Elastomeric blends comprising brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymers and tires or tire components containing said blends

Abstract

The elastomer blend may include about 25 wt% or more of a brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer and an auxiliary elastomer in an amount other than zero, based on the total polymer mass. The secondary elastomer is not a brominated butyl rubber, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer is free of diene comonomers. Suitable auxiliary elastomers may include, but are not limited to, brominated butyl rubber and natural or synthetic polyisoprene. Advantageous performance can be achieved using a specific amount of each of the auxiliary elastomers. The elastomer blends may be used in tires or various locations within components used to make tires.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 432,751, filed on December 15, 2022, titled "Elastomeric Blends Containing Brominated Isobutylene - p - Methylstyrene Copolymer and Tires or Tire Assemblies Containing Such Blends", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to elastomeric blends containing brominated isobutylene - p - methylstyrene copolymer. Such elastomeric blends can be used to produce various tire components or components used in association with tire manufacturing. Background Art

[0003] A tire is a sturdy, flexible rubber casing that is mounted on the wheel rim of a vehicle (e.g., car, bicycle, truck, bus, airplane, etc.). Depending on the target vehicle type, the type can be characterized by different types of engineering and internal components that provide high comfort, performance, efficiency, reliability, and safety. In addition, tires can utilize a range of different types of rubber components (elastomers) in various locations to provide durability and chemical resistance for a range of potential operating environments. In addition to the rubber components, other additives such as carbon black and silica can be present to provide reinforcement to improve properties such as tear strength, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance within the elastomeric blend (rubber blend). Antioxidants, antiozonants, and curing agents (vulcanizing agents) can also be present in the elastomeric blends used to produce the various components within a tire.

[0004] Figure 1 Is a schematic diagram of a portion of an exemplary tire. As shown, tire 100 includes a tire sidewall 102, a first belt layer 104, a second belt layer 106, a tread 108, a bead 110, an inner liner 112, a first carcass ply 114, and a second carcass ply 116. Various types of elastomeric blends can be used in these various tire components. An inner tube (not shown) is an inflatable tube that holds air and is placed between the metal rim of the wheel and the inner liner 112 of a tubeless tire. The plies 114 and 116 transmit structure to the tire 100 and provide strength to contain the inflation pressure within the inner tube. The plies 114 and 116 also impart strength and flexibility to the tire and maintain the shape of the tire 100 under various road conditions.

[0005] The bead 110 ensures an airtight fit with the wheel. The first and second belt plies 104 and 106 provide stability and strength to the tread 108 of the tire 100. The innerliner 112 comprises an elastomeric blend having low gas permeability to facilitate further retention of the inflation pressure provided by the inner tube. The sidewalls 102 cover the plies 114 and 116 on the sides of the tire 100 and provide protection against road and curb damage. The elastomeric blend within the sidewalls 102 can be formulated for toughness and ozone degradation resistance. The tread 108 utilizes a tread pattern and an elastomeric blend suitable for providing grip and traction. Elastomeric blends can also be present in components used to construct the tire, such as an inflation bladder.

[0006] Both natural and synthetic rubber blends can be present in the elastomeric blends used at various locations within the tire or within components used to form the tire. Natural rubber can provide tear and fatigue crack resistance in tire components where these properties are desired. Common synthetic rubber blends used in tires include butadiene rubber, styrene - butadiene rubber, and butyl rubber (polyisobutylene). Other commonly used synthetic rubber blends include halogenated polyisobutylene rubbers, commonly referred to as halogenated butyl rubbers, which include chlorinated butyl rubber and brominated butyl rubber. Halogenated butyl rubber can be used, for example, to make the innerliner of the tire relatively impermeable and to help retain the inflation pressure. Additionally, halogenated butyl rubber can cure (crosslink / vulcanize) faster than butyl rubber itself. In some cases, brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymers can also be present in tire components. Compared to other types of synthetic rubbers, the saturated polymer backbone and bulky phenyl groups of such copolymers can provide improved heat resistance and reduced gas permeability. Several grades of brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymers are available from ExxonMobil Product Solutions under the trade name EXXPRO. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In some aspects, the present disclosure describes an elastomeric blend comprising: about 25 wt% or more of a brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass; and a non - zero amount of a companion elastomer; wherein the companion elastomer is not brominated butyl rubber; and wherein the brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer does not contain a diene comonomer.

[0008] In some or other aspects, the present disclosure describes a tire, a component for forming a tire, or a bushing comprising the foregoing elastomeric blend in a vulcanized form.

[0009] These and other features and attributes of the disclosed compositions and methods of the present disclosure, as well as their advantageous applications and / or uses, will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] To assist those of ordinary skill in the relevant art in making and using the subject matter of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. The following drawings are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure and should not be regarded as an exclusive configuration. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reading the present disclosure, the disclosed subject matter is capable of numerous modifications, variations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a portion of an exemplary tire.

[0012] Figure 2 and Figure 3 are plots of the tensile strength retention and tear strength retention, respectively, of the sample of Example 1 after aging in hot air at 125 °C for 3 days or 7 days.

[0013] Figure 4 is a plot of the cure rate index (CRI) of the elastomer blend of Example 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present disclosure relates to an elastomer blend comprising a brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Such an elastomer blend can be used to produce various tire components or components used in association with tire manufacturing.

[0015] Elastomer blends containing various rubber compounds can be used in one or more components of a tire. Depending on the location within the tire, a given rubber compound can be selected to impart one or more desired qualities to the tire. Polymers that can be incorporated into the various components of a tire include brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymers.

[0016] As described herein, an elastomeric blend containing a combination of brominated isobutylene - para - methylstyrene copolymer and a suitable amount of a specific auxiliary elastomer can provide a surprising enhancement of one or more properties of the brominated isobutylene - para - methylstyrene copolymer and / or the auxiliary elastomer alone. In addition, the elastomeric blends disclosed herein can, in some cases, provide improved performance over conventional comparative elastomeric blends used in various tire components, thereby contributing to the manufacture of tires that are advantageous in one or more respects. Such comparative elastomeric blends may or may not include brominated isobutylene - para - methylstyrene copolymer and / or auxiliary elastomer. Advantageously, depending on the selected auxiliary elastomer and the amount used in combination with the brominated isobutylene - para - methylstyrene copolymer, the properties of the elastomeric blends disclosed herein can be customized for introduction at a specified location within a tire or tire manufacturing method to provide their beneficial enhancement. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides brominated isobutylene - para - methylstyrene copolymer as a common elastomeric source material that can be formulated in various ways by blending with a given auxiliary elastomer to facilitate the manufacture of specific types of tire components having a range of desired properties.

[0017] All numerical values in the detailed description and claims herein are modified by the term "about" or "approximate" relative to the indicated values, and account for experimental error and deviations that would be expected by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0018] The singular forms of the articles "a", "an", and "the" used in the present disclosure and the appended claims include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0019] The term "and / or" used in a phrase such as "A and / or B" is intended herein to include "A and B", "A or B", "A", and "B".

[0020] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the new numbering scheme of the groups of the periodic table is used. In this numbering scheme, the groups (columns) are numbered sequentially from 1 to 18 from left to right.

[0021] Unless otherwise stated, room temperature (RT) is about 23 °C.

[0022] The term "phr" refers to parts per 100 parts of rubber and is a common measure in the art, where the components of an elastomeric blend are measured relative to the total mass of all elastomeric (rubber) components present therein. Whether one, two, three, or more different rubber components are present in a given elastomeric blend, the total phr or parts for all rubber components is always defined as 100 phr. All other non - rubber components of the elastomeric blend are specified as a proportion relative to 100 parts of rubber and are expressed in phr.

[0023] As used herein, the term "elastomer" refers to any polymer or combination of polymers consistent with the ASTM D1566 definition (incorporated herein by reference). The term "elastomer" as used herein may be used interchangeably with the term "rubber".

[0024] The terms "vulcanization", "vulcanized" and other grammatical forms thereof refer to the crosslinking of one or more elastomers within an elastomer blend.

