Functionalized polymer, rubber composition and pneumatic tire
The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator comprising the reaction product of a polyol of formula I with an alkoxysilane of formula II where R 1 and R 2 are independently C1 to C10 alkyl; k is an integer from 2 to 4; n is an integer from 2 to 3, and n+m=4; with the proviso that when k=2 or 3, n=2 and when k=4, n=2 or 3.
1. A functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator comprising the reaction product of a polyol of formula I with an alkoxysilane of formula II
where R 1 and R 2 are independently C1 to C10 alkyl; k is an integer from 2 to 4; n is an integer from 2 to 3, and n+m=4; with the proviso that when k=2 or 3, n=2 and when k=4, n=2 or 3.
2. The functionalized elastomer of claim 1 , wherein the living anionic elastomer is derived from at least one diene monomer and optionally at least one vinyl aromatic monomer.
3. The functionalized elastomer of claim 1 , wherein the living anionic elastomer is derived from at least one of isoprene and butadiene, and optionally from styrene.
4. The functionalized elastomer of claim 1 , wherein the living anionic elastomer is derived from butadiene and styrene.
5. The functionalized elastomer of claim 1 , wherein the polymerization terminator is selected from the following structures
6. A rubber composition comprising the functionalized elastomer of claim 1 .
7. The rubber composition of claim 6 , further comprising silica.
8. A pneumatic tire comprising the rubber composition of claim 7 .