Elastomer blends containing brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymers and tires or tire components containing same

Abstract

The elastomer blend may include about 25% by weight or more of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer; and a non-zero amount of a companion elastomer. The companion elastomer is not bromobutyl rubber, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer does not contain a diene comonomer. Suitable companion elastomers may include, but are not limited to, bromobutyl rubber and natural or synthetic polyisoprene. Advantageous properties can be achieved using the specified amounts of each companion elastomer. The elastomer blend may be utilized in various locations within a tire or in the components used to make the tire.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 432,751, filed December 15, 2022, entitled "Elastomer Blends Comprising Brominated Isobutylene-P-Methylstyrene Copolymers and Tires or Tire Components Containing Same," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to elastomer blends including brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymers. Such elastomer blends may be useful for producing various tire components or components used in connection with tire manufacturing. [Background technology]

[0003] A tire is a strong, plastic rubber casing attached to the rim of a vehicle wheel (e.g., car, bicycle, truck, bus, airplane, etc.). Depending on the type of target vehicle, the tire can feature various types of engineering and internal components that provide high levels of comfort, performance, efficiency, reliability, and safety. Furthermore, tires can utilize a wide range of different types of rubber components (elastomers) in various locations to achieve durability and chemical resistance across a range of potential operating environments. In addition to the rubber component, other additives such as carbon black and silica, which provide reinforcement, may be present in the elastomer blend (rubber blend) to improve properties such as tear strength, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance. Antioxidants, antiozonants, and curatives (cure inducers) may also be present in the elastomer blends used to produce the various components within the tire.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an exemplary tire. As shown, the tire 100 includes a tire sidewall 102, a first belt 104, a second belt 106, a tread 108, beads 110, an inner liner 112, a first body ply 114, and a second body ply 116. Various types of elastomer blends may be used in these various tire components. The inner tube (not illustrated) is an inflatable tube containing air that is located between the metal rim of a wheel and the inner liner 112 in the case of a tube-type tire. The plies 114 and 116 provide structure to the tire 100 and strength to maintain the air pressure within the inner tube. The plies 114 and 116 also provide strength and flexibility to the tire, maintaining the shape of the tire 100 under various road conditions. The beads 110 ensure an airtight fit to the wheel. The first belt 104 and second belt 106 provide stability and strength to the tread 108 of the tire 100. The innerliner 112 includes an elastomer blend with low gas permeability to help further retain the air pressure provided by the inner tube. The sidewall 102 covers the plies 114 and 116 on the sides of the tire 100 and provides protection from road and curb damage. The elastomer blend within the sidewall 102 may be formulated for toughness and resistance to ozone degradation. The tread 108 utilizes a suitable tread pattern and elastomer blend to provide grip and traction. The elastomer blend may also be present in components used to construct the tire, such as, for example, the inflation bladder. Both natural and synthetic rubber compounds may be present in elastomer blends utilized in various locations within tires or components used to form tires. Natural rubber can provide tear and fatigue crack resistance in tire components requiring these properties. Common synthetic rubber compounds utilized in tires include butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, and butyl rubber (polyisobutylene). Other commonly used synthetic rubber compounds include halogenated polyisobutylene rubbers, commonly known as halobutyl rubbers, including chlorobutyl and bromobutyl rubbers. Halobutyl rubbers may be used, for example, to make tire innerliners relatively impermeable and help maintain air pressure. Furthermore, halobutyl rubbers may undergo curing (crosslinking / vulcanization) more rapidly than butyl rubber itself. Brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymers may also be present in tire components in some cases. The saturated polymer backbone and bulky phenyl groups of such copolymers can provide improved heat resistance and reduced gas permeability compared to other types of synthetic rubbers. Several grades of brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymers are available from ExxonMobil Product Solutions under the trade name EXXPRO. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In some aspects, the present disclosure describes an elastomer blend comprising: about 25% by weight or more of a brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer; and a non-zero amount of a companion elastomer, wherein the companion elastomer is not bromobutyl rubber and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer does not comprise a diene comonomer. In some or other aspects, the present disclosure describes a tire, a component used to form a tire, or a bushing, comprising the above-described elastomer blend in vulcanized form. These and other features and attributes of the disclosed compositions and methods, and their advantageous applications and / or uses, will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. To assist those skilled in the art in making and using the subject matter, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure and should not be construed as exclusive. The disclosed subject matter is susceptible to possible changes, modifications, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those skilled in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an exemplary tire. [Figure 2] 1 is a plot of tensile strength retention and tear strength retention after aging samples of Example 1 under 125° C. hot air aging for 3 days or 7 days, respectively. [Figure 3] 1 is a plot of tensile strength retention and tear strength retention after aging samples of Example 1 under 125° C. hot air aging for 3 days or 7 days, respectively. [Figure 4] 1 is a plot of Cure Rate Index (CRI) for the elastomer blends of Example 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present disclosure relates to elastomer blends including brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymers. Such elastomer blends may be useful for producing various tire components or components used in connection with tire manufacturing. Elastomer blends containing different rubber compounds may be utilized in one or more components of a tire. A given rubber compound may be selected to impart one or more desired qualities to the tire depending on its location within the tire. Polymers that may be compounded into various components of the tire include brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymers.

[0008] As described herein, elastomer blends comprising brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymers in combination with suitable amounts of certain companion elastomers can provide surprising enhancements of one or more properties of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer and / or the companion elastomer alone. Furthermore, the elastomer blends disclosed herein can, in some cases, provide improved performance over comparative elastomer blends traditionally used in various tire components, thereby facilitating advantageous tire manufacturing in one or more aspects. Such comparative elastomer blends may or may not include the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer and / or the companion elastomer. Advantageously, depending on the selected companion elastomer and the amount thereof used in combination with the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, the properties of the elastomer blends disclosed herein can be tailored for their specific location within a tire or incorporation into a tire manufacturing process to provide their advantageous enhancements. Thus, the present disclosure provides brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymers as a common elastomer source material that can be compounded in a variety of ways by blending with a given companion elastomer to facilitate the production of specific types of tire components and have a range of desirable properties.

[0009] All numerical values ​​in the detailed description and claims herein are modified by "about" or "approximately" with respect to the stated value to account for experimental error and variations that would be expected by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used in this disclosure and the claims, the singular article forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and / or" as used herein in phrases such as "A and / or B" is intended to include "A and B," "A or B," or "A" and "B." For the purposes of this disclosure, a new numbering scheme for the Groups of the Periodic Table is used, in which the Groups (columns) are numbered sequentially from 1 to 18 from left to right. Unless otherwise specified, room temperature (RT) is approximately 23°C.

[0010] The term "phr" means parts per hundred parts of rubber and is a common measure in the art, where the components of an elastomer blend are measured relative to the total mass of all of the elastomeric (rubber) components present therein. The total phr or parts for all rubber components is always defined as 100 phr, regardless of whether one, two, three, or more different rubber components are present in a given elastomer blend. All other non-rubber components of the elastomer blend are designated as a ratio to 100 parts rubber and expressed in phr. The term "elastomer," as used herein, refers to any polymer or combination of polymers that meets the definition in ASTM D1566, which is incorporated herein by reference. As used herein, the term "elastomer" may be used interchangeably with the term "rubber." The terms "vulcanization," "vulcanized," and other grammatical forms thereof refer to the crosslinking of one or more elastomers within an elastomer blend.