[0025] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure can comprise about 10 wt% or more, or about 20 wt% or more, or about 25 wt% or more of brominated isobutene - p-methylstyrene copolymer; and a non-zero amount of a secondary elastomer, based on the total polymer mass. Preferably, the secondary polymer is not bromobutyl rubber and / or the brominated isobutene - p-methylstyrene copolymer does not contain a diene comonomer. Depending on the secondary elastomer and its amount, advantageous properties such as improved impermeability, flex fatigue, thermal and oxidative stability, steam aging performance, etc. can be achieved. In more specific examples, the brominated isobutene - p-methylstyrene copolymer can be present in the elastomeric blend in an amount of about 10 wt% to 95 wt%, or about 20 wt% to 75 wt%, or about 25 wt% to 90 wt%, or about 50 wt% to 90 wt%, or about 30 wt% to 70 wt%, or about 50 wt% to 70 wt%, or about 25 wt% to about 80 wt%, or about 25 wt% to about 50 wt%, or about 10 wt% to about 50 wt%, or about 10 wt% to about 30 wt%, each based on the total polymer mass within the elastomeric blend. The amount of brominated isobutene - p-methylstyrene copolymer present in the elastomeric blend can vary based on the desired application or the component to be produced (e.g., a given component of a tire or a component for manufacturing a tire). For example, for a tire inner tube, the brominated isobutene - p-methylstyrene copolymer can more preferably be present in the elastomeric blend in an amount of about 25 wt% to 95 wt%, or about 25 wt% to 90 wt%, or about 50 wt% to 90 wt%, or about 30 wt% to 70 wt%, or about 50 wt% to 70 wt%, based on the total polymer mass within the elastomeric blend. In another example, for a liner where improved adhesion is desired, the brominated isobutene - p-methylstyrene copolymer can more preferably be present in the elastomeric blend in an amount of about 50 wt% to 90 wt%, or about 50 wt% to 80 wt%, or about 60 wt% to 90 wt%, or about 70 wt% to 90 wt%, based on the total polymer mass within the elastomeric blend. In yet another example, for a tire bladder used for manufacturing a tire, the brominated isobutene - p-methylstyrene copolymer can more preferably be present in the elastomeric blend in an amount of about 10 wt% to 95 wt%, or about 20 wt% to 75 wt%, or about 25 wt% to 70 wt%, or about 20 wt% to 50 wt%, or about 10 wt% to about 30 wt%, or about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%, or about 20 wt% to about 30 wt%, based on the total polymer mass within the elastomeric blend.In yet another example, for a bushing (e.g., a bumper rubber bushing), brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may more preferably be present in the elastomeric blend in an amount of about 30 wt% to 50 wt%, or about 30 wt% to 45 wt%, or about 35 wt% to 50 wt%, or about 35 wt% to about 45 wt%, based on the total polymer mass within the elastomeric blend.

[0026] Examples of suitable auxiliary elastomers may include, but are not limited to, butyl rubber, polyisoprene (natural rubber and / or synthetic rubber), etc. and any combination thereof. In a non-limiting example, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer and the auxiliary elastomer may comprise all of the polymers in the elastomeric blend described herein. Thus, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer and the auxiliary elastomer may total 100 parts of rubber in the elastomeric blend described herein. In other words, if the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer is present at a weight percentage in the range of A to B, the auxiliary elastomer may be present at a weight percentage in the range of 100 - B to 100 - A. Further optionally, the total rubber in the elastomeric blend disclosed herein may consist of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer and the auxiliary elastomer.

[0027] In a non-limiting example, butyl rubber may include isobutylene-isoprene copolymer. Preferably, the isobutylene-isoprene copolymer may contain 0.5 mol% to 3 mol% of isoprene, with the balance being isobutylene. Examples of commercially available butyl rubber may include, but are not limited to EXXON TM BUTYL 365, EXXON TM BUTYL 065, EXXON TM BUTYL 065S, EXXON TM BUTYL 068, EXXON TM BUTYL 068S, EXXON TM BUTYL 268, EXXON TM BUTYL 268S (each being a butyl rubber, i.e., a copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene, available from ExxonMobil Product Solutions) and any combination thereof. In any embodiment herein, the suitable butyl rubber may be non-halogenated butyl rubber. Thus, butyl rubber suitable for use as an auxiliary polymer in the disclosure herein does not include chlorinated butyl rubber, brominated butyl rubber, or any combination thereof. Thus, the elastomeric blend may contain no to substantially no (less than about 1 wt%, based on the total mass of the elastomeric blend) brominated butyl rubber and / or chlorinated butyl rubber.

[0028] Butyl rubbers suitable for use as auxiliary elastomers can have a Mooney viscosity (ML 1+8, 125 °C, ASTM D1646-19a) of from about 30 Mooney units (MU) to about 60 MU, or from about 30 MU to about 45 MU, or from about 40 MU to about 60 MU.

[0029] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "polyisoprene" refers to natural rubber or synthetic polyisoprene, either of which may be suitable for use as an auxiliary elastomer herein. Preferably, when polyisoprene is selected as the auxiliary elastomer, natural rubber is used. Natural rubber can be obtained from any suitable source. Examples of natural rubbers that may be suitable can include, but are not limited to, natural rubber technical specification rubber (TSR) grade 20 or ribbed smoke sheet (RSS) grade 2 or grade 3 or grade 4, etc., and any combination thereof.

[0030] The Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4, 100 °C, ASTM D1646-19a) of suitable polyisoprene rubbers can range from about 35 MU to about 70 MU, or from about 40 MU to about 65 MU, or from about 45 MU to about 60 MU.

[0031] Examples of commercially available brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymers can include, but are not limited to, EXXPRO TM 3433, EXXPRO TM 3035 and EXXPRO TM 3563, all of which are available from ExxonMobil Product Solutions.

[0032] In non-limiting examples, the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer can contain (i) from about 3 wt% to about 12 wt%, or from about 4 wt% to about 11 wt%, or from about 5 wt% to about 10 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and (ii) from about 0.3 mol% to about 1.0 mol%, or from about 0.4 mol% to about 0.9 mol%, or from about 0.5 mol% to about 0.8 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0033] In non-limiting examples, the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer can have a Mooney viscosity (ML 1+8, 125 °C, ASTM D1646-19a) of from about 30 Mooney units (MU) to about 50 MU, or from about 30 MU to about 45 MU, or from about 35 MU to about 50 MU.

[0034] In some instances, the elastomeric blends disclosed herein can comprise from about 25 wt% to about 90 wt% of a brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of from about 30 MU to about 50 MU (ML 1+8, 125 °C, ASTM D1646-19a) and / or the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises from about 5 wt% to about 10 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and from about 0.5 mol% to about 0.8 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. In more specific instances, the elastomeric blends disclosed herein can comprise from about 30 wt% to about 50 wt% of a brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 MU (ML 1+8, 125 °C, ASTM D1646-19a) and / or the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. The secondary elastomer can comprise polyisoprene, preferably natural rubber of any of the foregoing.

[0035] In some or other non-limiting examples, the elastomeric blends disclosed herein may comprise from about 25 wt% to about 90 wt% of a brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, preferably from about 30 wt% to about 70 wt%, based on the total polymer mass, wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of from about 30 MU to about 50 MU (ML 1+8, 125 °C, ASTM D1646-19a) and / or the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises from about 5 wt% to about 10 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and from about 0.5 mol% to about 0.8 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. In more specific examples, the elastomeric blends disclosed herein may comprise from about 30 wt% to about 50 wt% of a brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass, wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 MU (ML 1+8, 125 °C, ASTM D1646-19a) and / or the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. In other more specific examples, the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may have a Mooney viscosity of about 45 MU (ML 1+8, 125 °C, ASTM D1646-19a) and / or the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 5 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. The auxiliary elastomer may comprise butyl rubber in any of the foregoing.

[0036] In some or other examples, the elastomeric blends disclosed herein may comprise from about 50 wt% to about 90 wt% of a brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass, wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 MU (ML 1+8, 125 °C, ASTM D1646-19a) and / or the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 10 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.8 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. The auxiliary elastomer may comprise butyl rubber in any of the foregoing.

[0037] The elastomeric blends of the present disclosure may optionally include one or more additives commonly used in elastomeric blends, such as crosslinking and curing materials, accelerators, processing aids, antioxidants, antiozonants, pigments, plasticizers, tackifiers, extenders, chemical conditioners, homogenizers, processing oils, waxes, hydrocarbon resins, rosins, and any combinations thereof. The individual additives may be present in the elastomeric blends disclosed herein in amounts of from about 1 phr to about 50 phr, or from about 1 phr to about 30 phr, or from about 5 phr to about 25 phr, or from about 15 phr to about 40 phr, or from about 30 phr to about 50 phr.

[0038] Suitable crosslinking agents and curing agents may include, but are not limited to, sulfur, zinc oxide, and fatty acids. Generally, the elastomer can be crosslinked by adding reactive molecules, such as sulfur, metal oxides (such as zinc oxide), organometallic compounds, and / or free radical initiators, and then heating. For example, the following metal oxides are common curing agents that can be suitable additives in the present disclosure: ZnO, CaO, MgO, Al2O3, CrO3, FeO, Fe2O3, and NiO. These metal oxides can be used when they are present as cations in the corresponding metal stearate complexes (e.g., Zn(stearate)2, Ca(stearate)2, Mg(stearate)2, and Al(stearate)3), or when present together with stearic acid and sulfur compounds. Conventional vulcanization techniques for natural rubber blends can also be applied to the elastomeric blends of the present disclosure. Thus, in any embodiment herein, the elastomeric blends disclosed herein can be vulcanized.

