Tackifier for Elastomer Compounds

Abstract

A low molar mass polymeric hydrocarbon tackifier having a number average molar mass Mn of from 200 to 1,500 g/mol provides increased green tack stability over an extended period of time in rubber compounds.

Claims

1-11. (canceled)

12. A polymeric tackifier having a number average molar mass (M.sub.n) of from 200 to 1,500 g/mol comprising a phenol compound, a linker group L and end group E, said low molar mass polymer tackifier having the structure as presented in formula 1 below: ##STR00018## wherein the linker group L has the meaning of ##STR00019## each end group E has the meaning of H or is a group of formula 2 with only one bond to a phenol compound in formula 1 or has the meaning of ##STR00020## and wherein R.sup.1 is H, C.sub.1-15 alkyl, or C.sub.1-15 oxyalkyl, R.sup.2 and R.sup.4 are independently from each other H or C.sub.1-5 alkyl, R.sup.3 is H, OH, NO.sub.2, halogen, C.sub.1-5 alkyl or C.sub.1-5 oxyalkyl, R.sup.15 and R.sup.17 are independently from each other H or C.sub.1-5 alkyl, preferably —CH.sub.3, m is an integer from 1 to 7 and n is an integer of from 2 to 21.

13. The polymeric tackifier of claim 12, wherein said polymeric tackifier comprises 50 wt. % to 70 wt. % phenol compound, 20 wt. % to 50 wt. % of the linker group L, in particular of difunctional monomers selected from a divinylbenzene compound, and 5 wt. % to 40 wt. %, more particularly 10 wt. % to 40 wt. %, of the end group E, in particular of a monofunctional monomer having only one bond to a phenol compound in the polymeric tackifier based on the mass of the polymeric tackifier.

14. The tackifier of claim 12, wherein R.sup.1 is H, C.sub.1-10 alkyl, in particular C.sub.1-8 alkyl, more particularly C.sub.1-5 alkyl, or C.sub.1-10 oxyalkyl, in particular C.sub.1-8 oxyalkyl, more particularly C.sub.1-5 oxyalkyl.

15. The tackifier of claim 12, wherein the end group E has the meaning of ##STR00021## wherein R.sup.2 to R.sup.4 are as defined in claim 12 m is an integer from 1 to 7 and R.sup.15, R.sup.16, and R.sup.17 are independently from each other H or C.sub.1-5 alkyl, preferably —CH.sub.3.

16. The tackifier of claim 12, wherein the end group E is a group of formula 2 with only one bond to a phenol compound in formula 1, in particular ##STR00022## wherein R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are as defined in claim 12, in particular H.

17. The tackifier of claim 12, wherein the OH content is 5 to 13 wt. %, in particular 6 to 9 wt. % based on the mass of the polymeric tackifier.

18. The tackifier of claim 12, wherein the tackifier has a softening point according to ASTM 3461 up to 170° C., more preferred 40° C. to 120° C., more preferred 50° C. to 100° C.

19-21. (canceled)

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The tackifier according to the invention may also be referred to as a terpolymer.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, R.sup.1 is H, C.sub.1-10 alkyl, in particular C.sub.1-8 alkyl, more particularly C.sub.1-5 alkyl, or C.sub.1-10 oxyalkyl, in particular C.sub.1-8 oxyalkyl, more particularly C.sub.1-5 oxyalkyl.

[0035] Hence, according to a preferred embodiment, the object of the invention is solved with a low molar mass polymer tackifier having a number average molar mass (Mn) of from 200 to 1,500 g/mol comprising a phenol compound, a linker group L and end groups E, said low molar mass polymer tackifier having the structure as presented in formula 1 below:

##STR00004##

[0036] wherein the linker group L has the meaning of

##STR00005##

[0037] each end group E has the meaning of H or is a group of formula 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 with only one bond to a phenol compound in formula 1, and wherein

[0038] R.sup.1 is H, C.sub.1-5 alkyl, or C.sub.1-5 oxyalkyl,

[0039] R.sup.2, R.sup.4, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are independently from each other H or C.sub.1-5 alkyl,

[0040] R.sup.3 and R.sup.5 are H, OH, NO.sub.2, halogen, C.sub.1-5 alkyl or C.sub.1-5 oxyalkyl,

[0041] R.sub.10 and R.sub.13 are C.sub.1-5 alkyl or C.sub.5-6 cycloalkyl,

[0042] R.sub.14 is C.sub.5-12 cycloalkyl, and

[0043] n is an integer of from 2 to 21.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the linker group L has the meaning of

##STR00006##

[0045] wherein R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are as defined herein for formula 2, in particular are H. It was found that polymeric tackifiers, in which the linker group L has the aforementioned meaning, in particular when R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are H, have good properties. In particular, polymeric tackifiers with lower softening points can be achieved. With lower softening points, the processability and/or compatibility with other compounds such as rubber may be improved.