[0011] The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may include at least about 10 wt.%, or at least about 20 wt.%, or at least about 25 wt.%, of a brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer; and a non-zero amount of a companion elastomer. Preferably, the companion polymer is not a bromobutyl rubber, and / or the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer does not contain a diene comonomer. Depending on the companion elastomer and its amount, advantageous properties such as improved impermeability, flex fatigue, thermal and oxidative stability, and steam aging performance may be realized. In further specific examples, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer can be present in the elastomer blend in an amount of about 10% to 95% by weight, or about 20% to 75% by weight, or about 25% to 90% by weight, or about 50% to 90% by weight, or about 30% to 70% by weight, or about 50% to 70% by weight, or about 25% to about 80% by weight, or about 25% to about 50% by weight, or about 10% to about 50% by weight, or about 10% to about 30% by weight, each based on the total weight of polymers in the elastomer blend. The amount of brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer present in the elastomer blend can vary based on the desired application or the components being produced, such as a given component of a tire or components used to make a tire. For example, in the case of a tire inner tube, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may more preferably be present in the elastomer blend in an amount of about 25% to 95%, or about 25% to 90%, or about 50% to 90%, or about 30% to 70%, or about 50% to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymers in the elastomer blend. In another example, in the case of an innerliner where improved adhesion is desired, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may more preferably be present in the elastomer blend in an amount of about 50% to 90%, or about 50% to 80%, or about 60% to 90%, or about 70% to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymers in the elastomer blend.In yet another example, for tire bladders used in tire construction, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may more preferably be present in the elastomer blend in an amount of about 10% to 95%, or about 20% to 75%, or about 25% to 70%, or about 20% to 50%, or about 10% to about 30%, or about 10% to about 20%, or about 20% to about 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymers in the elastomer blend. In yet another example, for bushings (e.g., silent block rubber bushings), the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may more preferably be present in the elastomer blend in an amount of about 30% to 50%, or about 30% to 45%, or about 35% to 50%, or about 35% to about 45% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymers in the elastomer blend.

[0012] Examples of suitable companion elastomers may include, but are not limited to, butyl rubber, polyisoprene (natural and / or synthetic rubber), and the like, and any combination thereof. As a non-limiting example, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer and companion elastomer may comprise the entire polymer in the elastomer blends described herein. Thus, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer and companion elastomer may total 100 parts of rubber in the elastomer blends described herein. In other words, if the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer is present in a weight percent range from A to B, the companion elastomer can be present in a weight percent range from 100-B to 100-A. Furthermore, alternatively, the entire rubber in the elastomer blends disclosed herein may consist of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer and companion elastomer.

[0013] In a non-limiting example, the butyl rubber may include an isobutylene-isoprene copolymer. Preferably, the isobutylene-isoprene copolymer may contain 0.5 mol% to 3 mol% isoprene, with the remainder being isobutylene. Examples of commercially available butyl rubbers may include, but are not limited to, EXXON™ BUTYL 365, EXXON™ BUTYL 065, EXXON™ BUTYL 065S, EXXON™ BUTYL 068, EXXON™ BUTYL 068S, EXXON™ BUTYL 268, EXXON™ BUTYL 268S (each a butyl rubber that is a copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene, available from ExxonMobil Product Solutions), and any combination thereof. In any embodiment herein, a suitable butyl rubber may be a non-halogenated butyl rubber. Thus, butyl rubbers suitable for use as companion polymers in the disclosure herein exclude chlorobutyl rubber, bromobutyl rubber, or any combination thereof. The elastomer blend may be completely or substantially free (less than about 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the elastomer blend) of bromobutyl rubber and / or chlorobutyl rubber. Butyl rubbers suitable for use as companion elastomers may have a Mooney viscosity (ML1+8, 125°C, ASTM D1646-19a) ranging 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.

[0014] As used herein, the term "polyisoprene," unless otherwise specified, refers to either natural rubber or synthetic polyisoprene, either of which may be suitable for use as a companion elastomer herein. Preferably, natural rubber is used when polyisoprene is selected as the companion elastomer. Natural rubber may be obtained from any suitable source. Examples of natural rubber that may be suitable include, but are not limited to, Natural Rubber Technical Rating Rubber (TSR) Grade 20, or Ribbed Smoked Sheet (RSS) Grade 2, Grade 3, or Grade 4, the like, and any combination thereof. The Mooney viscosity (ML1+4, 100° C., ASTM D1646-19a) of suitable polyisoprene rubbers may 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.

[0015] Examples of commercially available brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymers may include, but are not limited to, EXXPRO™ 3433, EXXPRO™ 3035, and EXXPRO™ 3563, all available from ExxonMobil Product Solutions. In a non-limiting example, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may contain (i) from about 3% to about 12%, or from about 4% to about 11%, or from about 5% to about 10% by weight 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% bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. In non-limiting examples, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may have a Mooney viscosity (ML1+8, 125° C., ASTM D1646-19a) ranging 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.

[0016] In some examples, the elastomeric blends disclosed herein may comprise about 25% to about 90% by weight of brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity (ML 1+8, 125°C, ASTM D1646-19a) ranging from about 30 MU to about 50 MU, and / or the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises about 5% to about 10% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units, and about 0.5 mol % to about 0.8 mol % of bromine, each based on the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. In further specific examples, the elastomer blends disclosed herein may comprise about 30% to about 50% by weight of a brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer having a Mooney viscosity of about 35 MU (ML 1+8, 125°C, ASTM D1646-19a), and / or the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer containing about 5% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol% bromine, each based on the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. The companion elastomer may comprise polyisoprene, preferably natural rubber, as in any of the above.

[0017] In some or other limiting examples, the elastomer blends disclosed herein may comprise from about 25% to about 90% by weight, preferably from about 30% to about 70% by weight, of a brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity (ML 1+8, 125°C, ASTM D1646-19a) ranging from about 30 MU to about 50 MU, and / or the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises from about 5% to about 10% by weight 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 weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. In further specific examples, the elastomer blends disclosed herein may comprise about 30% to about 50% by weight of a brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer, 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% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol% bromine, each based on the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. In other further specific examples, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may have a Mooney viscosity of about 45 MU (ML 1+8, 125°C, ASTM D1646-19a), and / or the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may contain about 5% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.5 mol% bromine, each based on the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. The companion elastomer may include butyl rubber in any of the above.

[0018] In some or other examples, the elastomer blends disclosed herein may comprise about 50% to about 90% by weight of a brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer having a Mooney viscosity of about 35 MU (ML 1+8, 125°C, ASTM D1646-19a), and / or the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer containing about 10% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.8 mol% bromine, each based on the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. The companion elastomer may comprise a butyl rubber in any of the above.

[0019] The elastomeric blends of the present disclosure may include one or more additives conventionally used in elastomeric blends, such as crosslinking and curing agents, accelerators, processing aids, antioxidants, antiozonants, pigments, plasticizers, tackifiers, extenders, chemical conditioners, leveling agents, processing oils, waxes, hydrocarbon resins, rosins, the like, and any combination thereof. Each additive can be present in the elastomeric blends disclosed herein in an amount 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.