[0039] Accelerators can include, but are not limited to, amines, guanidines, thioureas, thiazoles, thiurams, sulfenamides, sulfimide, thiocarbamates, xanthates, etc. and any combinations thereof. The acceleration of the curing process can be achieved by adding a certain amount of accelerator to the elastomer blend and performing the curing as described herein. The mechanism of accelerated vulcanization may involve complex interactions between the curing agent, accelerator, activator, and polymer. Preferably, all available curing agent is consumed during the formation of effective crosslinks that connect two polymer chains to enhance the overall strength of the polymer matrix. Specific examples of accelerators can include, but are not limited to, stearic acid, N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS), diphenyl guanidine (DPG), tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD), dipentamethylenethiuram tetrasulfide (DPTT), 4,4'-dithiodimorpholine (DTDM), tetrabutylthiuram disulfide (TBTD), 2,2'-benzothiazole disulfide (MBTS), hexamethylene-1,6-bis(dithiocarbamic acid) disodium salt dihydrate, 2-(morpholinothio)benzothiazole (MBS or MOR), a composition of 90% MOR and 10% MBTS (MOR 90), N-tert-butyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (TBBS) and N-oxydiethylene thiocarbamyl-N-oxydiethylene sulfenamide (OTOS), zinc 2-ethylhexanoate (ZES), N,N'-diethylthiourea.

[0040] The curing system (curing package) can include one or more of the above components that promote or affect the curing of the elastomer, such as metals, accelerators, sulfur, and other reagents. For example, a sulfur curing system containing sulfur and a sulfur donor can be used to promote the curing of the elastomer blends of the present disclosure, where sulfur is present in an amount less than 5 phr and at least one sulfur donor is present in an amount less than 5 phr. Preferably, the sulfur donor can include at least one of TMTD and DPTT.

[0041] Suitable processing aids can include, but are not limited to, SUNDEX TM (available from Sun Chemicals) and FLEXON TM (available from ExxonMobil Product Solutions).

[0042] Suitable plasticizers can include, but are not limited to, polyalphaolefins (PAOs), high-purity hydrocarbon fluid compositions (HPFCs), and Group III base stocks, such as those described in WO 2004 / 014998. Preferred PAOs can include oligomers of decene and co-oligomers of decene and dodecene. Preferred PAOs can be commercially available under the trade names SUPERSYN TM , SPECTRASYN TM PAOs and ELEVAST TMObtained, each available from ExxonMobil Product Solutions.

[0043] Suitable hydrocarbon resins may include, but are not limited to, ESCOREZ TM 1102, ESCOREZ TM 2520, ESCOREZ TM E5000, each being an aliphatic hydrocarbon resin, available from ExxonMobil Product Solutions), etc., and any combination thereof. Such hydrocarbon resins can act as tackifiers.

[0044] Suitable antioxidants may include, for example, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline polymer (TMQ).

[0045] Suitable antiozonants may include, for example, N,N'-disubstituted p-phenylenediamines, especially in alkyl-, aryl-substituted forms, such as N-1,3-dimethylbutyl-N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine ("6PPD").

[0046] Suitable homogenizers may include, for example, STRUKTOL TM 40MS (a mixture of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, available from Struktol Company of America), PROMIX TM 400 (a mixture of aliphatic, naphthenic and aromatic hydrocarbon resins; EVA copolymer; silica and magnesium silicate, available from HB Chemical), etc., and any combination thereof.

[0047] Suitable processing oils may include, but are not limited to, naphthenic oils, paraffin oils, aromatic oils, etc. and any combination thereof. Examples of suitable processing oils may include IPOL 501 and IPOL 2300 (paraffinic type processing oils with high viscosity and flash point, available from GP Petroleums) and CALSOL-810 (naphthenic oil, Calumet Specialty Products).

[0048] The elastomeric blends of the present disclosure may be characterized by one or more properties further specified below.

[0049] Mooney viscosity and Mooney scorch are determined herein according to ASTM D1646-19a. If the measurement and test conditions are not specified, the conditions for Mooney viscosity are ML(1+4) and 125 °C, and the conditions for Mooney scorch are T5 at 125 °C.

[0050] The elastomeric blends of the present disclosure may have a Mooney viscosity (ML(1+4), at 100 °C) of from about 53.0 MU to about 73.0 MU.

[0051] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a Mooney scorch (T5, 125 °C) of about 29.0 minutes or less, or about 6.5 minutes to about 10.0 minutes, or about 7.5 minutes to about 8.0 minutes, or about 8.0 minutes to about 11.0 minutes, or about 10.0 minutes to about 29.0 minutes, or about 10.0 minutes to about 20.0 minutes, or about 15.0 minutes to about 29.0 minutes.

[0052] The cure kinetics of the elastomeric blend of the present disclosure are measured using an MDR (moving die rheometer) as described in ASTM D5289-19a. If no conditions are specified, the conditions include a temperature of 180 °C, a test time of 30 minutes, and a test angle of 0.5°.

[0053] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have an MH-ML (MDR, 180 °C, 30 minutes, 0.5° test angle) of about 6.0 dNm or less, or about 3.0 dNm to about 6.0 dNm, or about 3.0 dNm to about 5.0 dNm, or about 3.0 dNm to about 4.4 dNm. ML is the minimum torque measured by the MDR (representing the uncured elastomeric blend), and MH is the maximum torque measured by the MDR.

[0054] The cure rate index is determined according to the method and equation described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 028762, which is incorporated herein by reference. The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a cure rate index of about 25 or greater, such as about 25 to about 60.

[0055] The hardness value of the elastomeric blend is determined by ASTM D2240-15 (2021). Unless otherwise stated, the sample cure conditions are 160 °C and TC 90 + 2 MDR.

[0056] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a hardness (original) of about 40 Shore A to about 55 Shore A, or about 40 Shore A to about 45 Shore A, or about 45 Shore A to about 55 Shore A.

[0057] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a hardness (after 3 days of hot air aging at 125 °C) of about 40 Shore A to about 57 Shore A, or about 40 Shore A to about 46 Shore A, or about 40 Shore A to about 45 Shore A, or about 45 Shore A to about 57 Shore A, or about 54 Shore A to about 57 Shore A.

[0058] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a hardness (after 7 days of hot air aging at 125 °C) of about 40 Shore A to about 44 Shore A.

[0059] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a hardness retention (change in hardness) from original to aged (hot air aging at 125 °C for 3 days) of about -5 Shore A to about 5 Shore A.

[0060] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a hardness retention (change in hardness) from original to aged (hot air aging at 125 °C for 7 days) of about -5 Shore A to about 5 Shore A.

[0061] Tensile properties (e.g., tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus) are determined according to ASTM D412-16. Unless otherwise stated, the sample curing conditions are 160 °C and TC 90 + 2MDR.

[0062] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have an original tensile strength at break of about 10.0 MPa to about 23.0 MPa, or about 10.0 MPa to about 12.0 MPa, or about 12.0 MPa to about 20.0 MPa, or about 18.0 MPa to about 23.0 MPa.

[0063] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a tensile strength at break (hot air aging at 125 °C for 3 days) of about 8.0 MPa to about 20.0 MPa, or about 8.0 MPa to about 9.0 MPa, or about 8.0 MPa to about 18 MPa, or about 15.0 MPa to about 9.0 MPa.

[0064] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a tensile strength at break (hot air aging at 125 °C for 7 days) of about 6.5 MPa to about 8.5 MPa.

[0065] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a retention rate of tensile strength at break (change in tensile strength) from original to aged (hot air aging at 125 °C for 3 days) of about 13% to about 30%.

[0066] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a retention rate of tensile strength at break (change in tensile strength) from original to aged (hot air aging at 125 °C for 7 days) of about 15% to about 45%.

[0067] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have an original fracture energy of about 11.5 J to about 23.0 J, about 11.5 J to about 12.5 J, about 12.0 J to about 20.0 J, or about 17.0 J to about 23.0 J, or about 20.0 J to about 22.0 J.

[0068] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a fracture energy (hot air aging at 125 °C for 3 days) of about 8.0 J to about 9.0 J.

[0069] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a fracture energy of from about 7.0 J to about 21.0 J, or from about 7.0 J to about 8.5 J, or from about 8.0 J to about 17.0 J, or from about 16.0 J to about 21.0 J, or from about 17.0 J to about 20.0 J (after 7 days of hot air aging at 125 °C).

[0070] Tear strength and tear resistance are determined according to ASTM D624 - 00.

[0071] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a tear resistance of from about 34 N / mm to about 70 N / mm, or from about 34 N / mm to about 38 N / mm, or from about 37 N / mm to about 42 N / mm, or from about 40 N / mm to about 60 N / mm, or from about 55 N / mm to about 70 N / mm, or from about 60 N / mm to about 70 N / mm (as - received).

[0072] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a tear resistance of from about 28 N / mm to about 65 N / mm, or from about 28 N / mm to about 34 N / mm, or from about 32 N / mm to about 46 N / mm, or from about 45 N / mm to about 65 N / mm, or from about 50 N / mm to about 60 N / mm (after 3 days of hot air aging at 125 °C).

