Preparation and Characterization of Solution SIBR via Anionic Polymerization

Abstract

Abstract Harnessing anionic terpolymerization of styrene, isoprene and butadiene to a degree where one can achieve simultaneous control of composition, microstructure and sequence distribution results in a unique family of elastomeric materials. We now can tailor-make elastomers having diverse viscoelastic responses to suit specific tire applications, in particular, those required for high performance tires. Furthermore, we have demonstrated unique morphologies attainable for SIBR ranging from lamellar to spherical. Such morphologies were reported previously for soft/hard block copolymers, i.e. SBS and SIS, but not for soft/soft systems. It is our contention that this will further contribute to our understanding of the relationship between morphology and cured physical properties.