Insoluble sulfur composition

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a composition comprising insoluble sulfur, a process oil, and one or more polymers. The present disclosure also provides vulcanized elastomeric articles comprising the compositions described herein and vulcanized elastomeric articles prepared using the compositions disclosed herein. The present disclosure also provides a process for preparing vulcanized elastomeric articles comprising the compositions described herein. The present disclosure also provides a kit comprising the compositions described herein. The present disclosure also provides a sulfur masterbatch comprising the compositions described herein and an elastomer.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure provides insoluble sulfur compositions useful in the vulcanization of rubber to make rubber products, such as tires. [Background technology]

[0002] Insoluble sulfur (also called polymeric sulfur) is used as a crosslinking (vulcanizing) agent in rubber compound formulations. Insoluble sulfur is polymeric in nature and does not dissolve in carbon disulfide.

[0003] The use of insoluble sulfur rather than soluble sulfur avoids several processing problems, the most common of which, when mixed with soluble sulfur, are "bloom," where the soluble sulfur migrates within the rubber compound and crystallizes on the surface, and "vin scorch," which is premature vulcanization of the rubber.

[0004] Insoluble sulfur is a solid powder that is mixed with elastomers to form rubber compounds. There is a need to formulate insoluble sulfur compositions that exhibit improved flowability and / or dispersibility, which would reduce processing and manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising insoluble sulfur, a process oil, one or more polymers, and optionally a stabilizer. In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 50 wt % to about 95 wt % insoluble sulfur, about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % process oil, and about 0.1 wt % to about 3 wt % of one or more polymers, wherein at least one of the one or more polymers is an ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) polymer, a styrene isoprene styrene (SIS) polymer, an oxygenated polymer, a polyolefin plastomer or elastomer, or an isoprene polymer.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a vulcanized elastomeric article comprising the insoluble sulfur composition disclosed herein.

[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides vulcanized elastomeric articles prepared using the insoluble sulfur compositions described herein.

[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a process for preparing a vulcanized elastomeric article, comprising: (a) mixing an insoluble sulfur composition disclosed herein with at least one elastomer to form a mixture; (b) forming the mixture of (a) into a shaped object; (c) vulcanizing the molded shape; Providing a vulcanized elastomeric article; The present invention provides a process including:

[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a kit comprising the insoluble sulfur composition disclosed herein and instructions for using the composition in a vulcanizable elastomeric composition.

[0010] The present disclosure also provides kits comprising the compositions disclosed herein and instructions for using the compositions to prepare vulcanized elastomeric articles.

[0011] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a sulfur masterbatch comprising the insoluble sulfur composition disclosed herein and at least one elastomer.

[0012] Additional embodiments and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and may be derived from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure. The embodiments and advantages of the present disclosure will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a scatter plot showing Carr's index at various polymer concentrations for compositions containing insoluble sulfur, process oil, and one or more polymers (or insoluble sulfur and process oil only).

[0015] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a scatter plot showing the Hausner ratio at various polymer concentrations for compositions containing insoluble sulfur, process oil, and one or more polymers (or insoluble sulfur and process oil only). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] I. Definition The use of the terms "a," "an," "the," and similar modifiers in the context of describing the disclosure (particularly in the context of the claims) should be construed to cover both the singular and the plural unless otherwise indicated. The recitation of ranges of values ​​herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is merely intended to better illustrate the disclosure and is not a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

[0017] The term "one or more," as used herein, is intended to mean that there is at least one component within the relevant category of component, e.g., one or more polymers, and in some embodiments, there is two or more components. In some embodiments, one or more means one to five. In some embodiments, one or more means one to four. In some embodiments, one or more means one to three. In some embodiments, one or more means one or two. In some embodiments, one or more means one.

[0018] The term "about," as used herein, indicates that a given quantity value varies by ±5% of the value. For example, "about 100 nm" encompasses the range of 95 nm to 105 nm, inclusive.

[0019] As used herein, the term "wt%" refers to the mass of a component or a particular subset of components in a composition or mixture, such as a composition comprising insoluble sulfur, process oil, and one or more polymers, divided by the combined mass of all components in the composition or mixture, multiplied by 100. For example, the wt% of insoluble sulfur in a composition comprising 8 kg of insoluble sulfur, 1.95 kg of process oil, and 0.05 kg of one or more polymers is 80 wt% (8 kg / (8 kg + 1.95 kg + 0.05 kg) x 100 = 80 wt%). As another example, the wt% of one or more polymers, where the one or more polymers are polymer A and polymer B, in a composition containing 8 kg of insoluble sulfur, 1.95 kg of process oil, 0.025 kg of polymer A, and 0.025 kg of polymer B is 5 wt% ((0.025 kg + 0.025 kg) / (8 kg + 1.95 kg + 0.025 kg + 0.025 kg) × 100 = 5 wt%).

[0020] As used herein, the term "average primary particle size" refers to the median particle size of individual, non-agglomerated particles based on volume as measured by static light scattering. This term is also known as "D50."

[0021] As used herein, the term "number average molecular weight" or "Mn" refers to the statistical average molecular weight of all polymer chains in a polymer sample.

[0022] As used herein, the term "weight average molecular weight" or "Mw" refers to the weight average molecular weight of all polymer chains in a polymer sample.

[0023] As used herein, the term "terpolymer" refers to a polymer formed by the polymerization of three different monomers. In some embodiments, the monomers are randomly arranged throughout the polymer chain.

[0024] The term "diene," as used herein, refers to a compound containing two double bonds. An example of a diene is ethylidene norbornene (ENB), which has the following structure: [ka]

[0025] The term "Mooney viscosity" as used herein refers to the shear torque resisting rotation of a cylindrical metal disk (or rotor) embedded in rubber within a cylindrical cavity, as fully defined by standard test methods, e.g., ASTM D1646.

[0026] The terms "melt index," "melt flow index," or "melt flow rate," as used herein, refer to a measure of the ease with which a melt of a thermoplastic polymer will flow, and are defined as the mass of polymer in grams that will pass through a capillary of a particular diameter and length in 10 minutes under a pressure exerted by a specified substitute weight at a specified substitute temperature, as set forth in standards ASTM D1238 and ISO 1133.

[0027] As used herein, the term "coupling efficiency" refers to the percentage of triblock copolymer formed when synthesizing a triblock copolymer, e.g., styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), from a diblock copolymer, e.g., styrene-isoprene (SI).

[0028] II. Composition The present disclosure provides a composition comprising insoluble sulfur, a processing oil, one or more polymers, and optionally a stabilizer. In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 50 wt% to about 95 wt% insoluble sulfur, about 5 wt% to about 50 wt% processing oil, about 0.1 wt% to about 3 wt% of one or more polymers, and 0 wt% to about 1 wt% of a stabilizer.

[0029] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising insoluble sulfur, a processing oil, a polymer, and optionally a stabilizer. In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 50 wt% to about 95 wt% insoluble sulfur, about 5 wt% to about 50 wt% processing oil, about 0.1 wt% to about 3 wt% of a polymer, and 0 wt% to about 1 wt% of a stabilizer.

[0030] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising insoluble sulfur, a processing oil, two polymers, and optionally a stabilizer. In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 50 wt% to about 95 wt% insoluble sulfur, about 5 wt% to about 50 wt% processing oil, about 0.1 wt% to about 3 wt% of the two polymers, and 0 wt% to about 1 wt% of the stabilizer.

[0031] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising insoluble sulfur, a process oil, three polymers, and optionally a stabilizer. In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 50 wt% to about 95 wt% insoluble sulfur, about 5 wt% to about 50 wt% process oil, about 0.1 wt% to about 3 wt% of the three polymers, and 0 wt% to about 1 wt% of the stabilizer.

[0032] III. Polymers The compositions disclosed herein comprise one or more polymers, in some embodiments, at least one of which is an ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) polymer, a styrene isoprene styrene (SIS) polymer, an oxygenated polymer, a polyolefin plastomer or elastomer, or an isoprene polymer.

[0033] As used herein, the term "ethylene propylene diene polymer" or "EPDM polymer" refers to a terpolymer formed from ethylene, propylene, and diene monomers. In some embodiments, the diene is dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). In some embodiments, the diene is vinyl norbornene (VNB). In some embodiments, the diene is ethylidene norbornene (ENB). In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer has the following structure: [ka] where n, l, and p are positive integers.