[0073] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a tear resistance of from about 23 N / mm to about 30 N / mm (after 7 days of hot air aging at 125 °C).

[0074] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a tear resistance retention (change in tear resistance) of from about 12% to about 22% from as - received to aged (after 3 days of hot air aging at 125 °C).

[0075] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a tear resistance retention (change in tear resistance) of from about 22% to about 30% from as - received to aged (after 7 days of hot air aging at 125 °C).

[0076] The fatigue failure life test (FTFT) is determined according to ASTM 4482 - 11.

[0077] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a fatigue failure life test (FTFT) of from about 35 thousand cycles (kC) to about 120 kC, or from about 35 kC to about 45 kC, or from about 35 kC to about 55 kC, or from about 50 kC to about 120 kC, or from about 50 kC to about 80 kC, or from about 70 kC to about 120 kC.

[0078] The tension set is measured according to the following method. The dumbbell sample is marked with 20 mm reference marks and fixed to a tension set device. The sample is then extended by 50% (i.e., the 20 mm reference marks are extended to 30 mm). The stretched sample is placed in a circulating air oven (105 °C) for 5 hours and then cooled at ambient temperature for 2 hours. After cooling, the sample is released from the tension set device and allowed to relax on a flat non-conductive surface dusted with talcum powder. After 16 hours of relaxation, the final reference mark length is measured to an accuracy of 0.01 mm. Unless otherwise stated, the sample curing conditions are 180 °C and TC 90 + 5 MDR.

[0079] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure can have a tension set of from about 9.0% to about 10.5% (as received at 105 °C, hot air aged at 125 °C for 3 days).

[0080] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure can have a tension set of from about 24.4% to about 26.5% (as received at 125 °C).

[0081] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure can have a tension set of from about 15.5% to about 17.0% (as received or green at 125 °C, hot air aged at 125 °C for 3 days).

[0082] The adhesion peak load for adhesion to itself or the carcass refers to the static adhesion between rubber materials and is measured based on the force required to pull apart two compounded materials after vulcanization, as measured at room temperature. After vulcanization, the sample is die cut into rectangles measuring 2.5 cm × 15 cm. The adhesion to itself is determined using an Instron instrument at a crosshead speed of 50 mm / min, with data processing using MTS Testworks 4.0 software.

[0083] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure can have a self-adhesion peak load of from about 150 N to about 300 N.

[0084] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure can have a carcass adhesion peak load of from about 80 N to about 200 N.

[0085] The damping (tanδ) was measured according to the internal DMA technique. The DMA technique can be used to determine various mechanical properties, namely the complex modulus, E*, storage modulus and loss modulus (E′ and E″) and damping (tanδ) of viscoelastic materials, detect molecular motion, and establish structure-property relationships. DMA applies a sinusoidal deformation, stress or strain to the sample and measures the viscoelastic response. Measurements were carried out using a TA Electroforce DMA 3200 instrument operating at a fixed frequency of 15 Hz, an amplitude of ±0.5 mm, and a temperature range of 25 °C to 120 °C.

[0086] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a damping (tanδ, 15 Hz, amplitude ±0.5 mm) of about 0.2 to about 0.3, or about 0.23 to about 0.29, or about 0.26 at 25 °C.

[0087] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a damping (tanδ, 15 Hz, amplitude ±0.5 mm) of about 0.1 to about 0.3, or about 0.10 to about 0.25, or about 0.15 to about 0.22, or about 0.19 at 50 °C.

[0088] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a damping (tanδ, 15 Hz, amplitude ±0.5 mm) of about 0.1 to about 0.3, or about 0.10 to about 0.25, or about 0.12 to about 0.18, or about 0.16 at 100 °C.

[0089] The elastomeric blend of the elastomeric blend may have a damping (tanδ, 15 Hz, amplitude ±0.5 mm) of about 0.1 to about 0.3, or about 0.10 to about 0.25, or about 0.11 to about 0.17, or about 0.15 at 120 °C.

[0090] The compression set was determined according to ASTM D395-18.

[0091] The elastomeric blend of the present disclosure may have a compression set of about 35% to about 50%, or about 40% to about 45%.

[0092] The barrier and permeation properties of the elastomeric blend were determined using an Ox-TRAN 2 / 61 analyzer (Mocon) with WINPERM TM operating software. For testing, the sample was molded into a 0.3 mm thick film and cured at 160 °C, and then the gas permeability was tested using an OX-TRAN instrument. The data was reported as the permeability coefficient (in units of mm·cm 3 / m 2 ·day) or the transmission rate coefficient (in units of mm·cm 3 / m 2·day·mmHg).

[0093] When the auxiliary elastomer is polyisoprene, preferably natural rubber, and the polyisoprene is present in the amount specified above, the elastomer blend can exhibit at least one property having a value greater than at least one property of the polyisoprene alone when vulcanized, such as tan δ, hardness, elongation at break, tear resistance, and any combination thereof.

[0094] When the auxiliary elastomer is butyl rubber and the butyl rubber is present in the amount specified above, the elastomer blend can exhibit at least one property having a value greater than at least one property of brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene alone when vulcanized, such as tensile strength at break, elongation at break, tear resistance, and any combination thereof, or fatigue to failure, fracture energy, peak load, tear resistance, or any combination thereof, or adhesion.

[0095] The elastomer blends of the present disclosure can be used in a variety of applications or components. In more specific examples, the elastomer blends can be used in airtight layers (e.g., tire bladders, tire liners, tire inner tubes, and other tire components) and vibration - reducing bushings. According to more specific embodiments, the elastomer blends of the present disclosure can be used in a vulcanized form at at least one location within a tire and / or during at least one operation of tire manufacturing.

[0096] The elastomer blends disclosed herein can be prepared by using conventional mixing techniques, including, for example, kneading, roll milling, extruder mixing, internal mixing (e.g., with a BANBURY TM or BRABENDER TM mixer), etc. The mixing sequence and the temperature used are well - known to skilled rubber compounders, with the aim of dispersing fillers, activators, and curing agents in the polymer matrix without excessive heat buildup. Useful mixing procedures can utilize a BANBURY TM mixer, where the elastomer, carbon black, and other additives, as well as plasticizers, are added and the resulting mixture is blended for a desired time or to a specific temperature to achieve adequate dispersion of the non - polymer components. Alternatively, the elastomer and a portion of the carbon black (e.g., one - third to two - thirds) and other components can be mixed for a short time (e.g., about 1 to 5 minutes or about 1 to 3 minutes), and then the remaining carbon black and other components and processing oil are mixed. The blending can be continued at a high rotor speed for about 1 to 10 minutes, during which time the mixture can reach a temperature of about 140 °C. After cooling, the components can be further processed in a second step in a rubber mill or a BANBURY TMMix in a mixer, during which the curing agent and optional accelerator are fully and evenly dispersed at a relatively low temperature, such as about 80 °C to about 105 °C, to avoid premature curing of the composition. Other variations in mixing will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the foregoing blending description should be considered illustrative of suitable means for producing the elastomeric blends disclosed herein. The blending is carried out to fully and evenly disperse all components of the elastomeric blend. The resulting elastomeric blend can then be formed into various components, such as one or more components of a tire. When producing such components, the elastomeric blend can become vulcanized. Inner tube

[0097] Preferably, for inner tube applications, the elastomeric blend can comprise from about 25 wt% to about 90 wt% of a brominated isobutene - p-methylstyrene copolymer, and a non-zero amount of a secondary elastomer comprising butyl rubber, based on the total polymer mass. More preferably, for inner tube applications, the elastomeric blend can comprise from about 30 wt% to about 70 wt% of a brominated isobutene - p-methylstyrene copolymer, and a non-zero amount of a secondary elastomer comprising butyl rubber, based on the total polymer mass.

[0098] Preferably, for inner tube applications, the brominated isobutene - p-methylstyrene copolymer can have a Mooney viscosity of from about 30 MU to about 40 MU (e.g., about 35 MU). Additionally, the brominated isobutene - p-methylstyrene copolymer can comprise from about 3 wt% to about 7 wt%, or from about 4 wt% to about 6 wt%, or about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and from about 0.5 mol% to about 0.9 mol%, or from about 0.6 mol% to about 0.8 mol%, or about 0.7 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene - p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0099] For inner tube applications, the secondary elastomer can be present at about 25 wt% or more, based on the total polymer mass in the elastomeric blend, preferably at about 30 wt% or more, based on the total polymer mass. More preferably, the secondary elastomer can be present at from about 30 wt% to about 70 wt% or from about 30 wt% to about 50 wt%, based on the total polymer mass within the elastomeric blend.

[0100] When vulcanized, such elastomeric blends suitable for inner tube applications can exhibit at least one property having a value greater than that of at least one property of butyl rubber alone. In non-limiting examples, the tensile strength at break, elongation at break, and tear resistance can have values greater than the corresponding values of butyl rubber alone.

