, 3.2% unfunctioonalized; TEMS: 81.3% functionalized, 16.8% unfunctionalized. .sup.3bis(dimethylamino)chloromethylsilane of Example 1. .sup.4triethoxymethyl silane (TEMS)

[0093] As seen in Table 1, the percentage of functionalized single polymer chains significantly improves with the inventive terminator as compared to the traditional alkoxysilane type terminating agent TEMS. Moreover, molecular weight control is improved with less coupling than traditional terminating agent.

[0094] While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the subject invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the subject invention.