[0034] As used herein, the term "ethylene content" refers to the wt% of the polymer derived from ethylene monomer. In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer has an ethylene content of about 55 wt% to about 85 wt%. In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer has an ethylene content of about 40 wt% to about 45 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 55 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 60 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 65 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 70 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 75 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 85 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 45 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 45 wt% to about 55 wt%, about 45 wt% to about 60wt%, about 45wt% to about 65wt%, about 45wt% to about 70wt%, about 45wt% to about 75wt%, about 45wt% to about 80wt%, about 45wt% to about 85wt%, about 45wt% to about 90wt%, about 50wt% to about 55wt%, about 50wt% to about 60wt%, about 50wt% to about 65wt%, about 50wt% to about 70wt%, about 50wt% to about 75wt%, about 50wt% to about 80wt%, about 50wt% to about 85wt%, about 50wt% to about 90wt% wt%, about 55wt% to about 60wt%, about 55wt% to about 65wt%, about 55wt% to about 70wt%, about 55wt% to about 75wt%, about 55wt% to about 80wt%, about 55wt% to about 90wt%, about 60wt% to about 65wt%, about 60wt% to about 70wt%, about 60wt% to about 75wt%, about 60wt% to about 80wt%, about 60wt% to about 85wt%, about 60wt% to about 90wt%, about 65wt% to about 70wt%, about 65wt% to about 75wt% %, about 65 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 65 wt% to about 85 wt%, about 65 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 70 wt% to about 75 wt%, about 70 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 70 wt% to about 85 wt%, about 70 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 75 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 75 wt% to about 85 wt%, about 75 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 80 wt% to about 85 wt%, about 80 wt% to about 90 wt%, or about 90 wt% to about 95 wt% ethylene content.

[0035] In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer has an ethylene content of about 70 wt%, hi some embodiments, the EPDM polymer has an ethylene content of about 45 wt%, about 50 wt%, about 55 wt%, about 60 wt%, about 65 wt%, about 75 wt%, about 80 wt%, about 85 wt%, or about 90 wt%.

[0036] As used herein, the term "ethylidene norbornene content" refers to the wt% of the polymer derived from ethylidene norbornene monomer. In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer has an ethylidene norbornene content of about 0 wt% to about 10 wt%. In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer has an ethylidene norbornene content of about 0 wt% to about 1 wt%, about 0 wt% to about 2 wt%, about 0 wt% to about 3 wt%, about 0 wt% to about 4 wt%, about 0 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 0 wt% to about 6 wt%, about 0 wt% to about 7 wt%, about 0 wt% to about 8 wt%, about 0 wt% to about 9 wt%, about 0 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 2 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 3 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 4 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 6 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 7 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 8 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 9 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 2 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 3 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 4 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 6 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 7 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 8 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 9 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 2 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 3 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 4 wt%, about About 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 6 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 7 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 8 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 9 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 3 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 4 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 6 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 7 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 8 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 9 wt%, about 2 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 3 wt% to about 4wt%, about 3wt% to about 5wt%, about 3wt% to about 6wt%, about 3wt% to about 7wt%, about 3wt% to about 8wt%, about 3wt% to about 9wt%, about 3wt% to about 10wt%, about 4wt% to about 5wt%, about 4wt% to about 6wt%, about 4wt% to about 7wt%, about 4wt% to about 8wt%, about 4wt% to about 9wt%, about 4wt% to about 10wt%, about 5wt% to about 6wt%, about 5wt% to about 7wt%, about 5w % to about 8 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 9 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 6 wt% to about 7 wt%, about 6 wt% to about 8 wt%, about 6 wt% to about 9 wt%, about 6 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 7 wt% to about 8 wt%, about 7 wt% to about 9 wt%, about 7 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 8 wt% to about 9 wt%, about 8 wt% to about 10 wt%, or about 9 wt% to about 10 wt% ethylidene norbornene content.

[0037] In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer has an ethylidene norbornene content of about 5 wt%, hi some embodiments, the EPDM polymer has an ethylidene norbornene content of about 0 wt%, about 0.5 wt%, about 1 wt%, about 1.5 wt%, about 2 wt%, about 2.5 wt%, about 3 wt%, about 3.5 wt%, about 4 wt%, about 4.5 wt%, about 5.5 wt%, about 6 wt%, about 6.5 wt%, about 7 wt%, about 7.5 wt%, about 8 wt%, about 8.5 wt%, about 9 wt%, about 9.5 wt%, or about 10 wt%.

[0038] In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer has a Mooney viscosity of from about 15 ML(1+4) to about 90 ML(1+4) when measured according to the ASTM D1646 standard. In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer has a Mooney viscosity of from about 10 ML(1+4) to about 20 ML(1+4), from about 10 ML(1+4) to about 30 ML(1+4), from about 10 ML(1+4) to about 40 ML(1+4), from about 10 ML(1+4) to about 50 ML(1+4), from about 10 ML(1+4) to about 60 ML(1+4), from about 10 ML(1+4) to about 70 ML(1+4), from about 10 ML(1+4) to about 80 ML(1+4), from about 10 ML(1+4) to about 90 ML(1+4), from about 2 ... About 30ML (1+4), about 20ML (1+4) to about 40ML (1+4), about 20ML (1+4) to about 50ML (1+4), about 20ML (1+4) to about 60ML (1+4), about 20ML (1+4) to about 70ML (1+4), about 20ML (1+4) to about 80ML (1+4), about 20ML (1+4) to about 90ML (1+4), about 30ML (1+4) to about 40ML (1+4), about 30ML (1+4) to about 50ML (1+4), about 30ML (1+4) to about 60ML (1+4) 4), about 30ML (1+4) to about 70ML (1+4), about 30ML (1+4) to about 80ML (1+4), about 30ML (1+4) to about 90ML (1+4), about 40ML (1+4) to about 50ML (1+4), about 40ML (1+4) to about 60ML (1+4), about 40ML (1+4) to about 70ML (1+4), about 40ML (1+4) to about 80ML (1+4), about 40ML (1+4) to about 90ML (1+4), about 50ML (1+4) to about 60ML (1+4), about 50ML The Mooney viscosity is from about (1+4) to about 70ML(1+4), from about 50ML(1+4) to about 80ML(1+4), from about 50ML(1+4) to about 90ML(1+4), from about 60ML(1+4) to about 70ML(1+4), from about 60ML(1+4) to about 80ML(1+4), from about 60ML(1+4) to about 90ML(1+4), from about 70ML(1+4) to about 80ML(1+4), from about 70ML(1+4) to about 90ML(1+4), or from about 80ML(1+4) to about 90ML(1+4).

[0039] In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 25ML(1+4) when measured according to the ASTM D1646 standard. In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 10ML(1+4), about 15ML(1+4), about 20ML(1+4), about 30ML(1+4), about 35ML(1+4), about 40ML(1+4), about 45ML(1+4), about 50ML(1+4), about 55ML(1+4), about 60ML(1+4), about 65ML(1+4), about 70ML(1+4), about 75ML(1+4), about 80ML(1+4), about 85ML(1+4), or about 90ML(1+4) when measured according to the ASTM D1646 standard.

[0040] In some embodiments, the Mooney viscosity is measured at a temperature of about 125° C. In some embodiments, the Mooney viscosity is measured at a temperature of about 100° C., about 150° C., or about 175° C.

[0041] In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer is a NORDEL™ EPDM polymer. NORDEL™ EPDM polymer is manufactured by Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”). Exemplary NORDEL™ EPDM polymers and their properties (with the test methods used noted in parentheses) are listed in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0042] In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer is a VISTALON™ EPDM polymer. VISTALON™ EPDM polymers are manufactured by ExxonMobil. Exemplary VISTALON™ EPDM polymers are listed in Table 2. [Table 2]

[0043] In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer is a ROYALENE® EPDM polymer, a ROYALEDGE® EPDM polymer, a ROYALTHERM® EDPM polymer, or a TRILENE® liquid EPDM polymer. ROYALENE® EPDM, ROYALEDGE® EPDM, ROYALTHERM® EDPM, and TRILENE® liquid EPDM polymers are manufactured by Lion Elastomers. Exemplary ROYALENE® EPDM, ROYALEDGE® EPDM, ROYALTHERM® EDPM, and TRILENE® liquid EPDM polymers are listed in Tables 3-6. [Table 3] [Table 4] [Table 5] [Table 6]

[0044] In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer is a KELTAN® EPDM polymer. KELTAN® EPDM polymer is manufactured by ARLANXEO. Exemplary KELTAN® EPDM polymers are listed in Table 7. [Table 7-1] [Table 7-2] [Table 7-3]

[0045] In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer is DUTRAL® TER EPDM polymer. DUTRAL® TER EPDM polymer is manufactured by Versalis. Exemplary DUTRAL® TER EPDM polymers are listed in Table 8. [Table 8]

[0046] In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more polymers is a SIS polymer.

[0047] As used herein, the term "styrene isoprene styrene polymer" or "SIS polymer" refers to a block copolymer formed from styrene and isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) monomers. In some embodiments, the SIS has the following structure: [ka] where n, l, and p are positive integers.

[0048] As used herein, the term "styrene content" refers to the wt% of the polymer that is derived from styrene monomer.

[0049] In some embodiments, the SIS polymer has a styrene content of about 5 wt% to about 20 wt%, hi some embodiments, the SIS polymer has a styrene content of about 5 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 15 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 20 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 20 wt% to about 30 wt%, or about 25 wt% to about 30 wt%.