[0101] A suitable elastomeric blend for inner tube applications can have a Mooney viscosity of from about 53.0 MU to about 55.0 MU (ML(1 + 4), at 100 °C).

[0102] A suitable elastomer blend for inner tube applications can have a Mooney scorch (T5, 125 °C) of about 29.0 minutes or less, or about 10.0 minutes to about 29.0 minutes, or about 10.0 minutes to about 20.0 minutes, or about 15.0 minutes to about 29.0 minutes.

[0103] A suitable elastomer blend for inner tube applications can have an MH - ML (Moving Die Rheometer (MDR), 180 °C, 30 minutes, 0.5° test angle) of about 6.0 dNm or less, or about 3.0 dNm to about 6.0 dNm, or about 3.0 dNm to about 5.0 dNm, or about 3.0 dNm to about 4.4 dNm.

[0104] A suitable elastomer blend for inner tube applications can have a cure rate index of about 25 or greater (or about 25 to about 60).

[0105] A suitable elastomer blend for inner tube applications can have a hardness (as - received) of about 40 Shore A to about 45 Shore A.

[0106] A suitable elastomer blend for inner tube applications can have a hardness (after hot air aging at 125 °C for 3 days) of about 40 Shore A to about 46 Shore A, or about 40 Shore A to about 45 Shore A.

[0107] A suitable elastomer blend for inner tube applications can have a hardness (after hot air aging at 125 °C for 7 days) of about 40 Shore A to about 44 Shore A.

[0108] A suitable elastomer blend for inner tube applications can have a hardness retention (hardness change) from as - received to aged (after hot air aging at 125 °C for 3 days) of about - 5 Shore A to about 5 Shore A.

[0109] A suitable elastomer blend for inner tube applications can have a hardness retention (hardness change) from as - received to aged (after hot air aging at 125 °C for 7 days) of about - 5 Shore A to about 5 Shore A.

[0110] A suitable elastomer blend for inner tube applications can have an ultimate tensile strength (as - received) of about 10.0 MPa to about 12.0 MPa.

[0111] A suitable elastomer blend for inner tube applications can have an ultimate tensile strength (after hot air aging at 125 °C for 3 days) of about 8.0 MPa to about 9.0 MPa.

[0112] A suitable elastomer blend for inner tube applications can have an ultimate tensile strength (after hot air aging at 125 °C for 7 days) of about 6.5 MPa to about 8.5 MPa.

[0113] A suitable elastomeric blend for inner tube applications can have a retention rate of the tensile strength at break (change in tensile strength) from the original to the aged state (hot air aging at 125 °C for 3 days) of about 13% to about 30%. The corresponding retention values are in the range of about 70% to about 87%.

[0114] A suitable elastomeric blend for inner tube applications can have a retention rate of the tensile strength at break (change in tensile strength) from the original to the aged state (hot air aging at 125 °C for 7 days) of about 15% to about 45%. The corresponding retention values are in the range of about 55% to about 85%.

[0115] A suitable elastomeric blend for inner tube applications can have a fracture energy (original) of about 11.5 J to about 12.5 J.

[0116] A suitable elastomeric blend for inner tube applications can have a fracture energy of about 8.0 J to about 9.0 J (hot air aging at 125 °C for 3 days).

[0117] A suitable elastomeric blend for inner tube applications can have a fracture energy of about 7.0 J to about 8.5 J (hot air aging at 125 °C for 7 days).

[0118] A suitable elastomeric blend for inner tube applications can have a tear resistance (original) of about 34 N / mm to about 38 N / mm.

[0119] A suitable elastomeric blend for inner tube applications can have a tear resistance of about 28 N / mm to about 34 N / mm (hot air aging at 125 °C for 3 days).

[0120] A suitable elastomeric blend for inner tube applications can have a tear resistance of about 23 N / mm to about 30 N / mm (hot air aging at 125 °C for 7 days).

[0121] A suitable elastomeric blend for inner tube applications can have a retention rate of the tear resistance (change in tear resistance) from the original to the aged state (hot air aging at 125 °C for 3 days) of about 12% to about 22%. The corresponding retention values are in the range of about 78% to about 88%.

[0122] A suitable elastomeric blend for inner tube applications can have a retention rate of the tear resistance (change in tear resistance) from the original to the aged state (hot air aging at 125 °C for 7 days) of about 22% to about 30%. The corresponding retention values are in the range of about 70% to about 88%.

[0123] Suitable elastomeric blends for inner tube applications can have a fatigue failure life test (FTFT) of from about 50 KCs to about 120 KCs, or from about 50 KCs to about 80 KCs, or from about 70 KCs to about 120 KCs.

[0124] Suitable elastomeric blends for inner tube applications can have a tensile strain of from about 15% to about 18% (as received at 105 °C).

[0125] Suitable elastomeric blends for inner tube applications can have a tensile strain of from about 9.0% to about 10.5% (as received at 105 °C, heat air aged at 125 °C for 3 days).

[0126] Suitable elastomeric blends for inner tube applications can have a tensile strain of from about 24.4% to about 26.5% (as received at 125 °C).

[0127] Suitable elastomeric blends for inner tube applications can have a tensile strain of from about 15.5% to about 17.0% (as received or green at 125 °C, heat air aged at 125 °C for 3 days). Inner liner

[0128] Preferably, for inner liner applications, the elastomeric blend can comprise from about 25 wt% to about 90 wt% of a brominated isobutylene - para - methylstyrene copolymer, and a non - zero amount of a secondary elastomer comprising butyl rubber, based on the total polymer mass. More preferably, for inner liner applications, the elastomeric blend can comprise from about 50 wt% to about 90 wt% of a brominated isobutylene - para - methylstyrene copolymer, and a non - zero amount of a secondary elastomer comprising butyl rubber, based on the total polymer mass. Even more preferably, for inner liner applications, the elastomeric blend can comprise from about 70 wt% to about 90 wt% (e.g., 80 wt%) of a brominated isobutylene - para - methylstyrene copolymer, and a non - zero amount of a secondary elastomer comprising butyl rubber, based on the total polymer mass.

[0129] Preferably, for inner liner applications, the brominated isobutylene - para - methylstyrene copolymer can have a Mooney viscosity of from about 30 MU to about 40 MU (e.g., about 35 MU). Further, the brominated isobutylene - para - methylstyrene copolymer can comprise from about 8 wt% to about 12 wt%, or from about 9 wt% to about 11 wt%, or about 10 wt% of para - methylstyrene or brominated para - methylstyrene monomer units and from about 0.6 mol% to about 1.0 mol%, or from about 0.7 mol% to about 0.9 mol%, or about 0.8 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutylene - para - methylstyrene copolymer.

[0130] When vulcanized, such elastomeric blends suitable for innerliner applications can exhibit enhanced adhesion relative to bromobutyl rubber commonly used to form tire innerliners. Generally, butyl rubber exhibits reduced adhesion compared to bromobutyl rubber. Thus, the ability of brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer to improve the adhesion of butyl rubber to a level superior to that of bromobutyl rubber is particularly surprising.

[0131] Suitable elastomeric blends for innerliner applications can have a Mooney viscosity (ML(1 + 4), at 100 °C) of from about 53.0 MU to about 65.0 MU.

[0132] Suitable elastomeric blends for innerliner applications can have an MH - ML (Moving Die Rheometer (MDR), 180 °C, 30 minutes, 0.5° test angle) of about 4.0 dNm or less, or about 3.9 dNm.

[0133] Suitable elastomeric blends for innerliner applications can have a hardness (original, cured at 175 °C) of from about 47 Shore A to about 52 Shore A.

[0134] Suitable elastomeric blends for innerliner applications can have a self - adhesion peak load of from about 150 N to about 300 N.

[0135] Suitable elastomeric blends for innerliner applications can have a carcass adhesion peak load of from about 80 N to about 200 N. Airbag

[0136] More preferably, for airbag applications, the elastomeric blend can comprise from about 10 wt% to about 90 wt% of brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer, and a non - zero amount of a secondary elastomer comprising butyl rubber, based on the total polymer mass. More preferably, for airbag applications, the elastomeric blend can comprise from about 10 wt% to about 30 wt% or from about 10 wt% to about 20 wt% of brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer, and a non - zero amount of a secondary elastomer comprising butyl rubber, based on the total polymer mass.

[0137] Preferably, for airbag applications, the brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer can have a Mooney viscosity of from about 40 MU to about 50 MU (e.g., about 45 MU). Further, the brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer can comprise from about 3 wt% to about 7 wt%, or from about 4 wt% to about 6 wt%, or about 5 wt% of p - methylstyrene or brominated p - methylstyrene monomer units and from about 0.3 mol% to about 0.7 mol%, or from about 0.4 mol% to about 0.6 mol%, or about 0.5 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer.