[0020] Suitable crosslinking and curing agents may include, but are not limited to, sulfur, zinc oxide, and fatty acids. Generally, elastomers can be crosslinked by adding active molecules, such as sulfur, metal oxides (e.g., zinc oxide), organometallic compounds, and / or radical initiators, followed by heating. For example, the following metal oxides are common cure inducers that may be suitable additives in the present disclosure: ZnO, CaO, MgO, Al2O3, CrO3, FeO, Fe2O3, and NiO. When present, these metal oxides may be used as cations in the corresponding metal stearate complexes (e.g., Zn(stearate)2, Ca(stearate)2, Mg(stearate)2, and Al(stearate)3) or together with stearic acid and sulfur compounds. Conventional vulcanization techniques for natural rubber blends may also be applied to the elastomer blends of the present disclosure. Thus, in any embodiment herein, the elastomer blends disclosed herein may be vulcanized.

[0021] Accelerators may include, but are not limited to, amines, guanidines, thioureas, thiazoles, thiurams, sulfenamides, sulfenimides, thiocarbamates, xanthates, and the like, and any combination thereof. Acceleration of the cure process can be achieved by adding an amount of accelerator to the elastomer blend and conducting the cure as described herein. The mechanism for accelerating vulcanization may involve complex interactions between the cure inducer, accelerator, activator, and polymer. Preferably, all of the available cure inducer is consumed while forming effective crosslinks to link two polymer chains together, enhancing the overall strength of the polymer matrix. Specific examples of accelerators include, but are not limited to, stearic acid, N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS), diphenylguanidine (DPG), tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD), dipentamethylenethiuram tetrasulfide (DPTT), 4,4'-dithiodimorpholine (DTDM), tetrabutylthiuram disulfide (TBTD), 2,2'-benzothiazyl disulfide (MBTS), hexamethyldisulfide (HSD ... These may include sametylene-1,6-bisthiosulfuric acid disodium salt dihydrate, 2-(morpholinothio)benzothiazole (MBS or MOR), a composition of 90% MOR and 10% MBTS (MOR90), N-tertiary butyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (TBBS), and N-oxydiethylenethiocarbamyl-N-oxydiethylenesulfonamide (OTOS), zinc 2-ethylhexanoate (ZEH), and N,N'-diethylthiourea.

[0022] The cure system (cure package) may include one or more of the components described above that accelerate or affect the cure of the elastomer, such as metals, accelerators, sulfur, and other agents. For example, a sulfur cure system including sulfur and a sulfur donor may be used to accelerate the cure of the elastomer blends of the present disclosure, where the sulfur is present in an amount less than 5 phr and the at least one sulfur donor is present in an amount less than 5 phr. Preferably, the sulfur donor may include at least one of TMTD and DPTT.

[0023] Suitable processing aids may include, but are not limited to, SUNDEX™ (available from Sun Chemicals) and FLEXON™ (available from ExxonMobil Product Solutions). Suitable plasticizers may 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 may include oligomers of decene and co-oligomers of decene and dodecene. Preferred PAOs are available under the trade names SUPERSYN™, SPECTRASYN™ PAO, and ELEVAST™, each available from ExxonMobil Product Solutions. Suitable hydrocarbon resins may include, but are not limited to, ESCOREZ™ 1102, ESCOREZ™ 2520, ESCOREZ™ E5000, each an aliphatic hydrocarbon resin available from ExxonMobil Product Solutions, the like, and any combination thereof. Such hydrocarbon resins may act as tackifiers.

[0024] Suitable antioxidants may include, for example, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline polymer (TMQ). Suitable antiozonants may include, for example, N,N'-disubstituted-para-phenylenediamines, particularly alkyl-, aryl-substituted versions such as, for example, N-1,3-dimethylbutyl-N-phenyl-para-phenylenediamine ("6PPD"). Suitable homogenizing agents may include, for example, STRUKTOL™ 40MS (a mixture of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbon resins available from Struktol Company of America), PROMIX™ 400 (a mixture of aliphatic, naphthenic, and aromatic hydrocarbon resins available from HB Chemical; EVA copolymer; silicon dioxide; and magnesium silicate), the like, and any combination thereof.

[0025] Suitable processing oils may include, but are not limited to, naphthenic oils, paraffinic oils, aromatic oils, and the like, and any combination thereof. Examples of suitable processing oils may include IPOL501 and IPOL2300 (paraffinic type processing oils with high viscosity and flash point, available from GP Petroleums) and CALSOL-810 (naphthenic oil, Calumet Specialty Products). The elastomeric blends of the present disclosure may be further characterized by one or more of the properties specified below. Mooney viscosity and Mooney scorch are determined herein in accordance with ASTM D1646-19a. If measurement and test conditions are not specified, the conditions for Mooney viscosity are ML(1+4) and 125°C, and for Mooney scorch, T5 at 125°C.

[0026] The elastomer 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. The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a Mooney scorch (T5, 125°C) of about 29.0 minutes or less, or from about 6.5 minutes to about 10.0 minutes, or from about 7.5 minutes to about 8.0 minutes, or from about 8.0 minutes to about 11.0 minutes, or from about 10.0 minutes to about 29.0 minutes, or from about 10.0 minutes to about 20.0 minutes, or from about 15.0 minutes to about 29.0 minutes. The cure rate of the elastomer blends of the present disclosure is measured using a 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°. The elastomer blends 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 MDR (representing the vulcanized elastomer blend), and MH is the maximum torque measured by MDR.

[0027] The cure rate index is determined according to the methods and formulas set forth in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 028762, which is incorporated herein by reference. The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a cure rate index of about 25 or greater, such as from about 25 to about 60. Hardness values ​​of elastomer blends are determined by ASTM D2240-15(2021). Unless otherwise specified, the sample cure conditions are 160°C and TC90+2MDR. The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a hardness (before aging) of from about 40 Shore A to about 55 Shore A, or from about 40 Shore A to about 45 Shore A, or from about 45 Shore A to about 55 Shore A. The elastomeric blends of the present disclosure may have a hardness (hot air aged at 125°C for 3 days) of from about 40 Shore A to about 57 Shore A, or from about 40 Shore A to about 46 Shore A, or from about 40 Shore A to about 45 Shore A, or from about 45 Shore A to about 57 Shore A, or from about 54 Shore A to about 57 Shore A.

[0028] The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a hardness of about 40 Shore A to about 44 Shore A (hot air aged at 125° C. for 7 days). The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a hardness retention (change in hardness) of about -5 Shore A to about 5 Shore A from pre-aging to post-aging (hot air aging at 125°C for 3 days). The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a hardness retention (change in hardness) from about -5 Shore A to about 5 Shore A from before aging to after aging (hot air aging at 125°C for 7 days). Tensile properties (e.g., tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus) are determined in accordance with ASTM D412-16. Unless otherwise specified, the sample cure conditions are 160°C and TC90+2MDR. The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a tensile strength at break (before aging) of from about 10.0 MPa to about 23.0 MPa, or from about 10.0 MPa to about 12.0 MPa, or from about 12.0 MPa to about 20.0 MPa, or from about 18.0 MPa to about 23.0 MPa.

[0029] The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a tensile strength at break (hot air aged at 125°C for 3 days) of from about 8.0 MPa to about 20.0 MPa, or from about 8.0 MPa to about 9.0 MPa, or from about 8.0 MPa to about 18.0 MPa, or from about 15.0 MPa to about 9.0 MPa. The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a tensile strength at break (hot air aged at 125° C. for 7 days) of from about 6.5 MPa to about 8.5 MPa. The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a tensile strength retention at break (change in tensile strength) of about 13% to about 30% from pre-aged to post-aged (hot air aged at 125°C for 3 days). The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a tensile strength retention at break (change in tensile strength) of about 15% to about 45% from pre-aged to post-aged (hot air aged at 125° C. for 7 days).