[0050] In some embodiments, the styrene content of the SIS polymer is about 14 wt %, hi some embodiments, the styrene content of the SIS polymer is about 5 wt %, about 10 wt %, about 15 wt %, about 20 wt %, about 25 wt %, or about 30 wt %.

[0051] In some embodiments, the structure of the SIS polymer is linear, radial, branched, pendant, dendritic, or a combination thereof.

[0052] In some embodiments, the SIS polymer is a QUINTAC™ polymer. QUINTAC™ polymers are manufactured by Zeon Corporation. Exemplary QUINTAC™ polymers are listed in Table 9 (test methods used are listed in parentheses). [Table 9]

[0053] In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more polymers is an oxygenated polymer. As used herein, the term "oxygenated polymer" refers to any polymer that contains one or more oxygen atoms.

[0054] In some embodiments, the oxygenated polymer comprises polyethylene glycol. As used herein, the term "polyethylene glycol" or "PEG" refers to a polymer having the chemical formula -(O-CH-CH). n - (where n is a positive integer), or a block of a block copolymer.

[0055] As used herein, the term "ethylene oxide content" refers to the wt% of a polymer derived from ethylene oxide monomers and is the wt% amount of -(O-CH-CH)- units present in the polymer. In some embodiments, the ethylene oxide content of the oxygenated polymer is from about 60 wt% to about 90 wt%. In some embodiments, the ethylene oxide content of the oxygenated polymer is from about 20 wt% to about 30 wt%, from about 20 wt% to about 40 wt%, from about 20 wt% to about 50 wt%, from about 20 wt% to about 60 wt%, from about 20 wt% to about 70 wt%, from about 20 wt% to about 80 wt%, from about 20 wt% to about 90 wt%, ...%. % to about 100wt%, about 30wt% to about 40wt%, about 30wt% to about 50wt%, about 30wt% to about 60wt%, about 30wt% to about 70wt%, about 30wt% to about 80wt%, about 30wt% to about 90wt%, about 30wt% to about 100wt%, about 40wt% to about 50wt%, about 40wt% to about 60 wt%, about 40wt% to about 70wt%, about 40wt% to about 80wt%, about 40wt% to about 90wt%, about 40wt% to about 100wt%, about 50wt% to about 60wt%, about 50wt% to about 70wt%, about 50wt% to about 80wt%, about 50wt% to about 90wt%, about 50wt% to about 100wt%, about 6 0 wt% to about 70 wt%, about 60 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 60 wt% to about 100 wt%, about 70 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 70 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 70 wt% to about 100 wt%, about 80 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 80 wt% to about 100 wt%, or about 90 wt% to about 100 wt%.

[0056] In some embodiments, the ethylene oxide content of the oxygenated polymer is about 70 wt%, hi some embodiments, the ethylene oxide content of the oxygenated polymer is about 20 wt%, about 30 wt%, about 40 wt%, about 50 wt%, about 60 wt%, about 80 wt%, about 90 wt%, or about 100 wt%.

[0057] In some embodiments, the oxygenated polymer comprises polypropylene glycol. As used herein, the term "polypropylene glycol" or "PPG" refers to a polymer having the chemical formula -(OCH(CH)-CH). n - (where n is a positive integer), or a block of a block copolymer.

[0058] As used herein, "PEG-PPG-PEG" refers to a polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol-polyethylene glycol triblock copolymer, where the length of each individual block may vary. In some embodiments, the PEG-PPG-PEG contains 84 wt%, 15.6 wt%, and <0.4 wt% ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and water contents, respectively. In some embodiments, the PEG-PPG-PEG has a Mw of about 15,000 g / mol.

[0059] As used herein, "PEG-PPG" refers to a polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol diblock copolymer, where the length of each individual block may vary. In some embodiments, the PEG-PPG comprises 75 wt%, 24.7 wt%, and <0.3 wt% ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and water contents, respectively.

[0060] As used herein, "PEG-PPG-MBE" refers to a polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol diblock copolymer, where the polymerization is terminated using monobutyl ether and the length of each individual block may vary. In some embodiments, the PEG-PPG-MBE contains 75 wt%, 24.7 wt%, and <0.3 wt% ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and water, respectively.

[0061] As used herein, the term "poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid)" or "PEAA" refers to a polymer formed from ethylene and acrylic acid monomers. In some embodiments, PEAA has the following structure: [ka] where n and l are positive integers.

[0062] In some embodiments, the PEAA has an ethylene content of about 55 wt% to about 85 wt%. In some embodiments, the PEAA has an ethylene content of about 40 wt% to about 45 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 55 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 60 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 65 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 70 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 75 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 85 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 45 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 45 wt% to about 55 wt%, about 45 wt% to about 60 wt%. t%, about 45wt% to about 65wt%, about 45wt% to about 70wt%, about 45wt% to about 75wt%, about 45wt% to about 80wt%, about 45wt% to about 85wt%, about 45wt% to about 90wt%, about 50wt% to about 55wt%, about 50wt% to about 60wt%, about 50wt% to about 65wt%, about 50wt% to about 70wt%, about 50wt% to about 75wt%, about 50wt% to about 80wt%, about 50wt% to about 85wt%, about 50wt% to about 90wt %, about 55wt% to about 60wt%, about 55wt% to about 65wt%, about 55wt% to about 70wt%, about 55wt% to about 75wt%, about 55wt% to about 80wt%, about 55wt% to about 90wt%, about 60wt% to about 65wt%, about 60wt% to about 70wt%, about 60wt% to about 75wt%, about 60wt% to about 80wt%, about 60wt% to about 85wt%, about 60wt% to about 90wt%, about 65wt% to about 70wt%, about 65wt% to about 75wt% , about 65 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 65 wt% to about 85 wt%, about 65 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 70 wt% to about 75 wt%, about 70 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 70 wt% to about 85 wt%, about 70 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 75 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 75 wt% to about 85 wt%, about 75 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 80 wt% to about 85 wt%, about 80 wt% to about 90 wt%, or about 90 wt% to about 95 wt%.

[0063] As used herein, the term "acrylic acid content" refers to the wt% of the polymer derived from acrylic monomers. In some embodiments, the PEAA contains about 10 wt% to about 20 wt% acrylic acid monomers. In some embodiments, the PEAA contains about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 15 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 30 wt%. %, about 10 wt% to about 15 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 20 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 20 wt% to about 30 wt%, or about 25 wt% to about 30 wt% acrylic acid monomer.

[0064] In some embodiments, the oxygenated polymer comprises a dicarboxyl-terminated polybutadiene. As used herein, the term "polybutadiene" or "BR" refers to a polymer formed from substituted or unsubstituted 1,3-butadiene monomers. Non-limiting examples of substituents include halogen, hydroxy, cyano, carboxyl, or combinations thereof. The stereochemistry of the 1,3-butadiene monomers can result in cis-, trans-, and branched vinyl-oriented polymers. As used herein, the term "dicarboxyl-terminated polybutadiene" refers to a polybutadiene polymer terminally substituted with a carboxyl group. In some embodiments, the dicarboxyl-terminated polybutadiene has the following structure: [ka] where n is a positive integer.

[0065] In some embodiments, the oxygenated polymer comprises water. In some embodiments, the water content of the oxygenated polymer is less than 0.2 wt%. In some embodiments, the water content of the oxygenated polymer is less than 5 wt%, less than 4 wt%, less than 3 wt%, less than 2 wt%, less than 1 wt%, less than 0.8 wt%, less than 0.6 wt%, less than 0.4 wt%, or less than 0.1 wt%.

[0066] In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more polymers is a polyolefin plastomer (POP) or a polyolefin elastomer (POE). As used herein, the terms "polyolefin plastomer," "POP," "polyolefin elastomer," and "POE" refer to polymers of the formula -(CH-CH(R)). n -, where R is an alkyl chain of variable length and n is the number of monomer units. In some embodiments, the polyolefin plastomer is an AFFINITY™ polyolefin plastomer. AFFINITY™ polyolefin plastomers are manufactured by Dow. Exemplary AFFINITY™ polyolefin plastomers are listed in Table 10. [Table 10]

[0067] In some embodiments, the polyolefin elastomer is an ENGAGE™ polyolefin elastomer. ENGAGE™ polyolefin elastomers are manufactured by Dow. Exemplary ENGAGE™ polyolefin elastomers are listed in Tables 11-12. [Table 11] [Table 12]

[0068] In some embodiments, the polyolefin elastomer is a DUTRAL® polyolefin elastomer. DUTRAL® polyolefin elastomers contain ethylene and propylene and are manufactured by Versalis. Exemplary DUTRAL® polyolefin elastomers are listed in Table 13. [Table 13]

[0069] In some embodiments, the polyolefin elastomer is a VISTAMAXX™ polymer. VISTAMAXX™ polymers are formed from a mixture of polypropylene and / or ethylene monomers and are manufactured by ExxonMObil. Exemplary VISTAMAXX™ polymers are listed in Table 14. [Table 14-1] [Table 14-2]

[0070] In some embodiments, the polyolefin plastomer or elastomer has a melt index of about 500 g / 10 min to about 1300 g / 10 min, as measured by ASTM D 1238. In some embodiments, the polyolefin plastomer or elastomer has a melt index of about 500 g / 10 min to about 700 g / 10 min, about 700 g / 10 min to about 1000 g / 10 min, about 700 g / 10 min to about 1200 g / 10 min, or about 1100 g / 10 min to about 1500 g / 10 min, as measured by ASTM D 1238.