[0138] When vulcanized, such elastomeric blends suitable for bladder applications can exhibit at least one property value that exceeds at least one property of butyl rubber alone. In non-limiting examples, the values of failure fatigue, fracture energy, peak load, and tear strength can exceed the corresponding values of butyl rubber alone.

[0139] A suitable elastomeric blend for bladder applications can have a Mooney viscosity (ML(1+4), at 100 °C) of about 68.0 MU to about 73.0 MU.

[0140] A suitable elastomeric blend for bladder applications can have a Mooney scorch (T5, 125 °C) of about 8.0 minutes to about 11.0 minutes.

[0141] A suitable elastomeric blend for bladder applications can have an MH-ML (Moving Die Rheometer (MDR), 180 °C, 30 minutes, 0.5° test angle) of about 6.0 dNm or less, or about 4.5 dNm to about 6.0 dNm, or about 5.0 dNm to about 6.0 dNm.

[0142] A suitable elastomeric blend for bladder applications can have a hardness (as received) of about 45 Shore A to about 55 Shore A.

[0143] A suitable elastomeric blend for bladder applications can have a tear resistance (as received) of about 37 N / mm to about 42 N / mm. Bushing

[0144] Preferably, for bushing applications, the elastomeric blend can comprise about 30 wt% to about 50 wt% (e.g., 40 wt%) of brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, and a non-zero amount of a secondary elastomer comprising polyisoprene, more preferably natural rubber, based on the total polymer mass.

[0145] Preferably, for bushing applications, the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer can have a Mooney viscosity of about 30 MU to about 40 MU (e.g., about 35 MU). Further, the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer can comprise about 3 wt% to about 7 wt%, or about 4 wt% to about 6 wt%, or about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.5 mol% to about 0.9 mol%, or about 0.6 mol% to about 0.8 mol%, or about 0.7 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0146] When vulcanized, such elastomeric blends suitable for bushing applications can exhibit at least one property value that exceeds at least one property of polyisoprene alone. In non-limiting examples, the values of tanδ, hardness, elongation at break, and tear resistance can exceed the values of at least one property of polyisoprene alone.

[0147] A suitable elastomeric blend for bushing applications can have a Mooney viscosity (ML(1+4), at 100 °C) of about 52 MU to about 56 MU, or about 54 MU.

[0148] A suitable elastomeric blend for bushing applications can have a Mooney scorch (T5, 125 °C) of about 10.0 minutes or less, or about 6.5 minutes to about 10.0 minutes, or about 7.5 minutes to about 8.0 minutes.

[0149] A suitable elastomeric blend for bushing applications can have an MH-ML (Moving Die Rheometer (MDR), 160 °C, 60 min, 0.5° test angle) of about 5.5 dNm to about 7.0 dNm, or about 6.0 dNm to about 7.0 dNm, or about 6.3 dNm.

[0150] A suitable elastomeric blend for bushing applications can have a hardness (original) of about 48 Shore A to about 55 Shore A (or about 50 Shore A to about 53 Shore A).

[0151] A suitable elastomeric blend for bushing applications can have a hardness (after 3 days of hot air aging at 100 °C) of about 54 Shore A to about 57 Shore A or about 55 Shore A.

[0152] A suitable elastomeric blend for bushing applications can have a hardness retention (hardness change) from original to aged (after 3 days of hot air aging at 100 °C) of about 0 Shore A to about 5 Shore A.

[0153] A suitable elastomeric blend for bushing applications can have a tensile strength at break (original) of about 18 MPa to about 23 MPa.

[0154] A suitable elastomeric blend for bushing applications can have a tensile strength at break (after 3 days of hot air aging at 100 °C) of about 15 MPa to about 20 MPa.

[0155] A suitable elastomeric blend for bushing applications can have a retention rate of tensile strength at break from original to aged (after 3 days of hot air aging at 100 °C) of about 13% to about 16% (change in tensile strength). The corresponding retention values are in the range of about 84% to about 87%.

[0156] A suitable elastomer blend for bushing applications may have a tear energy (as-received) of from about 17.0 J to about 23.0 J, or from about 20.0 J to about 22.0 J.

[0157] A suitable elastomer blend for bushing applications may have a tear energy (after 3 days of hot air aging at 100 °C) of from about 16.0 J to about 21.0 J, or from about 17.0 J to about 20.0 J.

[0158] A suitable elastomer blend for bushing applications may have a tear resistance (as-received) of from about 55 N / mm to about 70 N / mm, or from about 60 N / mm to about 70 N / mm.

[0159] A suitable elastomer blend for bushing applications may have a tear resistance (after 3 days of hot air aging at 100 °C) of from about 45 N / mm to about 65 N / mm, or from about 50 N / mm to about 60 N / mm.

[0160] A suitable elastomer blend for bushing applications may have a retention rate of tear resistance (change in tear resistance) from as-received to aged (after 3 days of hot air aging at 100 °C) of from about 15% to about 18% (or from about 40% to about 45%). The corresponding retention values are in the range of from about 82% to about 85%.

[0161] A suitable elastomer blend for bushing applications may have a compression set of from about 35% to about 50% (or from about 40% to about 45%).

[0162] A suitable elastomer blend for bushing applications may have a fatigue failure life test (FTFT) of from about 35 KCs to about 45 KCs.

[0163] A suitable elastomer blend for bushing applications may have a damping (tanδ, 15 Hz, amplitude ±0.5 mm) of from about 0.2 to about 0.3, or from about 0.23 to about 0.29, or about 0.26 at 25 °C.

[0164] A suitable elastomer blend for bushing applications may have a damping (tanδ, 15 Hz, amplitude ±0.5 mm) of from about 0.1 to about 0.3, or from about 0.10 to about 0.25, or from about 0.15 to about 0.22, or about 0.19 at 50 °C.

[0165] A suitable elastomer blend for bushing applications may have a damping (tanδ, 15 Hz, amplitude ±0.5 mm) of from about 0.1 to about 0.3, or from about 0.10 to about 0.25, or from about 0.12 to about 0.18, or about 0.16 at 100 °C.

[0166] A suitable elastomer blend for bushing applications can have a damping (tanδ, 15 Hz, amplitude ±0.5 mm) of from about 0.1 to about 0.3, or from about 0.10 to about 0.25, or from about 0.11 to about 0.17, or about 0.15 at 120 °C. Additional embodiments

[0167] The embodiments disclosed herein include:

[0168] A. Elastomer blend. The elastomer blend comprises: about 25 wt% or more of a brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass; and a non-zero amount of a secondary elastomer; wherein the secondary elastomer is not bromobutyl rubber; and wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer does not contain a diene comonomer.

[0169] A1. A tire or tire component comprising an elastomer blend of A in a vulcanized form at at least one location. A1a. A tire comprising a liner, the liner comprising an elastomer blend of A in a vulcanized form. A1b. A tire comprising an inner tube, the inner tube comprising an elastomer blend of A in a vulcanized form.

[0170] A2. An inflatable bladder for a tire, the inflatable bladder comprising an elastomer blend of A in a vulcanized form.

[0171] A3. A bushing comprising an elastomer blend of A in a vulcanized form.

[0172] Embodiments A - A3 can have one or more of the following elements present in any combination.

[0173] Element 1: wherein the secondary elastomer comprises at least one elastomeric polymer selected from butyl rubber, polyisoprene, and any combination thereof.

[0174] Element 2: wherein the elastomer blend comprises from about 25 wt% to about 90 wt% of a brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass.

[0175] Element 3: wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of from about 30 Mooney units to about 50 Mooney units (ML 1+8, 125 °C, ASTM D1646-19a).

[0176] Element 4: wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises from about 3 wt% to about 12 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and from about 0.3 mol% to about 1.0 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0177] Element 5: wherein said auxiliary elastomer comprises polyisoprene, and said elastomer blend comprises from about 30 wt% to about 50 wt% of brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass.

[0178] Element 6: wherein said brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and said brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of said brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0179] Element 7: wherein said elastomer blend, when vulcanized, exhibits at least one property having a value greater than that of said at least one property of polyisoprene alone, said at least one property being selected from: tanδ, hardness, elongation at break, tear resistance, and any combination thereof.

[0180] Element 8: wherein said auxiliary elastomer comprises butyl rubber, and said composition comprises from about 25 wt% to about 90 wt% of brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass.

[0181] Element 9: wherein said elastomer blend comprises from about 30 wt% to about 70 wt% of brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass.

[0182] Element 10: wherein said brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and said brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of said brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0183] Element 11: wherein said elastomer blend, when vulcanized, exhibits at least one property having a value greater than that of at least one property of butyl rubber alone and at least one property of brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer alone, said at least one property being selected from: tensile strength at break, elongation at break, tear resistance, and any combination thereof.

[0184] Element 12: wherein said brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 45 Mooney units, and said brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.5 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of said brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0185] Element 13: wherein the elastomeric blend, when vulcanized, exhibits a value of at least one property that exceeds the value of at least one property of the butyl rubber alone and the value of at least one property of the brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer alone, the at least one property being selected from: failure fatigue, fracture energy, peak load, tear resistance, and any combination thereof.

