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 of formula (1) where the substituent structures are further defined.
1. A functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator of formula (1)
where R 1 is C1 to C6 alkane diyl; and n is an integer from 0 to 1;
when n=0, Y is C1 to C12 alkyl;
when n=1, R 2 is C1-C12 alkyl or Cl, where Cl is chlorine;
further when n=1,
Y is C1 to C12 alkyl; and X is C1-C12 alkyl, Cl, or X is of structure (2)
where R 3 is C1-C6 alkane diyl, R 4 is C1-C12 alkyl, or Cl; R 5 is C1-C6 alkane diyl; and Z is C1-C12 alkyl;
alternatively when n=1,
Y is a covalent bond and X and Y taken together with a second Si atom form a ring structure to give a compound of formula (3)
where R 6 is C1-C12 alkyl or Cl; Q is C1-C12 alkyl or Cl; and X is C1-C6 alkane diyl;
alternatively when n=1,
X is oxygen and X and Y taken together form a ring structure to give a compound of formula (4)
where Y is C1-C6 alkane diyl.
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 .