[0071] In some embodiments, the polyolefin plastomer or elastomer has a melt index of about 500 g / 10 min as measured by ASTM D 1238. In some embodiments, the polyolefin plastomer has a melt index of about 600 g / 10 min, about 700 g / 10 min, about 800 g / 10 min, about 900 g / 10 min, about 1000 g / 10 min, about 1100 g / 10 min, about 1200 g / 10 min, about 1300 g / 10 min, about 1400 g / 10 min, or about 1500 g / 10 min as measured by ASTM D 1238.

[0072] In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more polymers is an isoprene polymer. As used herein, the term "isoprene polymer" refers to a polymer formed from isoprene monomers. In some embodiments, the isoprene polymer is a NATSYN® polymer. NATSYN® polymer is manufactured by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Exemplary NATSYN® polymers are listed in Table 15. [Table 15]

[0073] In some embodiments, the isoprene polymer is a Kuraray Liquid Rubber L-IR isoprene polymer. Exemplary Liquid Rubber L-IR isoprene polymers are listed in Table 16. [Table 16]

[0074] In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 0.1 wt% to about 3 wt% of one or more polymers. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.05 wt%, from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.1 wt%, from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.75 wt%, from about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt%, from about 0.01 wt% to about 2 wt%, from about 0.01 wt% to about 3 wt%, from about 0.05 wt% to about 0.1 wt%, from about 0.05 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, from about 0.05 wt% to about 0.75 wt%, from about 0.05 wt% to about 1 wt%, from about 0.05 wt% to about 2 wt%, from about 0.05 wt% to about 3 wt%, or from about 0. % to about 0.25 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.75 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 1 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 2 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 3 wt%, about 0.25 wt% to about 0.75 wt%, about 0.25 wt% to about 1 wt%, about 0.25 wt% to about 2 wt%, about 0.25 wt% to about 3 wt%, about 0.75 wt% to about 1 wt%, about 0.75 wt% to about 2 wt%, about 0.75 wt% to about 3 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 2 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 3 wt%, or about 2 wt% to about 3 wt% of one or more polymers.

[0075] In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 2 wt% of one or more polymers, hi some embodiments, the composition comprises about 0.01 wt%, about 0.05 wt%, about 0.1 wt%, about 0.25 wt%, about 0.75 wt%, about 0.8 wt%, about 0.84 wt%, about 1 wt%, about 2 wt%, or about 3 wt% of one or more polymers.

[0076] In some embodiments, the composition comprises one polymer, in some embodiments, the composition comprises two polymers, in some embodiments, the composition comprises three polymers.

[0077] In some embodiments, the composition includes one polymer, and the polymer is an EPDM polymer. In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer is a NORDEL™ EPDM polymer. In some embodiments, the NORDEL™ EPDM polymer is NORDEL™ IP4725P.

[0078] In some embodiments, the composition comprises one polymer, and the polymer is a polyolefin elastomer. In some embodiments, the polyolefin elastomer is a VISTAMAXX™ polymer. In some embodiments, the VISTAMAXX™ polymer is VISTAMAXX™ Performance Polymer 6102.

[0079] In some embodiments, the composition comprises two polymers, the polymers being an EPDM polymer and a polyolefin elastomer. In some embodiments, the EPDM polymer is a NORDEL™ EPDM polymer. In some embodiments, the NORDEL™ EPDM polymer is NORDEL™ IP4725P. In some embodiments, the polyolefin elastomer is a VISTAMAXX™ polymer. In some embodiments, the VISTAMAXX™ polymer is VISTAMAXX™ Performance Polymer 6102.

[0080] IV. Insoluble sulfur The compositions described herein contain insoluble sulfur. As used herein, the term "insoluble sulfur" refers to a product that is primarily insoluble sulfur but may, and typically, contains some soluble sulfur (usually less than 10%). This form of sulfur is polymeric in nature and is not soluble in elastomers, such as natural rubber, or carbon disulfide (CS2).

[0081] In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 50 wt% to about 95 wt% insoluble sulfur, for example, 70 wt% to about 90 wt% insoluble sulfur. In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 50 wt% to about 55 wt%, about 50 wt% to about 60 wt%, about 50 wt% to about 65 wt%, about 50 wt% to about 70 wt%, about 50 wt% to about 75 wt%, about 50 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 50 wt% to about 85 wt%, about 50 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 50 wt% to about 95 wt%, about 55 wt% to about 60 wt%, about 5 ... About 65wt%, about 55wt% to about 70wt%, about 55wt% to about 75wt%, about 55wt% to about 80wt%, about 55wt% to about 85wt%, about 55wt% to about 90wt%, about 55wt% to about 95wt%, about 60wt% to about 65wt%, about 60wt% to about 70wt%, about 60wt% to about 75wt%, about 60wt% to about 80wt%, about 60wt% to about 85wt%, about 60wt t% to about 90wt%, about 60wt% to about 95wt%, about 65wt% to about 70wt%, about 65wt% to about 75wt%, about 65wt% to about 80wt%, about 65wt% to about 85wt%, about 65wt% to about 90wt%, about 65wt% to about 95wt%, about 70wt% to about 75wt%, about 70wt% to about 80wt%, about 70wt% to about 85wt%, about 70wt% to about 90wt%, About 70 wt% to about 95 wt%, about 75 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 75 wt% to about 85 wt%, about 75 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 75 wt% to about 95 wt%, about 80 wt% to about 85 wt%, about 80 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 80 wt% to about 95 wt%, about 85 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 85 wt% to about 95 wt%, or about 90 wt% to about 95 wt% insoluble sulfur.

[0082] In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 80 wt% insoluble sulfur, hi some embodiments, the composition comprises about 50 wt%, about 55 wt%, about 60 wt%, about 65 wt%, about 70 wt%, about 75 wt%, about 85 wt%, about 90 wt%, or about 95 wt% insoluble sulfur.

[0083] In some embodiments, the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of about 3 μm to about 50 μm. In some embodiments, the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of about 0.5 μm to about 1 μm, about 0.5 μm to about 3 μm, about 0.5 μm to about 5 μm, about 0.5 μm to about 7 μm, about 0.5 μm to about 10 μm, about 0.5 μm to about 25 μm, about 0.5 μm to about 50 μm, about 0.5 μm to about 100 μm, or about 0.5 μm to about 150 μm. , about 1 μm to about 3 μm, about 1 μm to about 5 μm, about 1 μm to about 7 μm, about 1 μm to about 10 μm, about 1 μm to about 25 μm, about 1 μm to about 50 μm, about 1 μm to about 100 μm, about 1 μm to about 150 μm, about 3 μm to about 5 μm, about 3 μm to about 7 μm, about 3 μm to about 10 μm, about 3 μm to about 25 μm, About 3 μm to about 50 μm, about 3 μm to about 100 μm, about 3 μm to about 150 μm, about 5 μm to about 7 μm, about 5 μm to about 10 μm, about 5 μm to about 25 μm, about 5 μm to about 50 μm, about 5 μm to about 100 μm, about 5 μm to about 150 μm, about 7 μm to about 10 μm, about 7 μm to about 25 μm, about 7 μm to about The average primary particle size is 50 μm, about 7 μm to about 100 μm, about 7 μm to about 150 μm, about 10 μm to about 25 μm, about 10 μm to about 50 μm, about 50 μm to about 100 μm, about 50 μm to about 150 μm, about 50 μm to about 100 μm, about 50 μm to about 150 μm, or about 100 μm to about 150 μm.

[0084] In some embodiments, the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of about 10 μm. In some embodiments, the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of about 50 μm. In some embodiments, the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of about 150 μm, about 125 μm, about 100 μm, about 75 μm, about 25 μm, about 15 μm, about 7.5 μm, about 5 μm, about 2.5 μm, about 1 μm, or about 0.5 μm.

[0085] In some embodiments, the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of about 10 μm±5 μm. In some embodiments, the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of about 50 μm±15 μm. In some embodiments, the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of 100 μm±10 μm, 75 μm±5 μm, 25 μm±2.5 μm, 5 μm±2.5 μm, or 2 μm±0.5 μm.

[0086] V. Process Oil The compositions disclosed herein include a process oil. As used herein, the term "process oil" refers to any oil that can be used as a carrier, for example, as a carrier for insoluble sulfur.

[0087] In some embodiments, the process oil is a mineral oil, hi some embodiments, the mineral oil is a paraffinic oil, a naphthenic oil, an aromatic oil, or a combination thereof.