[0046] The low molar polymer tackifier of the invention can be prepared by polymerizing a phenol compound with one of the monomers of formulae 2a to 5a or a substituted or non-substituted C.sub.5-12 cycloolefinic compound having at least two double bonds in a series of Friedel Crafts alkylation reactions. Alternatively to the monomers of formulae 2a to 5a, a monomer of formula 2b may be employed. The reaction is performed according to the known synthesis method of a Friedel Crafts alkylation reaction. The structure of the monomers according to formulae 2a to 5a or C.sub.5-12 cycloolefinic group, which act as the linker L in the polymerization reaction, is selected as follows:

##STR00007##

or

[0047] a C.sub.5-12 cycloolefinic group with the residue R.sup.14,

[0048] wherein R.sup.2 to R.sup.13 have the meaning as explained before with view to the residues of formulae 2, 3, 4, and 5, and

[0049] X is a hydroxyl group or a halogen selected of chlorine, bromine and iodine, and

[0050] R.sup.14 is substituted or non-substituted C.sub.5-12 cycloalkenyl and the substitute can be methyl or ethyl.

[0051] The structure of formula 2b is as follows

##STR00008##

[0052] wherein R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are as explained before with view to the residues of formula 2, R.sup.15 and R.sup.16 are independently from each other H or C.sub.1-5 alkyl and X is a hydroxyl group or a halogen selected of chlorine, bromine and iodine. Preferably, the residues R.sup.2, R.sup.4, R.sup.15 and R.sup.16 have the meaning of H and/or alkyl having 1 to 2 carbon atoms. In a particular preferred embodiment, the residues R.sup.2, R.sup.4 have the meaning of H and the residues R.sup.15 and R.sup.16 have the meaning of —CH.sub.3. Most preferably, the residues R.sup.15 and R.sup.16 have the meaning of —CH.sub.3.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the residues R.sup.2, R.sup.4, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 of the compound of formula 1 and accordingly in the monomers according to formulae 2a, 3a, 4a and 5a have the meaning of H and/or alkyl having 1 to 2 carbon atoms. In a particular preferred embodiment, the residues R.sup.2, R.sup.4, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 have the meaning of H.

[0054] Formulae 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a or the cycloolefinic group with the residue R.sup.14 as shown above represent the starting compounds for the polymerization of the low molar mass polymer tackifier of the invention whereas the groups of formulae 2, 3, 4 and 5 represent the corresponding resulting units L after polymerization in the low molar mass polymer tackifier of the invention. Formula 2b represents another possible starting compound for the polymerization yielding a corresponding linker unit L.

[0055] The starting compounds of formulae 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a and the cycloolefinic compound with the residue R.sup.14 can be used as purified substances, but can also be used in a way, where the specific starting compound is part of a compound mixture. In particular, this can be the case if divinylbenzene is used as a starting compound in the polymerization of the tackifier of the invention. In case of employing such a compound mixture the starting compound should be present in the mixture at least in an amount of 50 wt. % to 100 wt. %, preferred 50 wt. % to 80 wt. %, based on the weight of the compounds of the mixture.

[0056] The phenol compound, which is subjected to polymerization with the compounds of formulae 2a to 5a and the cycloolefinic monomer comprising R.sup.14 to produce a tackifier of formula 1 can be selected from phenol, C.sub.1-15 alkyl phenol, in particular C.sub.1-10 alkyl phenol, more particularly C.sub.1-8 alkyl phenol, even more particularly C.sub.1-5 alkyl phenol, and C.sub.1-15 oxyalkyl phenol, in particular C.sub.1-10 oxyalkyl phenol, more particularly C.sub.1-8 oxyalkyl phenol, even more particularly C.sub.1-5 oxyalkyl phenol, for example, o-cresol, m-cresol, p-cresol, ethyl phenol and isopropyl phenol.

[0057] The catalyst for the polymerization can be a Lewis acid or a Broensted acid. Preferably the calalyst is selected from AlCl.sub.3, BF.sub.3, ZnCl.sub.2, H.sub.2SO.sub.4, TiCl.sub.4 or mixtures thereof. The catalyst can be used in an amount of from 0.1 to 1 mol %. After the phenol compound is melted by heating at a temperature of 25° C. to 180° C., preferably 35° C. to 100° C., or dissolved in a suitable solvent (e.g. toluene), the catalyst is added. Thereafter, a monomer compound selected of formulae 2a to 5a or the cycloolefinic monomer comprising R.sup.14 is added dropwise to the phenol compound. Alternatively, the catalyst is added to a mixture of the phenol compound and the monomer compound of formulae 2a to 5a or the cycloolefinic monomer comprising R.sup.14. The reaction mixture may be cooled, for example from −10° C. to 10° C., when adding the catalyst. The time period of addition of a compound of formulae 2a, 3a, 4a, or 5a or the cycloolefinic monomer can be selected to be 10 minutes to 2 hours. The reaction can be continued for 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The polymerization reaction can be performed at a temperature of from 40° C. to 200° C., preferably 60° C. to 150° C. Preferably, the polymerization is performed at ambient pressure. The polymerization can be quenched by the addition of suitable additives, preferably lime. The obtained polymers can be purified by filtration and/or steam distillation.

[0058] The molar mass (Mn) of the low molar mass polymer tackifier of the invention is in the range of from 200 to 1,500 g/mol, preferably in the range of from 350 or 400 to 800 g/mol.

[0059] The tackifier of the invention preferably has a mass average molecular mass (Mw) of 500 to 12,000 g/mol, more preferably from 600 to 10,000 g/mol, even more preferably from 700 to 9000 g/mol.

[0060] The tackifier of the invention preferably has a z-average molecular mass (Mz) of 800 to 35,000 g/mol, more preferably from 900 to 25,000 g/mol, even more preferably from 1,000 to 20,000 g/mol.