[0030] The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have an energy to break (before aging) of from about 11.5 J to about 23.0 J, from about 11.5 J to about 12.5 J, from about 12.0 J to about 20.0 J, or from about 17.0 J to about 23.0 J, or from about 20.0 J to about 22.0 J. The elastomeric blends of the present disclosure may have an energy to break (125° C. for 3 days, hot air aged) of about 8.0 J to about 9.0 J. The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have an energy to break (125°C 7 days hot air aged) 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. Tear strength and tear resistance are determined in accordance with ASTM D624-00.

[0031] The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a tear resistance (before aging) 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. The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a tear resistance (hot air aged at 125°C for 3 days) 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. The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a tear resistance (aged in hot air at 125° C. for 7 days) of about 23 N / mm to about 30 N / mm.

[0032] The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a tear resistance retention (change in tear resistance) from pre-aging to post-aging (hot air aging at 125° C. for 3 days) of about 12% to about 22%. The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a tear resistance retention (change in tear resistance) from pre-aging to post-aging (hot air aging at 125° C. for 7 days) of about 22% to about 30%. Fatigue failure life test (FTFT) is determined in accordance with ASTM 4482-11. The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a fatigue failure life test (FTFT) of from about 35 kilocycles (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. Tensile set is determined according to the following method: A dumbbell specimen is marked with a 20 mm benchmark and fixed in a tensile set apparatus. The specimen is then stretched by 50% (i.e., the 20 mm benchmark is stretched to 30 mm). The stretched specimen is placed in a circulating air oven (105°C) for 5 hours and then cooled at ambient temperature for 2 hours. After cooling, the specimen is removed from the tensile set apparatus and allowed to relax on a flat, non-conductive surface dusted with talc. The final benchmark length is measured to the nearest 0.01 mm after 16 hours of relaxation. Unless otherwise specified, the specimen curing conditions are 180°C and TC90+5MDR.

[0033] The elastomeric blends of the present disclosure may have a tensile set (before aging at 105°C, aged in hot air at 125°C for 3 days) of about 9.0% to about 10.5%. The elastomeric blends of the present disclosure may have a tensile set (before aging at 125° C.) of about 24.4% to about 26.5%. The elastomeric blends of the present disclosure may have a tensile set (unaged or green at 125° C., aged in hot air for 3 days at 125° C.) of about 15.5% to about 17.0%. Self-adhesion or carcass adhesion peak load refers to the static adhesion between rubber materials and is measured based on the force required to separate two layers of compounded material after vulcanization, measured at room temperature. Samples are die-cut into 2.5cm x 15cm cuboids after vulcanization. Self-adhesion is determined using an Instron instrument at a crosshead speed of 50mm / min, and data is processed using MTS Testworks 4.0 software.

[0034] The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a self-adhesion peak load of from about 150N to about 300N. The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a carcass adhesion peak load of from about 80N to about 200N. The damping (loss tangent) is determined according to the internal DMA technique, which allows the determination of various mechanical properties of viscoelastic materials, namely the complex modulus, E * DMA can be used to determine storage and loss moduli (E' and E") and damping (loss tangent), to detect molecular motion, and to elucidate structure-property relationships. DMA applies a sinusoidal deformation, stress or strain, to a sample and measures the viscoelastic response. Measurements are performed using a TA Electroforce DMA3200 instrument operated at a fixed frequency of 15 Hz, an amplitude of ±0.5 mm, and a temperature range of 25°C to 120°C.

[0035] The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a damping (loss tangent, 15 Hz, amplitude ±0.5 mm) at 25°C of from about 0.2 to about 0.3, or from about 0.23 to about 0.29, or about 0.26. The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a damping (loss tangent, 15 Hz, amplitude ±0.5 mm) at 50°C 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. The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a damping (loss tangent, 15 Hz, amplitude ±0.5 mm) at 100°C 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. The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a damping (loss tangent, 15 Hz, amplitude ±0.5 mm) at 120°C 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.

[0036] Compression set is determined in accordance with ASTM D395-18. The elastomer blends of the present disclosure may have a compression set of from about 35% to about 50%, or from about 40% to about 45%. The barrier and permeability properties of elastomer blends are determined using an OX-TRAN 2 / 61 analyzer (Mocon) equipped with WINPERM™ operating software. To perform the tests, samples are cast into 0.3 mm thick films, which are cured at 160°C and then tested for air permeability using the OX-TRAN instrument. Data are reported as permeability (mm cm). 3 / m 2 ·day) or permeability coefficient (mm·cm 3 / m 2 ·day·mmHg).

[0037] When the companion elastomer is polyisoprene, preferably natural rubber, and the polyisoprene is present in the amounts specified above, the elastomer blend, upon vulcanization, can exhibit at least one property, such as loss tangent, hardness, elongation at break, tear resistance, and any combination thereof, that exceeds the value for at least one property for polyisoprene alone. When the companion elastomer is butyl rubber and the butyl rubber is present in the amount specified above, the elastomer blend, upon vulcanization, can exhibit at least one property, such as tensile strength at break, elongation at break, tear resistance, and any combination thereof, alternatively, fatigue failure, energy to break, peak load, tear resistance, or any combination thereof, or alternatively, adhesion, that exceeds the value for at least one property for brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene alone.

[0038] The elastomer blends of the present disclosure can be used in a variety of applications or components. In further specific examples, the elastomer blends can be utilized in air barriers (e.g., tire bladders, tire innerliners, tire innertubes, and other tire components) and vibration-reducing bushings. According to further specific embodiments, the elastomer blends of the present disclosure can be utilized in a vulcanized form at least one location within a tire and / or during at least one operation in tire manufacturing.

[0039] The elastomer blends disclosed herein may be prepared by using conventional mixing techniques, including, for example, kneading, roller milling, extruder mixing, internal mixing (such as with a BANBURY™ or BRABENDER™ mixer), and the like. The mixing sequence and temperatures used are well known to skilled rubber compounders, and the objective is dispersion of the filler, activator, and cure inducer in the polymer matrix without excessive heat buildup. A useful mixing procedure may utilize a BANBURY™ mixer, in which the elastomer, carbon black, and other additives, and plasticizer are added, and the resulting mixture is blended for a desired time or to a specified temperature to achieve proper dispersion of the non-polymeric components. Alternatively, a portion (e.g., one-third to two-thirds) of the elastomer and carbon black and other ingredients may be mixed for a short period of time (e.g., about 1 to 5 minutes or about 1 to 3 minutes), followed by mixing the remainder of the carbon black, other ingredients, and processing oil. Blending can continue at high rotor speed for about 1 to 10 minutes, during which time the mixture may reach a temperature of about 140°C. After cooling, the components may be mixed in a second step in a rubber mill or BANBURY™ mixer, during which the curative and optional accelerators are thoroughly and uniformly dispersed at relatively low temperatures, e.g., about 80°C to about 105°C, to avoid premature curing of the composition. Other variations in mixing will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the above blending descriptions should be considered exemplary of those suitable for producing the elastomeric blends disclosed herein. Blending is performed to thoroughly and uniformly disperse all of the 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. For the production of such components, the elastomeric blend may be in a vulcanized state.

