Copolymers of conjugated triene monomers for improved filler interaction

Abstract

The present invention achieves increased filler interaction by incorporating a small amount (a few units per chain of rubbery polymer) of a conjugated triene monomer, such as alloocimene, randomly throughout the polymer chain of a rubbery polymer or at the chain ends of the rubbery polymer. The incorporation of the conjugated triene monomer leads to the formation of a polymer containing highly reactive conjugated diene units. These conjugated diene units can chemically react with carbon black leading to superior reinforcement. Alternatively, these conjugated diene units can be used for functionalization of the polymer with silica interactive/reactive groups using Diels Alder reactions. This functionalization of the rubbery polymer can conveniently be conducted in a mixer, such as a Banbury mixer, a mill mixer, or the like. The present invention more specifically discloses a rubbery polymer having repeat units which are comprised of (1) an olefin monomer selected from the group consisting of conjugated diolefin monomers and monoolefin monomers and (2) a conjugated triene monomer. The subject invention further reveals a rubbery composition which is comprised of the reaction product of (I) a rubbery polymer having repeat units which are comprised of (1) an olefin monomer selected from the group consisting of conjugated diolefin monomers and monoolefin monomers and (2) a conjugated triene monomer and (II) a dienophile and/or dienophile which is functionalized with a group which is capable of reacting with a filler selected from the group consisting of carbon black, silica, starch, and cellulose.