[0061] The number average molecular mass (Mn), the mass average molecular mass (Mw), and the z-average molecular mass (Mz) may in particular be determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). In GPC, styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers may be used as column material. A 3 μm precolumn and three 3 μm 1000 Å main columns may be used. A SECcurity.sup.2-System by PSS-Polymers may be used. The substances may be detected with an RI detector. Unstabilized ULC/MS-grade THF is preferably used as eluent. The measurements are preferably run isothermal at 40° C. For the calibration curve, ReadyCal-Kit Poly(styrene) low (Mp 266-66,000 Da) by PSS-Polymer may be used as external standard.

[0062] It was found that tackifiers with lower molecular weights in the aforementioned ranges exhibited improved properties, in particular improved compatibility and miscibility with the rubber component.

[0063] The tackifier of the invention advantageously has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of from 0° C. to 90° C., preferably from 10° C. to 80° C., more preferably from 20° C. to 70° C., and most preferably from 30° C. to 60° C. It was found that tackifiers with a glass transition temperature in the aforementioned ranges show good processability and/or good compatibility with other compounds such as rubber.

[0064] The glass transition temperature is preferably measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A DSC 2/400 with intra cooler from Mettler Toledo may be employed. For the measurement, aluminum crucibles with pin holes, in particular ME-26763 AL-Crucibles, may be employed. For the evaluation of the glass transition temperature, a heating-cooling-heating-cooling sequence may be employed with a heating/cooling rate of 10 K/min within a measuring window between −40° C. to 150° C. The Tg evaluation is preferably performed in accordance to DIN 53765, in particular DIN 53765:1994-03.

[0065] The tackifier of the invention may comprise 50 wt. % to 70 wt. % of the phenol compound, 20 wt. % to 50 wt. % of the linker group L, in particular of difunctional monomers (linker L) selected from a divinylbenzene compound, a diclyclopentadiene compound or a compound of formula 4, 5 or 6 and 0 wt. % to 30 wt. % or 0 wt. % to 50 wt. %, in particular 5 wt. % to 40 wt. %, more particularly 10 wt. % to 35 wt. %, of the end group E, in particular monofunctional monomers (end group E] based on the weight (mass) of the polymeric tackifier. The divinylbenzene compound is preferably a compound of formula 2, more preferably a compound of formula 2 wherein R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are as defined herein, most preferably wherein R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are H. The dicyclopentadiene compound is preferably a compound of formula 3. The term monofunctional monomer used before refers to a compound, which can be present in the starting mixture of compounds of formulae 2a, 4a, 5a and the cycloolefinic group including residue R.sub.14 for the polymerization of the tackifier of the invention, which however has only one double bond or one halogen capable to react in the polymerization reaction to obtain the tackifier of the invention. Such modified starting compound or monofunctional starting compound acts as a chain stopper in the polymerization reaction. It can form the end group E of formula 1.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, the end group E may have the meaning of

##STR00009## ##STR00010## ##STR00011##

[0067] wherein R.sup.2 to R.sup.13 have the meaning as explained before with view to the residues of formulae 2, 3, 4, and 5,

[0068] m is an integer from 1 to 7 and

[0069] R.sup.15, R.sup.16, and R.sup.17 are independently from each other H or C.sub.1-5 alkyl, preferably —CH.sub.3.

[0070] When using end groups E that are different from H, in particular with end groups E with the meaning of the aforementioned formulas, the tackifying properties of the tackifier can be adjusted. It was found that when larger amounts of the end group E were incorporated into the tackifier, the tack could be increased. Moreover, the compatibility of the tackifier with other compounds could be improved.

[0071] The end group E may also have the meaning of a C.sub.5-12 cycloalkyl group optionally substituted with the residue R.sup.14, wherein R.sup.14 is substituted or non-substituted C.sub.5-12 cycloalkenyl and the substitute can be methyl or ethyl.

[0072] Accordingly, the end group E may advantageously be obtained from monofunctional monomers having the meaning of

##STR00012## ##STR00013##

[0073] wherein R.sup.2 to R.sup.13 have the meaning as explained before with view to the residues of formulae 2, 3, 4, and 5,

[0074] R.sup.15, R.sup.16, and R.sup.17 are independently from each other H or C.sub.1-5 alkyl, preferably —CH.sub.3,

[0075] m is an integer from 1 to 7 and

[0076] X is a hydroxyl group or a halogen selected of chlorine, bromine and iodine.

[0077] The end group E may also be obtained from a monomer having the meaning of a C.sub.5-12 cycloolefinic group, in particular with one double bond, optionally substituted with the residue R.sup.14, wherein R.sup.14 is substituted or non-substituted C.sub.5-12 cycloalkenyl and the substitute can be methyl or ethyl.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the end group E has the meaning of

##STR00014##

[0079] wherein R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.15, and R.sup.16 are independently from each other H or C.sub.1-5 alkyl, preferably wherein independently from each other R.sup.3 is H, R.sup.2 is H or CH.sub.3, R.sup.4 is H or —CH.sub.3, R.sup.15 is C.sub.1-5 alkyl, and R.sup.16 is C.sub.1-5 alkyl, preferably —CH.sub.3.

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment, the end group E is a group of formula 2 with only one bond to a phenol compound in formula 1, in particular the end group E has the meaning of

##STR00015##

[0081] wherein R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are independently from each other H or C.sub.1-5 alkyl, preferably H.