[0040] inner tube Preferably, for innertube applications, the elastomer blend may comprise from about 25% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer, and a non-zero amount of a companion elastomer including butyl rubber. More preferably, for innertube applications, the elastomer blend may comprise from about 30% to about 70% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer, and a non-zero amount of a companion elastomer including butyl rubber. Preferably, for inner tube applications, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may have a Mooney viscosity of about 30 MU to about 40 MU (e.g., about 35 MU). Further, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may contain about 3% to about 7%, or about 4% to about 6%, or about 5% by weight 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 relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0041] For innertube applications, the companion elastomer can be present in the elastomer blend at about 25% by weight or greater, based on the total weight of the polymers, preferably at about 30% by weight or greater, based on the total weight of the polymers. More preferably, the companion elastomer can be present at about 30% to about 70% by weight, or about 30% to about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymers in the elastomer blend. Such elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications, when vulcanized, can exhibit at least one property that exceeds the value for that property for butyl rubber alone. In non-limiting examples, tensile strength at break, elongation at break, and tear resistance may have values ​​that exceed the corresponding values ​​for butyl rubber alone. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a Mooney viscosity (ML(1+4) at 100° C.) of about 53.0 MU to about 55.0 MU.

[0042] Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a Mooney scorch (T5, 125°C) of about 29.0 minutes or less, or from about 10.0 minutes to about 29.0 minutes, or from about 10.0 minutes to about 20.0 minutes, or from about 15.0 minutes to about 29.0 minutes. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may 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. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a cure rate index of about 25 or greater (or from about 25 to about 60).

[0043] Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a hardness (before aging) of about 40 Shore A to about 45 Shore A. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a hardness of about 40 Shore A to about 46 Shore A, or about 40 Shore A to about 45 Shore A (hot air aged at 125° C. for 3 days). Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a hardness of about 40 Shore A to about 44 Shore A (hot air aged at 125° C. for 7 days).

[0044] Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a hardness retention (change in hardness) from about -5 Shore A to about 5 Shore A before and after aging (hot air aging at 125°C for 3 days). Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a hardness retention (change in hardness) from about -5 Shore A to about 5 Shore A before and after aging (7 days at 125°C with hot air aging). Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a tensile strength at break (before aging) of from about 10.0 MPa to about 12.0 MPa. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a tensile strength at break (125° C. for 3 days, hot air aged) of about 8.0 MPa to about 9.0 MPa. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a tensile strength at break (125° C. for 7 days, hot air aged) of about 6.5 MPa to about 8.5 MPa.

[0045] Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a tensile strength retention at break (change in tensile strength) from pre- to post-aging (hot air aging at 125°C for 3 days) of about 13% to about 30%. Corresponding retention values ​​range from about 70% to about 87%. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a tensile strength retention (change in tensile strength) at break of about 15% to about 45% from pre-aging to post-aging (hot air aging at 125°C for 7 days). Corresponding retention values ​​range from about 55% to about 85%. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have an energy to break (before aging) of about 11.5 J to about 12.5 J. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have an energy to break (125°C for 3 days, hot air aged) of about 8.0 J to about 9.0 J. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have an energy to break (125°C for 7 days hot air aged) of about 7.0J to about 8.5J.

[0046] Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a tear resistance (before aging) of about 34 N / mm to about 38 N / mm. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a tear resistance (125° C. for 3 days, hot air aged) of about 28 N / mm to about 34 N / mm. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a tear resistance (125° C. for 7 days, hot air aged) of about 23 N / mm to about 30 N / mm. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a tear resistance retention (change in tear resistance) from pre-aging to post-aging (hot air aging at 125°C for 3 days) of about 12% to about 22%. Corresponding retention values ​​are in the range of about 78% to about 88%. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a tear resistance retention (change in tear resistance) from pre-aging to post-aging (7-day hot air aging at 125°C) of about 22% to about 30%. Corresponding retention values ​​range from about 70% to about 88%.

[0047] Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a fatigue failure life test (FTFT) of 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. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a tensile set (before aging at 105° C.) of about 15% to about 18%. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a tensile set (before aging at 105°C, aged in hot air at 125°C for 3 days) of about 9.0% to about 10.5%. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a tensile set (before aging at 125° C.) of about 24.4% to about 26.5%. Elastomer blends suitable for inner tube applications may have a tensile set (unaged or green at 125°C, aged in hot air at 125°C for 3 days) of about 15.5% to about 17.0%.

[0048] Inner liner Preferably, for innerliner applications, the elastomer blend may comprise about 25% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer, and a non-zero amount of a companion elastomer comprising butyl rubber. More preferably, for innerliner applications, the elastomer blend may comprise about 50% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer, and a non-zero amount of a companion elastomer comprising butyl rubber. Even more preferably, for innerliner applications, the elastomer blend may comprise about 70% to about 90% (e.g., 80%) by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer, and a non-zero amount of a companion elastomer comprising butyl rubber.

[0049] Preferably, for innerliner applications, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may have a Mooney viscosity of about 30 MU to about 40 MU (e.g., about 35 MU). Further, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may contain about 8% to about 12%, or about 9% to about 11%, or about 10% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units, and about 0.6 mol% to about 1.0 mol%, or about 0.7 mol% to about 0.9 mol%, or about 0.8 mol% of bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Such elastomer blends suitable for innerliner applications, when vulcanized, may exhibit enhanced adhesion compared to bromobutyl rubber, which is commonly used to form tire innerliners. Generally, butyl rubber exhibits reduced adhesion compared to bromobutyl rubber. Therefore, the ability of brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymers to improve the adhesion of butyl rubber to a level superior to bromobutyl rubber is particularly surprising.

[0050] Elastomer blends suitable for innerliner applications may have a Mooney viscosity (ML(1+4) at 100° C.) of about 53.0 MU to about 65.0 MU. Elastomer blends suitable for innerliner applications may have a 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. Elastomer blends suitable for innerliner applications may have a hardness of about 47 Shore A to about 52 Shore A (before aging, cured at 175°C). Elastomer blends suitable for innerliner applications may have a self-adhesion peak load of from about 150N to about 300N. Elastomer blends suitable for innerliner applications may have a carcass adhesion peak load of from about 80N to about 200N.

[0051] Bladder Preferably, for bladder applications, the elastomer blend may comprise from about 10% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer, and a non-zero amount of a companion elastomer including butyl rubber. More preferably, for bladder applications, the elastomer blend may comprise from about 10% to about 30% or from about 10% to about 20% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer, and a non-zero amount of a companion elastomer including butyl rubber.

[0052] Preferably, for bladder applications, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may have a Mooney viscosity of about 40 MU to about 50 MU (e.g., about 45 MU). Further, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may contain about 3 mol % to about 7 mol %, or about 4 mol % to about 6 mol %, or about 5 mol % p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units, and about 0.3 mol % to about 0.7 mol %, or about 0.4 mol % to about 0.6 mol %, or about 0.5 mol % bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0053] Such elastomer blends suitable for bladder applications, when vulcanized, can exhibit at least one property that exceeds the value for that property for butyl rubber alone. In non-limiting examples, fatigue failure, energy to break, peak load, and tear resistance may have values ​​that exceed the corresponding values ​​for butyl rubber alone. Elastomer blends suitable for bladder applications may have a Mooney viscosity (ML(1+4) at 100° C.) of about 68.0 MU to about 73.0 MU. Elastomer blends suitable for bladder applications may have a Mooney scorch (T5, 125°C) of about 8.0 minutes to about 11.0 minutes. Elastomer blends suitable for bladder applications may have a 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. Elastomer blends suitable for bladder applications may have a hardness (before aging) of about 45 Shore A to about 55 Shore A. Elastomer blends suitable for bladder applications may have a tear resistance (before aging) of from about 37 N / mm to about 42 N / mm.