[0186] Element 14: wherein the elastomeric blend comprises from about 50 wt% to about 90 wt% of a brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass.

[0187] Element 15: wherein the brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 10 wt% of p - methylstyrene or brominated p - methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.8 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer.

[0188] Element 16: wherein the elastomeric blend, when vulcanized, exhibits an adhesion value that exceeds the adhesion value of the brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer alone.

[0189] Element 17: wherein the elastomeric blend is vulcanized.

[0190] The present disclosure also relates to the following non - limiting embodiments: Embodiment 1. An elastomeric blend comprising: Based on the total polymer mass, about 25 wt% or more of a brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer; and A non - zero amount of an auxiliary elastomer; wherein the auxiliary elastomer is not brominated butyl rubber; and wherein the brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer does not contain a diene comonomer. Embodiment 2. The elastomeric blend of Embodiment 1, wherein the auxiliary elastomer comprises at least one elastomeric polymer selected from butyl rubber, polyisoprene, and any combination thereof. Embodiment 3. The elastomeric blend of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, wherein the elastomeric blend comprises from about 25 wt% to about 90 wt% of a brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass. Embodiment 4. The elastomeric blend of any one of Embodiments 1 - 3, wherein the brominated isobutene - p - methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of from about 30 Mooney units to about 50 Mooney units (ML 1 + 8, 125 °C, ASTM D1646 - 19a). Embodiment 5. An elastomeric blend according to any one of Embodiments 1-4, wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises from about 3 wt% to about 12 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and from about 0.3 mol% to about 1.0 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Embodiment 6. An elastomeric blend according to any one of Embodiments 1-5, wherein the auxiliary elastomer comprises polyisoprene, and the elastomeric blend comprises from about 30 wt% to about 50 wt% of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass. Embodiment 7. The elastomeric blend of Embodiment 6, wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Embodiment 8. The elastomeric blend of Embodiment 6 or Embodiment 7, wherein the elastomeric blend exhibits, when vulcanized, at least one property having a value greater than that of the at least one property of polyisoprene alone, the at least one property being selected from: tan δ, hardness, elongation at break, tear resistance, and any combination thereof. Embodiment 9. An elastomeric blend according to any one of Embodiments 1-5, wherein the auxiliary elastomer comprises butyl rubber, and the composition comprises from about 25 wt% to about 90 wt% of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass. Embodiment 10. The elastomeric blend of Embodiment 9, wherein the elastomeric blend comprises from about 30 wt% to about 70 wt% of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass. Embodiment 11. The elastomeric blend of Embodiment 9 or Embodiment 10, wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Embodiment 12. The elastomeric blend of Embodiment 10 or Embodiment 11, wherein the elastomeric blend exhibits, when vulcanized, at least one property having a value greater than that of at least one property of butyl rubber alone and at least one property of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer alone, the at least one property being selected from: tensile strength at break, elongation at break, tear resistance, and any combination thereof. Embodiment 13. An elastomeric blend of Embodiment 9 or Embodiment 10, wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 45 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.5 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Embodiment 14. An elastomeric blend of Embodiment 10 or Embodiment 13, wherein the elastomeric blend, when vulcanized, exhibits at least one property value that exceeds the value of at least one property of the butyl rubber alone and the value of at least one property of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer alone, and the at least one property is selected from: failure fatigue, fracture energy, peak load, tear resistance, and any combination thereof. Embodiment 15. An elastomeric blend of Embodiment 9, wherein the elastomeric blend contains about 50 wt% to about 90 wt% of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass. Embodiment 16. An elastomeric blend of Embodiment 9 or Embodiment 15, wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 10 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.8 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Embodiment 17. An elastomeric blend of Embodiment 15 or Embodiment 16, wherein the elastomeric blend, when vulcanized, exhibits an adhesion value that exceeds the adhesion value of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer alone. Embodiment 18. An elastomeric blend of any of the above embodiments, wherein the elastomeric blend is vulcanized. Embodiment 19. A tire that contains the elastomeric blend of Embodiment 1 in a vulcanized form at at least one location. Embodiment 20. The tire of Embodiment 19, wherein the inner tube of the tire contains the elastomeric blend in a vulcanized form. Embodiment 21. The tire of Embodiment 20, wherein the auxiliary elastomer comprises butyl rubber, and the elastomeric blend contains about 25 wt% to about 90 wt% of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass. Embodiment 22. The composition of Embodiment 20 or Embodiment 21, wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Embodiment 23. The tire of Embodiment 19, wherein the inner liner of the tire comprises an elastomeric blend in a vulcanized form. Embodiment 24. The tire of Embodiment 23, wherein the auxiliary elastomer comprises butyl rubber, and the composition comprises about 50 wt% to about 90 wt% of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass. Embodiment 25. The tire of Embodiment 23 or Embodiment 24, wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 10 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.8 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Embodiment 26. An airbag for forming a tire, the airbag comprising the elastomeric blend of Embodiment 1 in a vulcanized form. Embodiment 27. The tire of Embodiment 26, wherein the auxiliary elastomer comprises butyl rubber, and the elastomeric blend comprises about 25 wt% to about 90 wt% of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass. Embodiment 28. The tire of Embodiment 26 or Embodiment 27, wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 45 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.5 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Embodiment 29. A bushing, comprising the elastomeric blend of Embodiment 6 in a vulcanized form. Embodiment 30. The bushing of Embodiment 29, wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0191] To assist in better understanding the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the following examples of preferred or representative embodiments are given. The following examples should in no way be construed as limiting, or defining the entire scope of the invention. Example

[0192] Example 1. Six elastomer blends were prepared with the compositions of Table 1 under the Banbury mixer mixing conditions of Table 2. The properties of the elastomer blends are provided in Table 3. Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 In Table 3, for the tensile, tear, and hardness measurements, curing was carried out at 180 °C, TC 90 + 2 MDR.

[0193] Increasing the anti-reversion property can translate into property retention over time, which can improve the life cycle of the tire component. Comparing the cure performance recoveries of 1%, 5%, and 10%, blending EXXPRO TM 3433 with EXXON TM BUTYL 268S (Samples 1-1 and 1-2) increased the anti-reversion property. The recovery values not reported in Table 3 indicate that under the test conditions, the elastomer blend did not reach the indicated recovery level (e.g., 1%, 5%, or 10%). Thus, the blend of EXXPRO TM 3433 with EXXON TM BUTYL 268S experienced comparable or improved reversion relative to butyl rubber itself.

[0194] Figure 2 And Figure 3 Are plots of the tensile strength retention and tear strength retention, respectively, of the samples of Example 1 after aging in hot air at 125 °C for 3 days or 7 days. The reduction in tensile strength after aging in hot air at 125 °C for 7 days is as Figure 2 Shown, and the tear strength retention after aging in hot air at 125 °C for 3 days or 7 days is as Figure 3 Shown. As shown, EXXON TMBUTYL 268S (Control Sample 1) degrades during hot air aging due to its high tensile strength retention rate of 66.13% and high tear strength retention rate of 45.93%. The lower values of Samples 1-1 and 1-2 indicate that blending EXXPRO TM 3433 with EXXON TM BUTYL 268S provides better retention of tensile and tear properties. The increased tensile strength retention rate and tear strength retention rate can be correlated with an increased life cycle of the elastomeric blend.

[0195] Higher FTFT values also indicate an increased life cycle. As shown in Table 3, blending EXXPRO TM 3433 into EXXON TM BUTYL 268S improves FTFT performance.

[0196] Lower values of tensile deformation before or after aging also indicate an increased life cycle. As shown in Table 3, blending EXXPRO TM 3433 into EXXON TM BUTYL 268S also reduces the tensile deformation value.

[0197] Figure 4 is a plot of the cure rate index (CRI) of the elastomeric blend of Example 1. Higher CRI translates to reduced cure time and energy savings. As shown, Samples 1-1 and 1-2 exhibit a higher cure rate index than the EXXON TM BUTYL 268S butyl rubber control sample.

[0198] Thus, as shown in Table 3, at least one of Samples 1-1 and 1-2 exhibits the original breaking tensile strength, original breaking elongation, fracture energy, original tear resistance, and FTFT performance.

[0199] Example 2. Five elastomeric blends were prepared with the compositions specified in Table 4. The properties of the elastomeric blends are provided in Table 5. Table 4 Table 5

[0200] As shown in Table 5, depending on the type of measurement, Samples 2-1 and 2-2 exhibit increased adhesion relative to the comparative bromobutyl rubber. Similarly, depending on the type of measurement, in some cases, the measured adhesion is higher than that of brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0201] As shown, the gas permeability of the sample is better than that of bromobutyl rubber, and in some cases, the permeability is even slightly lower than that of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer itself.