[0082] According to a preferred embodiment, the linker group L has the meaning of

##STR00016##

[0083] and the end group E has the meaning of

##STR00017##

[0084] wherein R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are independently from each other H or C.sub.1-5 alkyl, preferably H.

[0085] The tackifier of the invention may have a high OH content, preferably of 5 to 13 wt. %, in particular preferred 6 to 9 wt. % based on the weight of the tackifier. The tackifier preferably has a softening point according to ASTM 3461 up to 170° C., more preferred 40° C. to 120° C., most preferred 50° C. to 100° C.

[0086] The tackifier of the invention may advantageously be used in rubber compositions or synthetic rubber (elastomer) compositions at a dosage of 1 phr to 25 phr, preferred 2 to 10 phr, more preferred 4 to 7 phr (parts per hundred rubber).

[0087] The tackifier of the invention does not release formaldehyde. The tackifier of the invention can be delivered in liquid form as molten fluid, as solid material in pastilles or flakes or as dry liquid with a solid material as a carrier.

[0088] The tackifier of the invention can be used in the production of tires. The tires can be passenger car tires, bus and truck tires, off the road tires and inflating tires. The tackifier can be used for tire retreading to improve the adhesion of tread of carcass.

[0089] The tackifier of the invention can be used in the production of technical rubber goods, such as conveyor belts, hoses, ring, sealing material, dumping material and gaskets.

[0090] The tackifier of the invention improves the adhesion between green rubber plies, tread, side wall, textile cord, steel cord and bead belts.

[0091] In tires and technical rubber, the tackifier of the invention provides good inter layer adhesion of unvulcanized rubber. The increased adhesion improves handling in tire building and in the construction of rubber parts.

[0092] The following examples serve to further explain the invention.

EXAMPLES

[0093] Abbreviations

[0094] SP=Softening point

[0095] DVB=Divinylbenzene

[0096] EVB=Ethylvinylbenzene

[0097] DIPB=Diisopropenylbenzene

[0098] DVBP=Divinylbenezene-phenol

[0099] DCPD=Dicyclopentadiene

[0100] Suppliers of chemicals:

TABLE-US-00001 Chemical Purity Supplier DVB   62% Sigma-Aldrich DVB   80% Sigma-Aldrich DCPD   80% Braskem DIPB >98% Sigma-Aldrich Phenol   99% PanReac AppliChem 4-Tert-octylphenol   97% Sigma-Aldrich BF.sub.3*OEt.sub.2 >98% Bernd Kraft Xylene >98% Bernd Kraft

Example 1

[0101] Phenol (282 g) was dissolved in toluene (138 g) in a three-neck flask equipped with a dimroth coil condenser and a dropping funnel at 70° C. followed by the addition of BF.sub.3*(OEt.sub.2) (2.01 mL). Divinyl benzene (195 g, 62% purity) was added dropwise via the dropping funnel over a period of 30 minutes to the reaction mixture. After the addition the solution was stirred for 2 hours at a reaction temperature of 90° C. The polymerization was quenched by addition of chalk. Filtration of the crude product and purification via steam distillation at 230° C. yielded the resin as colorless solid. The results of the characterization of the tackifier are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Analysis values example 1 SP [° C.] Tg OH content Mn Mw Mz ASTM 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] 42 13 8.6 528 735 1066

Example 2

[0102] Phenol (254 g) was dissolved in toluene (138 g) in a three-neck flask equipped with a dimroth coil condenser and a dropping funnel at 70° C. followed by the addition of BF.sub.3*(OEt.sub.2) (2.01 mL). Divinyl benzene (195 g, 62% purity) was added dropwise via the dropping funnel over a period of 30 minutes to the reaction mixture. After the addition the solution was stirred for 2 hours at a reaction temperature of 90° C. The polymerization was quenched by addition of chalk. Filtration of the crude product and purification via steam distillation at 230° C. yielded the resin as colorless solid. The results of the characterization of the tackifier are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Analysis values example 2 SP [° C.] Tg OH content Mn Mw Mz ASTM 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] 53 27 7.3 592 960 1683

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3 Summary of example 1-2 SP [° C.] OH Molar ratio ASTM Tg Content Mn Mw Mz Phenol:DVB:EVB 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] Example 1 3.6 1.7 1.0 42 13 8.6 528 735 1066 Example 2 3.2 1.7 1.0 53 27 7.3 592 960 1683

Example 3

[0103] Phenol (94 g) was dissolved in toluene (61 g) in a three-neck flask equipped with a dimroth coil condenser and a dropping funnel at 40° C. followed by the addition of BF.sub.3*(OEt.sub.2) (0.88 mL). Dicyclopentadiene (44 g, 80% purity, 5% vinyl aromatics (indene, methyl styrene isomers) provided by Braskem) was added dropwise via the dropping funnel over a period of 30 minutes to the reaction mixture. After the addition the solution was stirred for 3 hours at a reaction temperature of 120° C. The polymerization was quenched by addition of chalk. Filtration of the crude product and purification via steam distillation at 250° C. yielded the resin as red solid. The results of the characterization of the tackifier are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 4 Analysis values example 3 SP [° C.] Tg OH content Mn Mw Mz ASTM 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] 98 65 7.8 487 702 1049