[0054] Bushing Preferably, for bushing applications, the elastomer blend may include about 30% to about 50% (e.g., 40%) by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer, and a non-zero amount of a companion elastomer including polyisoprene, more preferably natural rubber. Preferably, for bushing applications, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may have a Mooney viscosity of about 30 MU to about 40 MU (e.g., about 35 MU). Further, the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer may contain about 3% to about 7%, or about 4% to about 6%, or about 5% by weight 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 relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0055] Such elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications, when vulcanized, can exhibit at least one property that exceeds the value for that property for polyisoprene alone. In non-limiting examples, loss tangent, hardness, elongation at break, and tear resistance may have values ​​for that property that exceed the value for that property for polyisoprene alone. Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a Mooney viscosity (ML(1+4) at 100° C.) of about 52 MU to about 56 MU or about 54 MU.

[0056] Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a Mooney scorch (T5, 125°C) of about 10.0 minutes or less, or from about 6.5 minutes to about 10.0 minutes, or from about 7.5 minutes to about 8.0 minutes. Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a MH-ML (Moving Die Rheometer (MDR), 160° C., 60 minutes, 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. Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a hardness (before aging) of about 48 Shore A to about 55 Shore A (or about 50 Shore A to about 53 Shore A). Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a hardness of about 54 Shore A to about 57 Shore A or about 55 Shore A (hot air aging at 100° C. for 3 days). Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a hardness retention (change in hardness) from about 0 Shore A to about 5 Shore A from pre-aging to post-aging (hot air aging at 100° C. for 3 days).

[0057] Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a tensile strength at break (before aging) of from about 18 MPa to about 23 MPa. Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a tensile strength at break (hot air aging at 100° C. for 3 days) of about 15 MPa to about 20 MPa. Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a tensile strength retention (change in tensile strength) at break of about 13% to about 16% from pre-aging to post-aging (hot air aging at 100°C for 3 days). Corresponding retention values ​​are in the range of about 84% to about 87%. Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have an energy to break (before aging) of from about 17.0 J to about 23.0 J, or from about 20.0 J to about 22.0 J. Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have an energy to break (100° C., 3 day hot air aging) of from about 16.0 J to about 21.0 J or from about 17.0 J to about 20.0 J.

[0058] Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a tear resistance (before aging) of from about 55 N / mm to about 70 N / mm, or from about 60 N / mm to about 70 N / mm. Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a tear resistance (hot air aging at 100° C. for 3 days) of from about 45 N / mm to about 65 N / mm, or from about 50 N / mm to about 60 N / mm. Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a tear resistance retention (change in tear resistance) from pre-aging to post-aging (hot air aging at 100°C for 3 days) of about 15% to about 18%. Corresponding retention values ​​are in the range of about 82% to about 85%. Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a compression set of about 35% to about 50% (or about 40% to about 45%).

[0059] Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a fatigue failure life test (FTFT) of about 35 KC to about 45 KC. Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a damping (loss tangent, 15 Hz, amplitude ±0.5 mm) at 25°C of from about 0.2 to about 0.3, or from about 0.23 to about 0.29, or about 0.26. Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a damping (loss tangent, 15 Hz, amplitude ±0.5 mm) at 50°C 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. Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a damping (loss tangent, 15 Hz, amplitude ±0.5 mm) at 100°C 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. Elastomer blends suitable for bushing applications may have a damping (loss tangent, 15 Hz, amplitude ±0.5 mm) at 120°C 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.

[0060] Additional Embodiments Embodiments disclosed herein include: A. Elastomer Blend. The elastomer blend comprises about 25% by weight or more of a brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer; and a non-zero amount of a companion elastomer, wherein the companion elastomer is not bromobutyl rubber and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer does not contain a diene comonomer. A1. A tire or tire component comprising, in at least one location, the elastomeric blend of A in vulcanized form. A1a. A tire having an innerliner comprising the elastomeric blend of A in vulcanized form. A1b. A tire having an innertube comprising the elastomeric blend of A in vulcanized form. A2. A bladder for forming a tire, the bladder comprising the elastomer blend of A in vulcanized form.

[0061] A3. A bushing comprising the elastomer blend of A in vulcanized form. Embodiments A-A3 may have one or more of the following elements present in any combination. Element 1: The companion elastomer comprises at least one elastomeric polymer selected from the group consisting of butyl rubber, polyisoprene, and any combination thereof. Element 2: The elastomer blend comprises from about 25% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymers. Element 3: The brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity (ML 1+8, 125° C., ASTM D1646-19a) ranging from about 30 Mooney units to about 50 Mooney units. Element 4: The brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 3% to about 12% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units, and about 0.3 mol % to about 1.0 mol % of bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0062] Element 5: The companion elastomer comprises polyisoprene, and the elastomer blend comprises about 30% to about 50% by weight of brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymers. Element 6: The brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 5% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol% of bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Element 7: The elastomer blend, upon vulcanization, exhibits at least one property that exceeds the value for the at least one property for polyisoprene alone, the at least one property being selected from the group consisting of loss tangent, hardness, elongation at break, tear resistance, and any combination thereof. Element 8: The companion elastomer comprises a butyl rubber, and the composition comprises about 25% to about 90% by weight of brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer.

[0063] Element 9: The elastomer blend comprises about 30% to about 70% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymers. Element 10: The brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 5% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol% of bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Element 11: The elastomer blend, when vulcanized, exhibits at least one property that exceeds the value for the at least one property for the butyl rubber alone and the value for the at least one property for the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer alone, wherein the at least one property is selected from the group consisting of tensile strength at break, elongation at break, tear resistance, and any combination thereof.

[0064] Element 12: The brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 45 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 5% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.5 mol% of bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Element 13: The elastomer blend, when vulcanized, exhibits at least one property that exceeds the value for the at least one property for the butyl rubber alone and the value for the at least one property for the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer alone, wherein the at least one property is selected from the group consisting of fatigue failure, energy to break, peak load, tear resistance, and any combination thereof. Element 14: The elastomer blend comprises about 50% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymers.

[0065] Element 15: The brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 10% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.8 mol% of bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Element 16: The elastomer blend, when vulcanized, exhibits adhesion values ​​that exceed those of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer alone. Element 17: The elastomer blend is vulcanized.

[0066] The present disclosure is further directed to the following non-limiting embodiments: Embodiment 1. At least about 25% by weight of a brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer; and Non-zero amount of companion elastomer An elastomer blend comprising: The companion elastomer is not bromobutyl rubber, The brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer does not contain a diene comonomer. Elastomer blend. Embodiment 2. The elastomer blend of embodiment 1, wherein the companion elastomer comprises at least one elastomeric polymer selected from the group consisting of butyl rubber, polyisoprene, and any combination thereof. Embodiment 3. The elastomer blend of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, comprising from about 25% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer. Embodiment 4. The elastomer blend of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity (ML1+8, 125°C, ASTM D1646-19a) ranging from about 30 Mooney units to about 50 Mooney units.