[0088] As used herein, the term "paraffinic oil" refers to an oil containing straight or branched chain hydrocarbons.

[0089] As used herein, the term "naphthenic oil" refers to an oil that comprises hydrocarbons that contain saturated rings. In some embodiments, naphthenic oils have the following structure: [ka] wherein n is a positive integer.

[0090] As used herein, the term "aromatic oil" refers to an oil that includes compounds that contain aromatic rings. In some embodiments, the aromatic oil has the following structure: [ka] wherein n is a positive integer.

[0091] In some embodiments, the process oil comprises a naturally occurring oil or a hydrogenated derivative thereof. As used herein, the term "naturally occurring oil" refers to any oil that may be derived from a natural, non-petroleum source, such as a plant. In some embodiments, the naturally occurring oil is soybean oil, vegetable oil, orange oil, canola oil, castor oil, palm oil, sunflower oil, or a combination thereof. As used herein, the term "hydrogenated derivative" refers to a derivative of an oil that has been treated, for example, with hydrogen gas and a catalyst, to saturate some or all of the double bonds present in the compound(s) comprising the oil.

[0092] In some embodiments, the process oil comprises pyrolysis oil. As used herein, the term "pyrolysis oil" refers to oil obtained by heating dried biomass, including but not limited to wood and algae, in the absence of oxygen. In some embodiments, the pyrolysis oil is prepared in accordance with ASTM D7544-12.

[0093] In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 5 wt% to about 50 wt% processing oil, hi some embodiments, the composition comprises about 5 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 35 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 40 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 45 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 15 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 10 ... 5 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 35 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 40 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 45 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 35 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 40 wt%, about 15 wt% to about 45 wt%, about 15wt% to about 50wt%, about 20wt% to about 25wt%, about 20wt% to about 30wt%, about 20wt% to about 35wt%, about 20wt% to about 40wt%, about 20wt% to about 45wt%, about 20wt% to about 50wt%, about 25wt% to about 30wt%, about 25wt% to about 35wt%, about 25wt% to about 40wt%, about 25wt% to about 45wt%, about 25wt% to about 50 wt%, about 30 wt% to about 35 wt%, about 30 wt% to about 40 wt%, about 30 wt% to about 45 wt%, about 30 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 35 wt% to about 40 wt%, about 35 wt% to about 45 wt%, about 35 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 45 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 50 wt%, or about 45 wt% to about 50 wt% processing oil.

[0094] In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 20 wt% processing oil, hi some embodiments, the composition comprises about 5 wt%, about 10 wt%, about 15 wt%, about 25 wt%, about 30 wt%, about 35 wt%, about 40 wt%, about 45 wt%, or about 50 wt% processing oil.

[0095] VI. Stabilizers In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein further comprise a stabilizer. As used herein, the term "stabilizer" refers to any material, chemical, or combination thereof that is added to insoluble sulfur to directly affect the thermal or storage stability of the product. The material, chemical, or combination thereof may be added at any stage of the insoluble sulfur production process.

[0096] In some embodiments, the stabilizer is an ionic liquid. In some embodiments, the stabilizer is an unsaturated olefin. In some embodiments, the unsaturated olefin is butadiene or isoprene. In some embodiments, the stabilizer is a carbonium ion. In some embodiments, the stabilizer is alpha-methylstyrene, pinene, terpene, ammonium sulfate, sodium ethylxanthate, camphene, benzothiazole, or limonene. In some embodiments, the stabilizer is pine tar, gum turpentine, pine oil, or abietic acid. In some embodiments, the stabilizer is dodecene, tetradecene, octadecene, indene, vinyltoluene, allylbenzene, dicyclopentadiene, styrene, chloroprene, divinylbenzene, 1-vinyl-3-cyclohexane, 2,5-dichlorostyrene, p-vinylbiphenyl, or p-methylstyrene.

[0097] In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt% of a stabilizer. In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 0.01 wt% to about 0.05 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.1 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.75 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.1 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0.75 wt%, about 0.05 wt% to about 0. wt% to about 1 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.25 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 0.75 wt%, about 0.1 wt% to about 1 wt%, about 0.25 wt% to about 0.5 wt%, about 0.25 wt% to about 0.75 wt%, about 0.25 wt% to about 1 wt%, about 0.5 wt% to about 0.75 wt%, about 0.5 wt% to about 1 wt%, or about 0.75 wt% to about 1 wt% of a stabilizer.

[0098] In some embodiments, the composition comprises about 0.5 wt% of a stabilizer, hi some embodiments, the composition comprises about 0.01 wt%, about 0.05 wt%, about 0.1 wt%, about 0.25 wt%, about 0.75 wt%, or about 1 wt% of a stabilizer.

[0099] VII. Composition Characteristics In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein have a Carr index of less than 28%. The Carr index is a measure of a powder's ability to flow. See Example 2. In some embodiments, the compositions have a Carr index of less than 28%. In some embodiments, the compositions have a Carr index of less than 26%, less than 24%, less than 22%, less than 20%, less than 18%, less than 16%, less than 14%, less than 12%, or less than 10%.

[0100] In some embodiments, the composition has a Hausner ratio of less than 1.40. The Hausner ratio is a measure of a powder's ability to flow. See Example 2. In some embodiments, the composition has a Hausner ratio of less than 1.60, less than 1.55, less than 1.50, less than 1.45, less than 1.35, less than 1.30, less than 1.25, less than 1.20, less than 1.15, or less than 1.10.

[0101] VIII. Vulcanized Elastomer Articles The present disclosure also provides vulcanized elastomeric articles comprising the compositions described herein. The term "vulcanized elastomeric article" refers to an article made by forming a composition comprising an elastomer into a particular shape and vulcanizing the composition to provide the article.

[0102] The terms "vulcanization" or "vulcanizing," as used herein, refer to the process by which crosslinks are formed between elastomers, changing the material properties of the elastomer. In particular, vulcanization typically increases the stiffness and durability of the elastomer. Vulcanization is carried out at room temperature or at elevated temperatures, depending on the nature of the elastomer(s), filler(s), and rubber chemical(s) used. The term "curing" is also used in the art to describe this process.

[0103] The term "elastomer," as used herein, generally refers to a polymer with viscoelastic properties (i.e., both viscous and elastic properties) that have low intermolecular forces, a low Young's modulus, and a high strain at break. Elastomers can generally be crosslinked by heating in the presence of one or more crosslinking agents (a process called curing or vulcanization). Rubber is one type of elastomer. Non-limiting types of rubber include natural rubber (NR), synthetic rubber, and blends thereof. The term "natural rubber," as used herein, refers to a naturally occurring elastomer that can be obtained from rubber trees of the Hevea genus. Non-limiting types of synthetic rubber include unsaturated rubber, saturated rubber, rubber with fluoro, fluoroalkyl, or fluoroalkoxy substituents on the polymer chain (FKM), silicone rubber (Q), and blends thereof. Non-limiting examples of unsaturated rubbers include isoprene rubber (IR), butyl rubber (IIR), butadiene rubber (BR), styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber (SIBR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), chloroprene rubber (CR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), and blends thereof. These unsaturated rubbers undergo cyclization and crosslinking reactions, which lead to hardening of the aged section. As oxidation occurs, these vulcanizates harden and ultimately become brittle products. Partial oxidation of the vulcanizates when used in applications such as vehicle tire sidewalls leads to a loss of performance. Saturated rubbers are rubbers that do not contain C=C unsaturation and include, but are not limited to, acrylic rubber (ACM), chlorinated polyethylene (CM), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), polychloromethyloxirane (CO), ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer (EAM), epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), ethylene propylene rubber (EPM), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVM), rubbers with fluoro, fluoroalkyl, or fluoroalkoxy substituents on the polymer chain (FKM), silicone rubber (Q), and blends thereof.

[0104] In some embodiments, natural rubber comprises rubber derived from alternative rubber plants. The term "natural rubber comprises rubber derived from alternative rubber plants" as used herein refers to naturally occurring elastomers that can be obtained from "non-Hevea" sources. In some embodiments, the alternative rubber plant is Parthenium argentatum (guayule) or Taraxacum kok-saghyz (Russian dandelion).

[0105] In some embodiments, the one or more elastomers further comprise reclaimed rubber. The term "reclaimed rubber," as used herein, refers to an elastomer that has been reclaimed from scrap material, such as used tires.

[0106] The present disclosure also provides vulcanized elastomeric articles prepared using the compositions described herein.

[0107] In some embodiments, the vulcanized elastomeric article is a tire, hi some embodiments, the tire is a passenger tire, a light truck tire, a heavy truck or bus tire, a motorcycle tire, an agricultural tire, an earthmover tire, an airplane tire, or a race tire.

[0108] In some embodiments, the vulcanized elastomeric article is a component of a tire, hi some embodiments, the component is a bead, a belt, a body ply, an innerliner, a sidewall, an undertread, or a tread.