Example 4

[0104] Phenol (282 g) was dissolved in toluene (92 g) in a three-neck flask equipped with a dimroth coil condenser and a dropping funnel at 40° C. followed by the addition of BF.sub.3*(OEt.sub.2) (2,70 mL). Dicyclopentadiene (132 g, 80% purity, 5% vinyl aromatics (indene, methyl styrene isomers) provided by Braskem) was added dropwise via the dropping funnel over a period of 30 minutes to the reaction mixture. After the addition the solution was stirred for 3 hours at a reaction temperature of 120° C. The polymerization was quenched by addition of chalk. Filtration of the crude product and purification via steam distillation at 250° C. yielded the resin as red solid. The results of the characterization of the tackifier are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 5 Analysis values example 4 SP [° C.] Tg OH content Mn Mw Mz ASTM 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] 109 72 7.0 510 761 1168

Example 5

[0105] 4-Tert-octylphenol (255 g) was dissolved in xylene (255 g) in a three-neck flask equipped with a dimroth coil condenser and a dropping funnel at 70° C. followed by the addition of BF.sub.3*(OEt.sub.2) (0.921 mL). Divinylbenzene (195 g, 62% purity: divinylbenzene:ethylvinylbenzene=62:38) was added dropwise via the dropping funnel over a period of 14 minutes to the reaction mixture. After the addition the solution was stirred for 2 hours at a reaction temperature of 90° C. The polymerization was quenched by the addition of chalk. Filtration of the crude product and purification via steam distillation at 230° C. yielded the resin as colorless solid. The results of characterization of the tackifier are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 6 Analysis values example 5 SP [° C.] Tg OH content Mn Mw Mz ASTM 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] 41 4.4 5.5 588 897 1321

Example 6

[0106] Phenol (254 g) and divinylbenzene (195 g, 62% purity: divinylbenzene:ethylvinylbenzene=62:38) was dissolved in Xylene (138 g) in a three-neck flask equipped with a dimroth coil condenser and a dropping funnel at 30° C. followed by the portion wise addition of BF-.sub.3*(OEt.sub.2) (0.624 mL). The reaction mixture was cooled by an ice bath. After the addition the solution was stirred for 1 hour at a reaction temperature of 70° C. The polymerization was quenched by the addition of chalk. Filtration of the crude product and purification via steam distillation at 230° C. yielded the resin as colorless solid. The results of characterization of the tackifier are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 7 Analysis values example 6 SP [° C.] Tg OH content Mn Mw Mz ASTM 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] 68 31 7.7 711 1379 2564

Example 7

[0107] Phenol (203 g) and divinylbenzene (195 g, 62% purity: divinylbenzene:ethylvinylbenzene=62:38) was dissolved in xylene (138 g) in a three-neck flask equipped with a dimroth coil condenser and a dropping funnel at 30° C. followed by the portion wise addition of BF-.sub.3*(OEt.sub.2) (0.624 mL). The reaction mixture was cooled by an ice bath. After the addition the solution was stirred for 1 hour at a reaction temperature of 70° C. The polymerization was quenched by the addition of chalk. Filtration of the crude product and purification via steam distillation at 230° C. yielded the resin as colorless solid. The results of characterization of the tackifier are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 8 Analysis values example 7 SP [° C.] Tg OH content Mn Mw Mz ASTM 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] 77 37 6.8 850 2014 4234

Example 8

[0108] Phenol (177 g) and divinylbenzene (195 g, 62% purity: divinylbenzene:ethylvinylbenzene=62:38) was dissolved in xylene (138 g) in a three-neck flask equipped with a dimroth coil condenser and a dropping funnel at 30° C. followed by the portion wise addition of BF-.sub.3*(OEt.sub.2) (0.624 mL). The reaction mixture was cooled by an ice bath. After the addition the solution was stirred for 1 hour at a reaction temperature of 70° C. The polymerization was quenched by the addition of chalk. Filtration of the crude product and purification via steam distillation at 230° C. yielded the resin as colorless solid. The results of characterization of the tackifier are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 9 Analysis values example 8 SP [° C.] Tg OH content Mn Mw Mz ASTM 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] 84 40 6.0 953 2902 7177

Example 9

[0109] Phenol (141 g) and divinylbenzene (195 g, 62% purity: divinylbenzene:ethylvinylbenzene=62:38) was dissolved in xylene (138 g) in a three-neck flask equipped with a dimroth coil condenser and a dropping funnel at 30° C. followed by the portion wise addition of BF-.sub.3*(OEt.sub.2) (0.624 mL). The reaction mixture was cooled by an ice bath. After the addition the solution was stirred for 1 hour at a reaction temperature of 70° C. The polymerization was quenched by the addition of chalk. Filtration of the crude product and purification via steam distillation at 230° C. yielded the resin as colorless solid. The results of characterization of the tackifier are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 10 Analysis values example 9 SP [° C.] Tg OH content Mn Mw Mz ASTM 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] 98 49 5.8 1228 6787 21520

Example 10

[0110] Phenol (141 g) and divinylbenzene (215 g, 62% purity: divinylbenzene:ethylvinylbenzene=62:38) was dissolved in xylene (138 g) in a three-neck flask equipped with a dimroth coil condenser and a dropping funnel at 30° C. followed by the portion wise addition of BF-.sub.3*(OEt.sub.2) (0.624 mL). The reaction mixture was cooled by an ice bath. After the addition the solution was stirred for 1 hour at a reaction temperature of 70° C. The polymerization was quenched by the addition of chalk. Filtration of the crude product and purification via steam distillation at 230° C. yielded the resin as colorless solid. The results of characterization of the tackifier are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 11 Analysis values example 10 SP [° C.] Tg OH content Mn Mw Mz ASTM 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] 104 46 5.5 1405 9468 30130

TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 12 Summary of example 6-10 SP [° C.] OH Ratio ASTM Tg Content Mn Mw Mz phenol:DVB:EVB 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] Example 6 3.2 1.7 1.0 68 31 7.7 711 1379 2564 Example 7 2.6 1.7 1.0 77 37 6.8 850 2014 4234 Example 8 2.3 1.7 1.0 84 40 6.0 953 2902 7177 Example 9 1.8 1.7 1.0 98 49 5.8 1228 6787 21520 Example 10 1.5 1.7 1.0 104 46 5.5 1405 9468 30130

Example 11

[0111] Phenol (254 g) and divinylbenzene (195 g, 80% purity: divinylbenzene:ethylvinylbenzene=80:20) was dissolved in xylene (138 g) in a three-neck flask equipped with a dimroth coil condenser and a dropping funnel at 30° C. followed by the portion wise addition of BF-3*(OEt.sub.2) (0.234 mL). The reaction mixture was cooled by an ice bath. After the addition the solution was stirred for 1 hour at a reaction temperature of 70° C. The polymerization was quenched by the addition of chalk. Filtration of the crude product and purification via steam distillation at 230° C. yielded the resin as colorless solid. The results of characterization of the tackifier are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 13 Analysis values example 11 SP [° C.] Tg OH content Mn Mw Mz ASTM 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] 93 53 7.2 963 2209 4628

Example 12

[0112] Phenol (207 g) and divinylbenzene (195 g, 80% purity: divinylbenzene:ethylvinylbenzene=80:20) was dissolved in xylene (138 g) in a three-neck flask equipped with a dimroth coil condenser and a dropping funnel at 30° C. followed by the portion wise addition of BF-3*(OEt.sub.2) (0.234 mL). The reaction mixture was cooled by an ice bath. After the addition the solution was stirred for 1 hour at a reaction temperature of 70° C. The polymerization was quenched by the addition of chalk. Filtration of the crude product and purification via steam distillation at 230° C. yielded the resin as colorless solid. The results of characterization of the tackifier are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 14 Analysis values example 12 SP [° C.] Tg OH content Mn Mw Mz ASTM 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] 101 57 6.6 1149 3976 10400

TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 15 Comparison of example 6-7 and 11-12 Molar ratio SP [° C.] OH Molar ratio phenol:sum ASTM Tg Content Mn Mw Mz phenol:DVB:EVB (DVB + EVB) 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] Example 6 3.2 1.7 1.0 1.8 1.0 68 31 7.7 711 1379 2564 Example 11 6.1 4.1 1.0 1.8 1.0 93 53 7.2 963 2209 4628 Example 7 2.6 1.7 1.0 1.5 1.0 77 37 6.8 850 2014 4234 Example 12 5.0 4.1 1.0 1.5 1.0 101 57 6.6 1149 3976 10400

Example 13

[0113] Phenol (141 g) and diisopropenylbenzene (158 g) was dissolved in xylene (138 g) in a three-neck flask equipped with a dimroth coil condenser and a dropping funnel at 30° C. followed by the portion wise addition of BF.sub.3*(OEt.sub.2) (0.234 mL). The reaction mixture was cooled by an ice bath. After the addition the solution was stirred for 1 hour at a reaction temperature of 70° C. The polymerization was quenched by the addition of chalk. Filtration of the crude product and purification via steam distillation at 230° C. yielded the resin as colorless solid. The results of characterization of the tackifier are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 16 Analysis values example 13 SP [° C.] Tg OH content Mn Mw Mz ASTM 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] 140 82 3.6 1654 7567 21890

Example 14

[0114] Phenol (141 g), styrene (52 g) and diisopropenylbenzene (79 g) was dissolved in xylene (138 g) in a three-neck flask equipped with a dimroth coil condenser and a dropping funnel at 30° C. followed by the portion wise addition of BF.sub.3*(OEt.sub.2) (0.234 mL). The reaction mixture was cooled by an ice bath. After the addition the solution was stirred for 1 hour at a reaction temperature of 70° C. The polymerization was quenched by the addition of chalk. Filtration of the crude product and purification via steam distillation at 230° C. yielded the resin as colorless solid. The results of characterization of the tackifier are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 17 Analysis values example 14 SP [° C.] Tg OH content Mn Mw Mz ASTM 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] 96 46 4.2 722 2110 4853

Example 15

[0115] Phenol (141 g), styrene (73 g) and diisopropenylbenzene (48 g) was dissolved in Xylene (138 g) in a three-neck flask equipped with a dimroth coil condenser and a dropping funnel at 30° C. followed by the portion wise addition of BF.sub.3*(OEt.sub.2) (0.234 mL). The reaction mixture was cooled by an ice bath. After the addition the solution was stirred for 1 hour at a reaction temperature of 70° C. The polymerization was quenched by the addition of chalk. Filtration of the crude product and purification via steam distillation at 230° C. yielded the resin as colorless solid. The results of characterization of the tackifier are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 18 Analysis values example 15 SP [° C.] Tg OH content Mn Mw Mz ASTM 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] 58 9 4.9 435 1138 2608

TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 19 Summary of example 13-15 SP [° C.] OH Ratio diisopropenyl ASTM Tg Content Mn Mw Mz benzene:styrene* 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] Example 13 1.0 0 140 82 3.6 1654 7567 21890 Example 14 1.0 1.0 96 46 4.2 722 2110 4853 Example 15 0.4 1.0 58 9 4.9 435 1138 2608 *ratio of phenol to the sum of diisopropenyl benzene and styrene is kept constant

Example 16

[0116] Phenol (141 g), a-methylstyrene (59 g) and diisopropenylbenzene (79 g) was dissolved in xylene (138 g) in a three-neck flask equipped with a dimroth coil condenser and a dropping funnel at 30° C. followed by the portion wise addition of BF.sub.3*(OEt.sub.2) (0.234 mL). The reaction mixture was cooled by an ice bath. After the addition the solution was stirred for 1 hour at a reaction temperature of 70° C. The polymerization was quenched by the addition of chalk. Filtration of the crude product and purification via steam distillation at 230° C. yielded the resin as colorless solid. The results of characterization of the tackifier are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00021 TABLE 20 Analysis values example 16 SP [° C.] Tg OH content Mn Mw Mz ASTM 3461 [° C.] [wt. %] [g/mol] [g/mol] [g/mol] 81 40 3.4 590 1444 3244

[0117] As can be seen from the exemplary syntheses above, the properties of the polymeric tackifier can be varied in a wide range.

[0118] Explanation of the Analytical Methods

[0119] Molar Mass Distribution via GPC

[0120] The molar mass distribution (Mn, Mw, Mz) was estimated via gel permeation chromatography (GPC) with a SECcurity.sup.2-System supplied by the company PSS-Polymers.

[0121] The used column system consists of a 3 μm precolumn and three 3 μm 1000 Å main columns filled with a styrene divinylbenzene copolymer as column material. For substance detection a refraction index (RI) detector was used. Unstabilized ULC/MS-grade THF was used as eluent supplied by the company Biosolve. Each measurement run was performed isothermal at 40° C. ReadyCal-Kit Poly(styrene) low (Mp 266-66 000 Da) was used as external standard supplied by PSS-Polymer.

[0122] Glas Transition Temperature via DSC

[0123] The glass transition temperature (Tg) was estimated with a DSC 2/400 with intra cooler supplied by the company Mettler Toledo. Aluminum crucibles with pin hole with a volume of 40 μl (Me-26763 AL-Crucibles) were used as sample vessels. The sample weight amounted to 10-20 mg. For the evaluation of the thermal properties, a heating-cooling-heating-cooling sequence was chosen as analytical method with a heating/cooling rate of 10 K/min within a measuring window between -40° C. to 150° C. The Tg evaluation was performed in accordance to DIN 53765.

[0124] Softening Point (SP) via Mettler Ring & Ball

[0125] The softening points were estimated via the method “Ring & Ball” in accordance to ASTM D 3461 “Softening point of asphalt and pitch—Mettler cup and ball method”. A FP 90 Central Processor in combination with a FP 83 HT Dropping Point Cell supplied by Mettler Toledo was used a testing device.

[0126] Hydroxyl Content

[0127] The hydroxyl content was estimated via a potentiometric titration in accordance to DIN 53240-2 (1-methylimidazol catalyzed acetylation of free OH-groups with acetic anhydride followed by a titration with 0.5 M NaOH). The measurement was performed with an automated titration unite (Titrando in combination with Titroprozessor 840 Touch Control and Dosimate 6.2061.010) supplied by Deutsche Metrohm GmbH & Co. KG.

[0128] Application of Tackifier in Elastomer Compounds

[0129] For comparison purposes an acetylene alkylphenol copolymer, Koresin® and an (alkyl-)phenol-formaldehyde condensate known as Deotack® RS are used in the following compositions.

[0130] Mixtures MO1 to M05 are prepared in 3 steps. In step 1, the mixing unit, a Werner & Pfleiderer GK 1,5 E, is filled to 70% of the volume of the mixing unit. The start temperature is controlled at 70° C. and the rotation speed is adjusted to 50 min.sup.−1. Polymers are first added during a time period of 1 minute. The silicic acid, Si 69, ZnO, stearic acid, IPPD, 6PPD, TMQ and tackifiers are added from minute 1 to 6. The stamp is vented after 5 minutes. The temperature of the mixture after ejection is 140° C.

[0131] In step 2, the mixing unit is filled to 70% of the volume of the mixing unit. The start temperature is controlled at 80° C. and the rotation speed is adjusted to 60 min.sup.−1. The mixture from step 1 is added during a time period of 1 minute. The stamp is vented after 3 and 5 minutes. The temperature of the mixture after ejection is 155° C.

[0132] In step 3, the mixing unit is filled to 70% of the volume of the mixing unit. The start temperature is controlled at 35° C. and the rotation speed is adjusted to 30 min.sup.−1. The mixture from step 2 is added during a time period of 1 minute. The sulfur, CBS and DPG are added from minute 1 to 4.