[0067] Embodiment 5. The elastomer blend of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer comprises from about 3% to about 12% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units, and from about 0.3 mol % to about 1.0 mol % of bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Embodiment 6. The elastomer blend of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein the companion elastomer comprises polyisoprene, and the elastomer blend comprises from about 30% to about 50% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymers. Embodiment 7. The elastomer blend of embodiment 6, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 5% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units, and about 0.7 mol% bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0068] Embodiment 8. The elastomer blend of embodiment 6 or embodiment 7, wherein the elastomer blend, upon vulcanization, exhibits at least one property that exceeds the value for at least one property for polyisoprene alone, the at least one property being selected from the group consisting of loss tangent, hardness, elongation at break, tear resistance, and any combination thereof. Embodiment 9. The elastomer blend of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein the companion elastomer comprises butyl rubber and the composition comprises from about 25% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymers. Embodiment 10. The elastomer blend of embodiment 9, comprising from about 30% to about 70% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer. Embodiment 11. The elastomer blend of embodiment 9 or embodiment 10, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 5% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units, and about 0.7 mol% bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0069] Embodiment 12. The elastomer blend of embodiment 10 or embodiment 11, wherein the elastomer blend, upon vulcanization, exhibits at least one property that exceeds the value for the at least one property for the butyl rubber alone and the value for the at least one property for the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer alone, wherein the at least one property is selected from the group consisting of tensile strength at break, elongation at break, tear resistance, and any combination thereof. Embodiment 13. The elastomer blend of embodiment 9 or embodiment 10, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 45 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 5% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units, and about 0.5 mol% of bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Embodiment 14. The elastomer blend of embodiment 10 or embodiment 13, wherein the elastomer blend, upon vulcanization, exhibits at least one property that exceeds the value for the at least one property for the butyl rubber alone and the value for the at least one property for the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer alone, wherein the at least one property is selected from the group consisting of fatigue failure, energy to break, peak load, tear resistance, and any combination thereof.

[0070] Embodiment 15. The elastomer blend of embodiment 9, comprising from about 50% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer. Embodiment 16. The elastomer blend of embodiment 9 or embodiment 15, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 10% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units, and about 0.8 mol % of bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Embodiment 17. The elastomer blend of embodiment 15 or embodiment 16, which when vulcanized exhibits adhesion values ​​that exceed the adhesion values ​​of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer alone. Embodiment 18. The elastomer blend of any of the previous embodiments, which has been vulcanized. Embodiment 19. A tire comprising, in at least one location, the elastomer blend of embodiment 1 in vulcanized form.

[0071] Embodiment 20. The tire of embodiment 19, wherein the inner tube of the tire comprises the elastomer blend in vulcanized form. Embodiment 21. The tire of embodiment 20, wherein the companion elastomer comprises butyl rubber and the elastomer blend comprises from about 25% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymers. Embodiment 22. The composition of embodiment 20 or embodiment 21, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 5% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units, and about 0.7 mol% bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Embodiment 23. The tire of embodiment 19, wherein the innerliner of the tire comprises the elastomer blend in vulcanized form. Embodiment 24. The tire of embodiment 23, wherein the companion elastomer comprises butyl rubber and the composition comprises from about 50% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer.

[0072] Embodiment 25. The tire of embodiment 23 or embodiment 24, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 10% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.8 mol % bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Embodiment 26. A bladder for forming a tire, the bladder comprising the elastomer blend of embodiment 1 in vulcanized form. Embodiment 27. The tire of embodiment 26, wherein the companion elastomer comprises butyl rubber and the elastomer blend comprises from about 25% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymers. Embodiment 28. The tire of embodiment 26 or embodiment 27, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 45 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 5% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.5 mol% bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer. Embodiment 29. A bushing comprising the elastomeric blend of embodiment 6 in vulcanized form. Embodiment 30. The bushing of embodiment 29, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 5% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol % bromine, each relative to the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0073] To facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following examples of preferred or representative embodiments are presented. The following examples should in no way be read as limiting or defining the scope of the invention. [Example]

[0074] Example 1 Six elastomer blends were prepared using the compositions in Table 1 under the Banbury mixer mixing conditions in Table 2. The properties of the elastomer blends are presented in Table 3. [Table 1]

[0075] [Table 2]

[0076] [Table 3-1] [Table 3-2] [Table 3-3] [Table 3-4] For the tensile, tear and hardness measurements in Table 3, curing was carried out at 180°C with TC90+2MDR.

[0077] Increased reversion resistance results in the maintenance of properties over time, which can improve the life cycle of tire components. Comparing cure properties at 1%, 5%, and 10% reversion, blending EXXPRO™ 3433 with EXXON™ BUTYL™ 268S (Samples 1-1 and 1-2) increased reversion resistance. Reversion values ​​not reported in Table 3 indicate that under these test conditions, the elastomer blend did not reach the labeled reversion level (e.g., 1%, 5%, or 10%). Thus, blends of EXXPRO™ 3433 with EXXON™ BUTYL™ 268S experienced comparable or improved reversion compared to butyl rubber itself.

[0078] Figures 2-3 are plots of the tensile strength retention and tear strength retention, respectively, after aging the samples of Example 1 under hot air aging at 125°C for 3 or 7 days. The loss in tensile strength after 7 days of aging with hot air at 125°C is shown in Figure 2, and the tear strength retention after 3 or 7 days of aging with hot air at 125°C is shown in Figure 3. As shown, EXXON™ BUTYL 268S (Control 1) deteriorated during hot air aging due to its high tensile strength retention of 66.13% and high tear strength retention of 45.93%. The lower values ​​for Samples 1-1 and 1-2 indicate the superior retention of tensile and tear properties afforded by blending EXXPRO™ 3433 with EXXON™ BUTYL 268S. Improved tensile and tear strength retention can be correlated to increased cycle life for the elastomer blend.

[0079] Higher FTFT values ​​are also indicative of extended cycle life. As shown in Table 3, blending EXXPRO™ 3433 into EXXON™ BUTYL268S improved FTFT performance. Lower tensile set values ​​before or after aging are also indicative of extended cycle life. As shown in Table 3, blending EXXPRO™ 3433 with EXXON™ BUTYL 268S resulted in a similar reduction in tensile set values.

[0080] Figure 4 is a plot of the cure rate index (CRI) for the elastomer blends of Example 1. A higher CRI translates to shorter cure times and reduced energy. As shown, Samples 1-1 and 1-2 exhibited higher cure rate indices than the EXXON™ BUTYL 268S butyl rubber control.

[0081] Thus, as shown in Table 3, at least one of Samples 1-1 and 1-2 exhibited tensile strength at break before aging, elongation at break before aging, energy at break, tear resistance before aging, and FTFT performance.

[0082] Example 2 Five elastomer blends were prepared with the compositions specified in Table 4. The properties of the elastomer blends are presented in Table 5. [Table 4] [Table 5]

[0083] As shown in Table 5, depending on the type of measurement, Samples 2-1 and 2-2 exhibited improved adhesion compared to the comparative bromobutyl rubber. Similarly, depending on the type of measurement, the measured adhesion was in some cases higher than that of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

[0084] As shown, the gas permeability of the samples was superior to that of bromobutyl rubber, and in some cases the permeability was even slightly lower than that of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer itself.

[0085] Example 3 Nine elastomer blends were prepared with the compositions specified in Table 6. The properties of the rubber blends are presented in Table 7. [Table 6-1] [Table 6-2] [Table 7-1] [Table 7-2]

[0086] As shown in Table 7, over the range of 10 phr to 30 phr of brominated isobutylene p-methylstyrene copolymer, the elastomer blends demonstrated significantly improved fatigue fracture performance compared to the control. Improved fatigue fracture performance can be advantageous when bladders are constructed and reused multiple times during the tire manufacturing process. Furthermore, the energy to break, stress at break, and strain at break were, in some cases, higher than either of the controls.