[0202] Example 3. Nine elastomeric blends were prepared with the compositions specified in Table 6. The properties of the rubber blends are provided in Table 7. Table 6 Table 7 Table 7, continued

[0203] As shown in Table 7, in the range of 10 phr to 30 phr of brominated isobutylene p-methylstyrene copolymer, the elastomeric blends exhibited significantly improved fatigue failure properties relative to the control samples. The improved fatigue failure properties may be beneficial for the multiple construction and repeated use of air bladders during tire manufacturing. Additionally, in some cases, the energy to break, break stress, and break strain were higher than either of the control samples.

[0204] Example 4. Two elastomeric blends were prepared as described in Table 8 under the Banbury mixer mixing conditions of Table 9. The properties of the rubber blends are provided in Table 10. Table 8 a VULTAC TM #5 (Pennwalt) is an alkylphenol disulfide stabilizing additive. Table 9 Table 10 In Table 10, for tensile, tear, and hardness measurements, curing was carried out at 160 °C, TC 90 + 2 MDR, and for compression set, curing was carried out at 160 °C, TC 90 + 5 MDR.

[0205] As shown, compared with the control sample, Sample 4-1 can be discharged at a higher temperature, which can reduce the mixing cycle and energy consumption.

[0206] Comparing the scorch safety curing properties (TS2 and TS5), the higher values of Sample 4-1 indicate less premature vulcanization.

[0207] Bushings are usually used for a long time. The higher values of anti-recovery (recovery 1%, recovery 5% and recovery 10%) indicate that Sample 4-1 can better maintain its properties over time compared to the control sample.

[0208] As shown in Table 10, natural rubber degrades with hot air aging, characterized by its high tensile strength retention rate of 17.33% and high tear strength retention rate of 20.52%. EXXPRO TM The blend of EXXPRO 3433 and natural rubber significantly improves the tensile strength retention rate and tear strength retention rate, which can provide an extended life cycle.

[0209] Higher FTFT values also indicate an increased life cycle. EXXPRO TM The blend of EXXPRO 3433 and natural rubber improves the FTFT performance and can result in a longer life cycle.

[0210] The lower change values of hardness and elongation at break after aging also indicate a longer life cycle. EXXPRO TM The blend of EXXPRO 3433 and natural rubber reduces the change in hardness from 7 Shore A to 3 Shore A and reduces the change in elongation at break from 18.96% to 13.69%, which can provide an extended life cycle.

[0211] The higher tanδ values of Sample 4-1 in a certain temperature range are related to the improvement of damping performance. The damping improvement may be beneficial for the production of bushings and damping vibrations with them.

[0212] In view of the foregoing description, many changes, modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure, and when numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are listed herein, ranges from any lower limit to any upper limit are considered.

[0213] All documents described herein, including any priority documents and / or test procedures, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent permitted by all applicable rights. From the foregoing general description and the specific embodiments, it will be apparent that while forms of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited thereby. For example, the compositions described herein may exclude any component or composition not specifically recited or disclosed herein. Any method may lack any step not recited or disclosed herein. Similarly, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the term "including". Whenever a method, composition, element, or group of elements is preceded by the transitional term "comprising", it should be understood that the same method, composition, element, or group of elements is also contemplated wherein the transitional phrase "consisting essentially of", "consisting of", "selected from", or "is" precedes the recited composition, element, or elements, and vice versa.

[0214] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, and the like used in the specification and the appended claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the embodiments of the present disclosure. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0215] Whenever a numerical range having a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, each range of values disclosed herein (of the form "from about a to about b", or equivalently "from approximately a to b", or equivalently "from approximately a - b") should be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Additionally, the terms in the claims have their ordinary and customary meanings unless the patentee has otherwise clearly and expressly defined them. Further, the indefinite articles "a" or "an" as used in the claims are defined herein to mean one or more of the elements that they introduce.

[0216] One or more exemplary embodiments are provided herein. For clarity, not all features of a physical implementation are described or shown in this application. It should be understood that in developing a physical implementation incorporating the present disclosure, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's goals, such as compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related, and other constraints, which vary depending on the implementation and change over time. Although the efforts of developers may be time-consuming, such efforts are still routine tasks for those of ordinary skill in the art and are benefited by the present disclosure.

[0217] Accordingly, the present disclosure is well-suited to obtaining the advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. The specific embodiments disclosed above are merely exemplary, as the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent ways that would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art who have benefited from the teachings herein. Additionally, there is no intention to limit the details of the construction or design shown herein other than as described in the following claims. Therefore, it is apparent that the specific exemplary embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified, and all such variations are considered to be within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced appropriately without any element not specifically disclosed herein and / or any optional element disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An elastomeric blend comprising: Based on the total polymer mass, about 25 wt% or more of a brominated isobutylene - p-methylstyrene copolymer; and A non-zero amount of a secondary elastomer; Wherein the secondary elastomer is not bromobutyl rubber; and Wherein the brominated isobutylene - p-methylstyrene copolymer does not contain a diene comonomer.

2. The elastomeric blend of claim 1, wherein the secondary elastomer comprises at least one elastomeric polymer selected from butyl rubber, polyisoprene, and any combination thereof.

3. The elastomeric blend of claim 2, wherein the elastomeric blend comprises about 25 wt% to about 90 wt% of the brominated isobutylene - p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass.

4. The elastomeric blend of claim 2, wherein the brominated isobutylene - p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 30 Mooney units to about 50 Mooney units (ML 1+8, 125 °C, ASTM D1646-19a).

5. The elastomeric blend of claim 2, wherein the brominated isobutylene - p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 3 wt% to about 12 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.3 mol% to about 1.0 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutylene - p-methylstyrene copolymer.

6. The elastomeric blend of claim 1, wherein the secondary elastomer comprises polyisoprene, and the elastomeric blend comprises about 30 wt% to about 50 wt% of the brominated isobutylene - p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass.

7. The elastomeric blend of claim 6, wherein the brominated isobutylene - p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene - p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutylene - p-methylstyrene copolymer.

8. The elastomeric blend of claim 7, wherein the elastomeric blend, when vulcanized, exhibits at least one property having a value greater than at least one property of the polyisoprene alone, the at least one property being selected from: tanδ, hardness, elongation at break, tear resistance, and any combination thereof.

9. The elastomeric blend of claim 1, wherein the secondary elastomer comprises butyl rubber, and the composition comprises about 25 wt% to about 90 wt% of the brominated isobutylene - p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass.

10. The elastomeric blend of claim 9, wherein the elastomeric blend comprises about 30 wt% to about 70 wt% of the brominated isobutylene - p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass.

11. The elastomeric blend of claim 10, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol% bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

12. The elastomeric blend of claim 11, wherein the elastomeric blend, when vulcanized, exhibits at least one property value that exceeds the value of at least one property of the butyl rubber alone and the value of at least one property of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer alone, the at least one property being selected from: tensile strength at break, elongation at break, tear resistance, and any combination thereof.

13. The elastomeric blend of claim 9, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 45 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.5 mol% bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

14. The elastomeric blend of claim 13, wherein the elastomeric blend, when vulcanized, exhibits at least one property value that exceeds the value of at least one property of the butyl rubber alone and the value of at least one property of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer alone, the at least one property being selected from: fatigue to failure, fracture energy, peak load, tear resistance, and any combination thereof.

15. The elastomeric blend of claim 9, wherein the elastomeric blend comprises about 50 wt% to about 90 wt% of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass.

16. The elastomeric blend of claim 15, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 10 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.8 mol% bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

17. The elastomeric blend of claim 16, wherein the elastomeric blend, when vulcanized, exhibits an adhesion value that exceeds the adhesion value of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer alone.

18. The elastomeric blend of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric blend is vulcanized.

19. A tire that comprises the elastomeric blend of claim 1 in a vulcanized form at at least one location.

20. The tire of claim 19, wherein the inner tube of the tire comprises the elastomeric blend in a vulcanized form.

21. The tire of claim 20, wherein the auxiliary elastomer comprises butyl rubber, and the elastomeric blend comprises about 25 wt% to about 90 wt% of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass.

22. The composition of claim 21, wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

23. The tire of claim 19, wherein the inner liner of the tire comprises an elastomeric blend in a vulcanized form.

24. The tire of claim 23, wherein the auxiliary elastomer comprises butyl rubber, and the composition comprises about 50 wt% to about 90 wt% of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass.

25. The tire of claim 24, wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 10 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.8 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

26. An airbag for forming a tire, the airbag comprising the elastomeric blend of claim 1 in a vulcanized form.

27. The tire of claim 26, wherein the auxiliary elastomer comprises butyl rubber, and the elastomeric blend comprises about 25 wt% to about 90 wt% of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total polymer mass.

28. The tire of claim 27, wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 45 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.5 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

29. A bushing comprising the elastomeric blend of claim 6 in a vulcanized form.

30. The bushing of claim 29, wherein the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5 wt% of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol% of bromine, each based on the total mass of the brominated isobutene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

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