[0109] In some embodiments, the vulcanized elastomeric article is a rubber overshoe, a sealing strip, an acoustic panel, an air spring, a bellows, a membrane, a tactile sensor, a shock pad, a hose, a conveyor belt, or flooring.

[0110] process The present disclosure also provides a process for preparing a vulcanized elastomeric article, comprising: (a) mixing a composition described herein with at least one elastomer to form a mixture; (b) forming the mixture of (a) into a shaped object; (c) vulcanizing the molded shape; Providing a vulcanized elastomeric article; Also provided is a process including:

[0111] In some embodiments, vulcanization is carried out at an average temperature of about 140° C. to about 160° C. In some embodiments, vulcanization is carried out at an average temperature of about 80° C. to about 100° C., about 80° C. to about 120° C., about 80° C. to about 140° C., about 80° C. to about 160° C., about 80° C. to about 180° C., about 80° C. to about 200° C., about 100° C. to about 120° C., about 100° C. to about 140° C., about 100° C. to about 160° C., about 100° C. to about 180° C., about 1 The reaction is carried out at an average temperature of from about 00°C to about 200°C, from about 120°C to about 140°C, from about 120°C to about 160°C, from about 120°C to about 180°C, from about 120°C to about 200°C, from about 140°C to about 180°C, from about 140°C to about 200°C, from about 160°C to about 180°C, from about 160°C to about 200°C, or from about 180°C to about 200°C.

[0112] In some embodiments, vulcanization is carried out at an average temperature of about 150° C. In some embodiments, vulcanization is carried out at an average temperature of about 80° C., about 100° C., about 120° C., about 140° C., about 160° C., about 180° C., or about 200° C.

[0113] kit The present disclosure also provides kits that include the compositions described herein, packaged in a manner that facilitates use of the compositions to practice the processes and / or methods of the present disclosure, e.g., in a container. In some embodiments, the kits include the compositions described herein and instructions for using the compositions in vulcanizable elastomeric compositions. In some embodiments, the kits include the compositions described herein and instructions for using the compositions to prepare vulcanized elastomeric articles. The compositions may be packaged in any suitable container, such as a sealed bottle or container, with a label affixed to the container or included in the kit that describes the composition and its appropriate use.

[0114] IX. Sulfur Masterbatch The present disclosure also provides a sulfur masterbatch comprising the composition described herein and at least one elastomer.

[0115] In some embodiments, the elastomer is natural rubber (NR), polyisoprene rubber (IR), butyl rubber (IIR), polybutadiene rubber (BR), styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber (SIBR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), chloroprene rubber (CR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), acrylic rubber (ACM), chlorinated polyethylene (CM), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), polychloromethyloxirane (CO), ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer (EAM), epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), ethylene propylene rubber (EPM), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVM), rubber with fluoro, fluoroalkyl, or fluoroalkoxy substituents on the polymer chain (FKM), silicone rubber (Q), or a combination thereof.

[0116] In some embodiments, the masterbatch comprises about 60 wt% to about 90 wt% of the composition described herein. In some embodiments, the masterbatch comprises about 40 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 60 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 70 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 95 wt%, about 50 wt% to about 60 wt%, about 50 wt% to about 70 wt%, about 50 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 50 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 50 wt% to about 95 wt%, about 60 wt% to about 70 wt%, about 60 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 60 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 60 wt% to about 95 wt%, about 70 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 70 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 70 wt% to about 95 wt%, about 80 wt% to about 90 wt%, about 80 wt% to about 95 wt%, or about 90 wt% to about 95 wt% of the compositions described herein.

[0117] In some embodiments, the masterbatch comprises about 80 wt% of a composition described herein, hi some embodiments, the masterbatch comprises about 40 wt%, about 45 wt%, about 50 wt%, about 55 wt%, about 60 wt%, about 65 wt%, about 70 wt%, about 75 wt%, about 85 wt%, about 90 wt%, or about 95 wt% of a composition described herein.

[0118] In some embodiments, the masterbatch comprises about 10 wt% to about 40 wt% elastomer, hi some embodiments, the masterbatch comprises about 5 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 35 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 40 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 45 wt%, about 5 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 15 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 20wt%, about 10wt% to about 25wt%, about 10wt% to about 30wt%, about 10wt% to about 35wt%, about 10wt% to about 45wt%, about 10wt% to about 50wt%, about 15wt% to about 20wt%, about 15wt% to about 25wt%, about 15wt% to about 30wt%, about 15wt% to about 35wt%, about 15wt% to about 40wt%, about 15wt% to about 45wt%, About 15wt% to about 50wt%, about 20wt% to about 25wt%, about 20wt% to about 30wt%, about 20wt% to about 35wt%, about 20wt% to about 40wt%, about 20wt% to about 45wt%, about 20wt% to about 50wt%, about 25wt% to about 30wt%, about 25wt% to about 35wt%, about 25wt% to about 40wt%, about 25wt% to about 45wt%, about 25wt% to about 50 wt%, about 30 wt% to about 35 wt%, about 30 wt% to about 40 wt%, about 30 wt% to about 45 wt%, about 30 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 35 wt% to about 40 wt%, about 35 wt% to about 45 wt%, about 35 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 45 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 50 wt%, or about 45 wt% to about 50 wt% elastomer.

[0119] In some embodiments, the masterbatch comprises about 20 wt% elastomer, hi some embodiments, the masterbatch comprises about 5 wt%, about 10 wt%, about 15 wt%, about 25 wt%, about 30 wt%, about 35 wt%, about 40 wt%, about 45 wt%, or about 50 wt% elastomer.

[0120] X. Detailed Embodiments The present disclosure provides the following detailed embodiments.

[0121] Embodiment I. A composition comprising about 50 wt % to about 95 wt % insoluble sulfur, about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % process oil, and about 0.1 wt % to about 3 wt % polymer, wherein the polymer is an ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) polymer, a styrene isoprene styrene (SIS) polymer, an oxygenated polymer, a polyolefin plastomer or elastomer, or an isoprene polymer.

[0122] Embodiment II. The composition of embodiment I, wherein the polymer is an EPDM polymer.

[0123] Embodiment III. The composition of embodiment II, wherein the EPDM polymer has an ethylene content of from about 55 wt% to about 85 wt%.

[0124] Embodiment IV. The composition of embodiment III, wherein the EPDM polymer has an ethylene content of about 70 wt%.

[0125] Embodiment V. The composition of any one of Embodiments II-IV, wherein the EPDM polymer has an ethylidene norbornene content of from about 0 wt% to about 10 wt%.

[0126] Embodiment VI. The composition of embodiment V, wherein the EPDM polymer has an ethylidene norbornene content of about 4.9 wt.%.

[0127] Embodiment VII. The composition of any one of Embodiments II-VI, wherein the EPDM polymer has a Mooney viscosity of from about 15 ML(1+4) to about 90 ML(1+4), as measured according to ASTM D1646 standard.

[0128] Embodiment VIII. The composition of embodiment VII, wherein the EPDM polymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 25 ML(1+4) as measured according to ASTM D1646 standard.

[0129] Embodiment IX. The composition of embodiment I, wherein the polymer is a SIS polymer.

[0130] Embodiment X. The composition of embodiment IX, wherein the styrene content of the SIS polymer is from about 5 wt% to about 20 wt%.

[0131] Embodiment XI. The composition of embodiment X, wherein the styrene content of the SIS polymer is about 14 wt%.

[0132] Embodiment XII. The composition of any one of Embodiments IX-XI, wherein the structure of the SIS polymer is linear, radial, branched, pendant, dendritic, or a combination thereof.

[0133] Embodiment XIII. The composition of embodiment XII, wherein the SIS polymer has a linear structure.

[0134] Embodiment XIV. The composition of embodiment XII, wherein the structure of the SIS polymer is a combination of linear and radial.

[0135] Embodiment XV. The composition of embodiment I, wherein the polymer is an oxygen-containing polymer.

[0136] Embodiment XVI. The composition of embodiment XV, wherein the oxygenated polymer comprises polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, or a combination thereof.

[0137] Embodiment XVII. The composition of Embodiment XVI, wherein the ethylene oxide content of the oxygenated polymer is from about 60 wt% to about 90 wt%.

[0138] Embodiment XVIII. The composition of embodiment XV, wherein the oxygenated polymer comprises poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid).

[0139] Embodiment XIX. The composition of embodiment XV, wherein the oxygenated polymer comprises a dicarboxyl-terminated polybutadiene.

[0140] Embodiment XX. The composition of any one of Embodiments XV-XIX, wherein the water content of the oxygenated polymer is less than 0.2 wt%.

[0141] Embodiment XXI. The composition of embodiment I, wherein the polymer is a polyolefin plastomer or elastomer.

[0142] Embodiment XXII. The composition of embodiment XXI, wherein the polyolefin plastomer or elastomer has a melt index of from about 500 g / 10 min to about 1300 g / 10 min, as measured by ASTM D1238.