[0087] Example 4 Two elastomer blends were prepared as specified in Table 8 under the Banbury mixer mixing conditions in Table 9. The properties of the rubber blends are presented in Table 10. [Table 8] [Table 9] [Table 10-1] [Table 10-2] [Table 10-3] In Table 10, for tensile, tear and hardness measurements, curing was carried out at 160°C, TC90 + 2MDR, and for compression set, curing was carried out at 160°C, TC90 + 5MDR. As shown, Sample 4-1 dumps at a higher temperature compared to the control, which can reduce mixing cycles and energy consumption. Comparing the scorch safety cure profiles (TS2 and TS5), the higher value for sample 4-1 is an indication that vulcanization is not occurring too quickly. The bushings are often used for long periods of time, and the higher values ​​for reversion resistance (1% reversion, 5% reversion, and 10% reversion) indicate that Sample 4-1 is better able to maintain its properties over time than the control.

[0088] As shown in Table 10, natural rubber is characterized by its high tensile strength retention of 17.33% and high tear strength retention of 20.52%, which deteriorates with hot air aging. Blending EXXPRO™ 3433 with natural rubber significantly improves the tensile strength retention and tear strength retention, which may result in an extended cycle life. Higher FTFT values ​​are also indicative of extended cycle life. Blending EXXPRO™ 3433 with natural rubber can improve FTFT performance and result in longer cycle life. Lower changes in hardness and elongation to break after aging are also indicative of longer cycle life. Blends of EXXPRO™ 3433 with natural rubber reduced the change in hardness from 7 Shore A to 3 Shore A and the change in elongation to break from 18.96% to 13.69%, which may result in an extended cycle life.

[0089] Higher loss tangent values ​​for Sample 4-1 over a range of temperatures correlate with improved damping performance, which can be beneficial for the manufacture of bushings and their use in damping vibrations. Numerous changes, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure; where numerical limits and upper numerical limits are recited herein, ranges from any lower limit to any upper limit are contemplated.

[0090] All documents described herein are incorporated by reference for purposes of all jurisdictions where such practice is recognized, including any priority documents and / or testing procedures to the extent not inconsistent therewith. As is apparent from the foregoing general description and specific embodiments, while forms of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not intended to be limited thereby. For example, the compositions described herein may not include every component or component not expressly enumerated or disclosed herein. Any method may be free of any step not enumerated or disclosed herein. Similarly, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the term "including." It is understood that whenever the transitional phrase "comprising" appears before a method, composition, element, or group of elements, the inventors also contemplate the same composition or group of elements with the transitional phrase "consisting essentially of," "consisting of," "selected from the group consisting of," or "is" before the list of composition, element, or elements, and vice versa.

[0091] 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 related claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless specifically indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and appended 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 at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0092] Whenever a numerical range with a lower and upper limit is disclosed, every number falling within that range and every encompassed range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values ​​disclosed herein (such as "from about a to about b," or, equivalently, "from about a to b," or, equivalently, "about a to b") should be understood to describe every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Similarly, terms in the claims have their plain and ordinary meaning unless expressly and unambiguously defined otherwise by the patentee. Furthermore, the indefinite article "a" or "an," as used in the claims, is defined herein to mean one or more than one of the element it introduces.

[0093] One or more exemplary embodiments are presented herein. For clarity, not all features of a physical implementation are described or shown in this application. It is understood that in developing a physical embodiment of the present disclosure, numerous 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 will vary from implementation to implementation and from time to time. While the developer's efforts may be time-consuming, such efforts are nonetheless believed to be a routine undertaking for those skilled in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0094] Thus, the present disclosure is well adapted to achieve the objects and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The specific embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art and having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design shown herein, other than as set forth in the following claims. It is therefore evident that the specific exemplary embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified, and all such variations are deemed to be within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The embodiments illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element not specifically disclosed herein and / or any optional element disclosed herein.

Claims

1. at least about 25% by weight of brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer; and Non-zero amount of companion elastomer An elastomer blend comprising: The companion elastomer is not bromobutyl rubber, The brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer is free of diene comonomers. Elastomer blend.

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

3. 3. The elastomer blend of claim 2, comprising from about 25% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer.

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

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

6. 10. The elastomer blend of claim 1, wherein the companion elastomer comprises polyisoprene and the elastomer blend comprises from about 30% to about 50% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymers.

7. 7. The elastomer 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 contains about 5 wt. % p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol. % bromine, based on the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

8. 8. The elastomer blend of claim 7, wherein the elastomer blend, upon vulcanization, exhibits at least one property that exceeds the value for at least one property for polyisoprene alone, the at least one property being selected from the group consisting of loss tangent, hardness, elongation at break, tear resistance, and any combination thereof.

9. 10. The elastomer blend of claim 1, wherein the companion elastomer comprises butyl rubber and the composition comprises from about 25% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer.

10. 10. The elastomer blend of claim 9, comprising from about 30% to about 70% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer.

11. 11. The elastomer 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 contains about 5 wt. % p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.7 mol. % bromine, based on the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

12. 12. The elastomer blend of claim 11, wherein the elastomer blend, upon vulcanization, exhibits at least one property that exceeds the value for the at least one property for butyl rubber alone and the value for the at least one property for the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer alone, wherein the at least one property is selected from the group consisting of tensile strength at break, elongation at break, tear resistance, and any combination thereof.

13. 10. The elastomer 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 contains about 5 wt. % p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.5 mol. % bromine, based on the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

14. 14. The elastomer blend of claim 13, wherein the elastomer blend, upon vulcanization, exhibits at least one property that exceeds the value for the at least one property for butyl rubber alone and the value for the at least one property for the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer alone, wherein the at least one property is selected from the group consisting of fatigue failure, energy to break, peak load, tear resistance, and any combination thereof.

15. 10. The elastomer blend of claim 9, comprising from about 50% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer.

16. 16. The elastomer 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 contains about 10 wt. % p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.8 mol. % bromine, based on the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

17. 17. The elastomer blend of claim 16, which when vulcanized exhibits adhesion values ​​that exceed those of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer alone.

18. 10. The elastomer blend of claim 1 which is vulcanized.

19. 10. A tire comprising, at least in one location, the elastomer blend of claim 1 in vulcanized form.

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

21. 21. The tire of claim 20, wherein the companion elastomer comprises butyl rubber and the elastomer blend comprises from about 25% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymers.

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

23. 20. The tire of claim 19, wherein the innerliner of the tire comprises the elastomer blend in vulcanized form.

24. 24. The tire of claim 23, wherein the companion elastomer comprises butyl rubber and the composition comprises from about 50% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymer.

25. 25. The tire of claim 24, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 35 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 10 weight percent p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.8 mol % bromine, based on the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

26. 10. A bladder for forming a tire, comprising the elastomer blend of claim 1 in vulcanized form.

27. 27. The tire of claim 26, wherein the companion elastomer comprises butyl rubber and the elastomer blend comprises from about 25% to about 90% by weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, based on the total weight of the polymers.

28. 28. The tire of claim 27, wherein the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 45 Mooney units, and the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer contains about 5% by weight of p-methylstyrene or brominated p-methylstyrene monomer units and about 0.5 mol% bromine, based on the total weight of the brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer.

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

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

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