TABLE-US-00022 TABLE 21 Recipe 1 SBR/BR PCR tread formulation Recipe M01 M02 M03 M04 M05 Buna ® VSL 96.0 96.0 96.0 96.0 96.0 4516-1 Buna ® CB24 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 Ultrasil ® 7000GR 80.0 80.0 80.0 80.0 80.0 Carbon black 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 N234 Luvomaxx ® 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 TESPT ZnO RS 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Stearic acid 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Vulkanox ® 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 4010/IPPD Vulkanox ® 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 4020/6PPD Vulkanox ® 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 HS/TMQ Koresin ® — 5.0 — — — Deotack ® RS — — 5.0 — — Novares ® Lab — — — 5.0 — (example 1) Novares ® Lab — — — — 5.0 (example 3) Sulfur 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Vulkacit ® CZ/CBS 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Luvomaxx ® DPG 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0

[0133] The amounts given in the table for the components are expressed in parts per hundred rubber (phr).

[0134] The green tack of compositions M01 to M05 was tested. The results are presented in the table below.

TABLE-US-00023 TABLE 22 Green tack [N] of above SBR/BR tread compound after 5 and 11 days M01 M02 M03 M04 M05 5 days 63.2 73.0 42.0 88.6 67.2 66.0 75.4 44.2 88.6 69.6 68.4 78.4 46.6 89.0 71.6 71.0 82.0 48.4 90.2 72.4 72.4 84.4 48.2 89.9 73.6 Average 68.2 78.6 45.9 89.3 70.9 Standard 3.3 4.2 2.5 0.7 2.3 deviation 11 days 40.4 85.8 73.2 82.6 55.8 41.0 87.8 75.0 83.4 56.4 40.6 88.6 75.0 92.0 56.6 41.4 89.6 75.8 91.8 56.8 41.2 86.2 74.2 89.0 57.6 Average 40.9 87.6 74.6 87.8 56.6 Standard 0.4 1.4 0.9 4.0 0.6 deviation

[0135] The unity of the measured green tack is Newton. The measurement of the green tack is according to the method of the internal method of Deutsches Institut für Kautschuktechnologie e.V. (DIK) (German Institut for Rubber Technology). A rubber sheet (unvulcanized compound) is placed on the lower part of a sample holder of the testing device. The rubber sheet is covered and fixed by the mask to obtain a defined contact area of 700 mm.sup.2 (round opening). This procedure is done for the top and bottom sample holder. Both clamps that fix the rubber sheets are built into the testing device as it can be seen in the following image. The compound surfaces are pressured against each other with a force of 50 N for 45 seconds. The separating force is measured when the surfaces are separated by 120 mm/min. The maximal force needed to separate the compounds is recorded.

[0136] Mixtures M06 to M10 are prepared as follows. The mixing unit, a Werner & Pfleiderer GK 1,5 E, is filled to 70% of the volume of the mixing unit. The start temperature is controlled to be 40° C. and the rotation speed is adjusted to 50 min.sup.−1. Polymers are first added during a time period of 1 minute. The carbon black, ZnO, stearic acid, ASM and oil are added from minute 1 to 3. After 3 minutes, the rotation speed is adjusted to 30 min.sup.−1. The sulfur and promoters are added from minute 4 to 6. The mixture is ejected, homogenized on a rolling mill and overturned 6 times.

TABLE-US-00024 TABLE 23 Test recipe: NR OTR tread formulation Recipe M06 M07 M08 M09 M10 NRRSS1 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Carbon black N115 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 ZnO 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 Stearic acid 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Vulkanox ® 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 4020/6PPD Vulkanox ® HS/TMQ 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Antilux ® 500 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Viva tec ® 500 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 Koresin ® — 5.0 — — — Deotack ® RS — — 5.0 — — Novares ® Lab — — — 5.0 — product (example 2) Novares ® Lab — — — — 5.0 product (example 4) Sulfur 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 Vulkacit ® CZ/CBS 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8

TABLE-US-00025 TABLE 24 Green tack [N] of NR/BR OTR tread after 2 and 8 days DVB- DCPD- M06 M07 M08 phenol phenol 2 days 9.4 64.4 46.2 43.0 32.0 9.6 Cannot be 45.6 43.4 33.0 10.2 separated 44.6 43.6 33.2 10.0 45.2 52.2 33.4 10.4 45.0 42.8 31.6 Average 9.9 64.4 45.3 45.0 32.6 Standard 0.4 0.0 0.5 3.6 0.7 deviation 8 days 11.6 51.0 59.6 46.6 29.8 11.6 51.6 59.8 47.4 30.4 12.4 52.6 59.2 48.2 30.8 12.6 53.2 59.4 48.6 31.0 11.4 52.6 58.6 48.6 31.2 Average 11.9 52.2 59.3 47.9 30.6 Standard 0.5 0.8 0.4 0.8 0.5 deviation

[0137] In table 22, the samples M04 and M05 of the invention show an excellent average green tack after five days, which is as good as the green tack of samples M01 and M02. After eleven days the green tack of sample M04 is nearly the same as after five days. M05 has lost the initial value after 11days, but still show green tack improvement. The reason of tack change of M05 could be the higher compatibility of the cycloaliphatic backborne in the tested rubber. High compatibility usually promotes the distribution of tackifier in the bulk, reduces the concentration on the rubber interface. The examples M09 and M10 of the invention behave such as M04. The tackifiers of the invention provide the same adhesion intensity as the known tackifier Koresin. In contrast to Koresin®, the tackifiers of the invention provide the same green tack after two and eight days, whereas the green tack of samples M06, M07 and M08 has changed in this time period.