[0143] Embodiment XXIII. The composition of embodiment XXI or XXII, wherein the polyolefin plastomer or elastomer has a density of about 0.850 g / cc to about 0.950 g / cc, as measured by ASTM D792.

[0144] Embodiment XXIV. The composition of embodiment I, wherein the polymer is an isoprene polymer.

[0145] Embodiment XXV. The composition of any one of Embodiments I-XXIV, further comprising about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt% of a stabilizer.

[0146] Embodiment XXVI. The composition of embodiment XXV, wherein the stabilizer is an ionic liquid.

[0147] Embodiment XXVII. The composition of embodiment XXV, wherein the stabilizer is an unsaturated olefin.

[0148] Embodiment XXVIII. The composition of embodiment XXV, wherein the stabilizer is a carbonium ion.

[0149] Embodiment XXIX. The composition of embodiment XXV, wherein the stabilizer is alpha-methylstyrene, pinene, a terpene, ammonium sulfate, sodium ethylxanthate, camphene, benzothiazole, or limonene.

[0150] Embodiment XXX. The composition of any one of embodiments I-XXIX, wherein the composition comprises about 80 wt% insoluble sulfur.

[0151] Embodiment XXXI. The composition of any one of Embodiments I-XXX, wherein the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of about 3 μm to about 65 μm.

[0152] Embodiment XXXII. The composition of embodiment XXXI, wherein the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of 10 μm±5 μm.

[0153] Embodiment XXXIII. The composition of embodiment XXXI, wherein the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of 50 μm±15 μm.

[0154] Embodiment XXXIV. The composition of any one of Embodiments I-XXXIII, wherein the composition comprises about 19.2 wt% processing oil.

[0155] Embodiment XXXV. The composition of any one of Embodiments I-XXXIV, wherein the process oil comprises a mineral oil, a naturally occurring oil, a pyrolysis oil, or a combination thereof.

[0156] Embodiment XXXVI. The composition of embodiment XXXV, wherein the processing oil comprises a mineral oil.

[0157] Embodiment XXXVII. The composition of Embodiment XXXVI, wherein the mineral oil is a paraffinic oil, a naphthenic oil, an aromatic oil, or a combination thereof.

[0158] Embodiment XXXVIII. The composition of Embodiment XXXVII, wherein the mineral oil is a naphthenic oil.

[0159] Embodiment XXXIX. The composition of embodiment XXXV, wherein the process oil comprises a naturally occurring oil, or a hydrogenated derivative thereof.

[0160] Embodiment XL. The composition of embodiment XXXIX, wherein the naturally occurring oil is soybean oil, vegetable oil, orange oil, canola oil, castor oil, palm oil, sunflower oil, or a combination thereof.

[0161] Embodiment XLI. The composition of any one of Embodiments I-XL, wherein the composition comprises about 0.8 wt% of the polymer.

[0162] Embodiment XLII. The composition of any one of embodiments I-XLI, wherein the composition has a Carr index of less than 28%.

[0163] Embodiment XLIII. The composition of any one of Embodiments I-XLII, wherein the composition has a Hausner ratio of less than 1.40.

[0164] Embodiment XLIV. A vulcanized elastomeric article comprising the composition of any one of Embodiments I-XLII.

[0165] Embodiment XLV. A vulcanized elastomeric article prepared using the composition of any one of Embodiments I-XLII.

[0166] Embodiment XLVI. The vulcanized elastomeric article of Embodiment XLIV or XLV, wherein the vulcanized elastomeric article is a tire.

[0167] Embodiment XLVII. A process for preparing a vulcanized elastomeric article, comprising: (a) mixing the composition of any one of embodiments I-XLIII with at least one elastomer to form a mixture; (b) forming the mixture of (a) into a shaped object; (c) vulcanizing the molded shape; Providing a vulcanized elastomeric article; The process comprising:

[0168] Embodiment XLVIII. A kit comprising the composition of any one of Embodiments I-XLIII and instructions for using said composition in a vulcanizable elastomeric composition.

[0169] Embodiment XLIX. A kit comprising the composition of any one of Embodiments I-XLIII and instructions for using said composition to prepare a vulcanized elastomeric article.

[0170] Embodiment L. A sulfur masterbatch comprising the composition of any one of Embodiments I through XLIII and at least one elastomer.

[0171] Embodiment LI. The masterbatch of embodiment L, wherein the elastomer is natural rubber (NR), polyisoprene rubber (IR), butyl rubber (IIR), polybutadiene rubber (BR), styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber (SIBR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), chloroprene rubber (CR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), acrylic rubber (ACM), chlorinated polyethylene (CM), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), polychloromethyloxirane (CO), ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer (EAM), epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), ethylene propylene rubber (EPM), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVM), rubber having fluoro, fluoroalkyl, or fluoroalkoxy substituents on the polymer chain (FKM), silicone rubber (Q), or a combination thereof.

[0172] EMBODIMENT LI1. The masterbatch of embodiment LI, wherein the masterbatch comprises about 60 wt% to about 90 wt% of the composition of any one of embodiments I-XLIII.

[0173] Embodiment LIII. The masterbatch of embodiment LII, wherein the masterbatch comprises about 80 wt% of the composition of any one of embodiments I-XLIII.

[0174] Embodiment LIV. The masterbatch of any one of Embodiments L-LIII, wherein the masterbatch comprises about 10 wt% to about 40 wt% elastomer.

[0175] Embodiment LV. The masterbatch of embodiment LIV, wherein the masterbatch comprises about 20 wt. % elastomer.

[0176] The present disclosure provides the following detailed embodiments.

[0177] Embodiment 1. A composition comprising about 50 wt % to about 95 wt % insoluble sulfur, about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % process oil, and about 0.1 wt % to about 3 wt % of one or more polymers, wherein at least one of the one or more polymers is an ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) polymer, a styrene isoprene styrene (SIS) polymer, an oxygenated polymer, a polyolefin plastomer or elastomer, or an isoprene polymer.

[0178] Embodiment 2. The composition of embodiment 1, wherein at least one of the one or more polymers is an EPDM polymer.

[0179] Embodiment 3. The composition of embodiment 2, wherein the EPDM polymer has an ethylene content of about 55 wt% to about 85 wt%.

[0180] Embodiment 4. The composition of embodiment 3, wherein the EPDM polymer has an ethylene content of about 70 wt%.

[0181] Embodiment 5. The composition of any one of embodiments 2-4, wherein the EPDM polymer has an ethylidene norbornene content of from about 0 wt% to about 10 wt%.

[0182] Embodiment 6. The composition of embodiment 5, wherein the EPDM polymer has an ethylidene norbornene content of about 4.9 wt%.

[0183] Embodiment 7. The composition of any one of embodiments 2-6, wherein the EPDM polymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 15 ML(1+4) to about 90 ML(1+4), as measured according to the ASTM D1646 standard.

[0184] Embodiment 8. The composition of embodiment 7, wherein the EPDM polymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 25 ML(1+4) as measured according to ASTM D1646 standard.

[0185] Embodiment 9. The composition of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein at least one of the one or more polymers is a SIS polymer.

[0186] Embodiment 10. The composition of embodiment 9, wherein the styrene content of the SIS polymer is from about 5 wt% to about 20 wt%.

[0187] Embodiment 11. The composition of embodiment 10, wherein the styrene content of the SIS polymer is about 14 wt%.

[0188] Embodiment 12. The composition of any one of embodiments 9-11, wherein the structure of the SIS polymer is linear, radial, branched, pendant, dendritic, or a combination thereof.

[0189] Embodiment 13. The composition of embodiment 12, wherein the SIS polymer has a linear structure.

[0190] Embodiment 14. The composition of embodiment 12, wherein the structure of the SIS polymer is a combination of linear and radial.

[0191] Embodiment 15. The composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein at least one of the one or more polymers is an oxygen-containing polymer.

[0192] Embodiment 16. The composition of embodiment 15, wherein the oxygenated polymer comprises polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, or a combination thereof.

[0193] Embodiment 17. The composition of embodiment 16, wherein the ethylene oxide content of the oxygenated polymer is from about 60% to about 90% by weight.

[0194] Embodiment 18. The composition of embodiment 15, wherein the oxygenated polymer comprises poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid).

[0195] Embodiment 19. The composition of embodiment 15, wherein the oxygenated polymer comprises a dicarboxyl-terminated polybutadiene.

[0196] Embodiment 20. The composition of any one of embodiments 15-19, wherein the water content of the oxygenated polymer is less than 0.2 wt%.

[0197] Embodiment 21. The composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein at least one of the one or more polymers is a polyolefin plastomer or elastomer.

[0198] Embodiment 22. The composition of embodiment 21, wherein the polyolefin plastomer or elastomer has a melt index of about 500 g / 10 min to about 1300 g / 10 min, as measured by ASTM D1238.

[0199] Embodiment 23. The composition of embodiment 21 or 22, wherein the polyolefin plastomer or elastomer has a density of about 0.850 g / cc to about 0.950 g / cc, as measured by ASTM D792.

[0200] Embodiment 24. The composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein at least one of the one or more polymers is an isoprene polymer.

[0201] Embodiment 25. The composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 24, further comprising about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt% of a stabilizer.

[0202] Embodiment 26. The composition of embodiment 25, wherein the stabilizer is an ionic liquid.

[0203] Embodiment 27. The composition of embodiment 25, wherein the stabilizer is an unsaturated olefin.

[0204] Embodiment 28. The composition of embodiment 25, wherein the stabilizer is a carbonium ion.

[0205] Embodiment 29. The composition of embodiment 25, wherein the stabilizer is alpha-methylstyrene, pinene, terpene, ammonium sulfate, sodium ethylxanthate, camphene, benzothiazole, or limonene.

[0206] Embodiment 30. The composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 29, wherein the composition comprises about 80 wt% insoluble sulfur.

[0207] Embodiment 31. The composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 30, wherein the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of about 3 μm to about 65 μm.

[0208] Embodiment 32. The composition of embodiment 31, wherein the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of 10 μm±5 μm.

[0209] Embodiment 33. The composition of embodiment 31, wherein the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of 50 μm±15 μm.

[0210] Embodiment 34. The composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 33, wherein the composition comprises about 19.2 wt% processing oil.

[0211] Embodiment 35. The composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 33, wherein the composition comprises about 10 wt% processing oil.

[0212] Embodiment 36. The composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 35, wherein the process oil comprises a mineral oil, a naturally occurring oil, a pyrolysis oil, or a combination thereof.

[0213] Embodiment 37. The composition of embodiment 36, wherein the process oil comprises mineral oil.

[0214] Embodiment 38. The composition of embodiment 37, wherein the mineral oil is a paraffinic oil, a naphthenic oil, an aromatic oil, or a combination thereof.

[0215] Embodiment 39. The composition of embodiment 38, wherein the mineral oil is a naphthenic oil.

[0216] Embodiment 40. The composition of embodiment 36, wherein the process oil comprises a naturally occurring oil, or a hydrogenated derivative thereof.

[0217] Embodiment 41. The composition of embodiment 40, wherein the naturally occurring oil is soybean oil, vegetable oil, orange oil, canola oil, castor oil, palm oil, sunflower oil, or a combination thereof.

[0218] Embodiment 42. The composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 41, wherein the composition comprises about 0.8 wt% of the one or more polymers.

[0219] Embodiment 43. The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the composition comprises about 80 wt% to about 90 wt% insoluble sulfur, about 10 wt% to about 20 wt% processing oil, and about 0.4 wt% to about 1 wt% polyolefin plastomer or elastomer.

[0220] Embodiment 44. The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the composition comprises about 80 wt% to about 90 wt% insoluble sulfur, about 10 wt% to about 20 wt% processing oil, and about 0.4 wt% to about 1 wt% EPDM polymer.

[0221] Embodiment 45. The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the composition comprises about 80 wt% to about 90 wt% insoluble sulfur, about 10 wt% to about 20 wt% processing oil, about 0.4 wt% to about 1 wt% polyolefin plastomer or elastomer, and about 0.01 wt% to about 0.07 wt% EPDM polymer.

[0222] Embodiment 46. The composition of embodiment 1, wherein the composition comprises about 80 wt% to about 90 wt% insoluble sulfur, about 10 wt% to about 20 wt% processing oil, about 0.01 wt% to about 0.07 wt% polyolefin plastomer or elastomer, and about 0.4 wt% to about 1 wt% EPDM polymer.

[0223] Embodiment 47. The polyolefin plastomer or the elastomer has a viscosity of about 0.862 g / cm 3 47. The composition of any one of embodiments 43, 45, or 46, having a density of about 100 .mu.m or less and an ethylene content of about 16.

[0224] Embodiment 48. The composition of embodiment 47, wherein the polyolefin plastomer or elastomer is VISTAMAXX™ Performance Polymer 6102.

[0225] Embodiment 49. The composition of any one of embodiments 44-46, wherein the EPDM polymer has an ethylene content of about 70 and an ethylidene norbornene (ENB) content of about 4.9.

[0226] Embodiment 50. The composition of embodiment 49, wherein the EPDM polymer is NORDEL™ IP 4725P.

[0227] Embodiment 51. The composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 50, wherein the composition has a Carr index of less than 28%.

[0228] Embodiment 52. The composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 51, wherein the composition has a Hausner ratio of less than 1.40.

[0229] Embodiment 53. A vulcanized elastomeric article comprising the composition of any one of embodiments 1-52.

[0230] Embodiment 54. A vulcanized elastomeric article prepared using the composition of any one of embodiments 1-52.

[0231] Embodiment 55. The vulcanized elastomeric article of embodiment 53 or 54, wherein the vulcanized elastomeric article is a tire.

[0232] Embodiment 56. A process for preparing a vulcanized elastomeric article, comprising: (a) mixing the composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 52 with at least one elastomer to form a mixture; (b) forming the mixture of (a) into a shaped object; (c) vulcanizing the molded shape; Providing a vulcanized elastomeric article; The process comprising:

[0233] Embodiment 57. A kit comprising the composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 52 and instructions for using said composition in a vulcanizable elastomeric composition.

[0234] Embodiment 58. A kit comprising the composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 52 and instructions for using the composition to prepare a vulcanized elastomeric article.

[0235] Embodiment 59. A sulfur masterbatch comprising the composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 52 and at least one elastomer.

[0236] Embodiment 60. The masterbatch of embodiment 59, wherein the elastomer is natural rubber (NR), polyisoprene rubber (IR), butyl rubber (IIR), polybutadiene rubber (BR), styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber (SIBR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), chloroprene rubber (CR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), acrylic rubber (ACM), chlorinated polyethylene (CM), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), polychloromethyloxirane (CO), ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer (EAM), epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), ethylene propylene rubber (EPM), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVM), rubber having fluoro, fluoroalkyl, or fluoroalkoxy substituents on the polymer chain (FKM), silicone rubber (Q), or a combination thereof.

[0237] Embodiment 61. The masterbatch of embodiment 60, wherein the masterbatch comprises from about 60 wt % to about 90 wt % of the composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 52.

[0238] Embodiment 62. The masterbatch of embodiment 61, wherein the masterbatch comprises about 80 wt% of the composition of any one of embodiments 1 to 52.

[0239] Embodiment 63. The masterbatch of any one of embodiments 59-62, wherein the masterbatch comprises from about 10 wt% to about 40 wt% elastomer.

[0240] Embodiment 64. The masterbatch of embodiment 63, wherein the masterbatch comprises about 20 wt % elastomer. [Example]

[0241] Example 1 Preparation of insoluble sulfur compositions Approximately 500 g of dry insoluble sulfur was placed in a 2 L plastic container fitted with five steel ball bearings. Process oil alone (Hyprene P300N paraffinic process oil or Hyprene 100 naphthenic process oil) or a process oil (Hyprene 100 naphthenic process oil) / polymer mixture was preheated to 70 °C and poured into the insoluble sulfur to achieve a final concentration of 20 wt% process oil in the mixture. The container was quickly capped and loaded into a BioEngineering Inversina 2 L rotating mixer. The mixture was rotated at 60 rpm for 15 minutes, stopped, and any part of the mixture adhering to the walls or top of the container was scraped off with a spatula. The container was resealed and reloaded into the Inversina mixer at 60 rpm for an additional 45 minutes. The mixture was removed from the mixer and used for subsequent characterization.

[0242] Example 2 Determination of Carr's index and Hausner ratio of insoluble sulfur compositions. The Carr index of the insoluble sulfur composition prepared using the procedure described in Example 1 was measured using the ASTM Standard Test Method for Bulk Solids Characterization by Carr Index, as described, for example, in ASTM D6393-14 published by ASTM International (incorporated herein by reference). The Carr index is defined as follows: Carr index=100×(ρPBD-ρUBD) / ρPBD where ρ is the compacted bulk density and ρ is the loose bulk density. A lower Carr index indicates better powder flow. The Carr index for various insoluble sulfur compositions with and without different polymers is plotted in Figure 1 and summarized in Table 17.

[0243] The Hausner ratio also describes powder flow by expressing the ratio of packed bulk density to loose bulk density and is defined as follows: Hausner ratio = ρPBD / ρUBD where ρ is the compacted bulk density and ρ is the loose bulk density. A lower Hausner ratio indicates better powder flow. The Hausner ratios of various insoluble sulfur compositions prepared using the procedure described in Example 1, with different polymers or no polymer, are plotted in Figure 2 and summarized in Table 17. [Table 17-1] [Table 17-2] [Table 17-3] [Table 17-4] [Table 17-5]

[0244] Although the methods, compounds, and compositions have been fully described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the same can be practiced within a wide and equivalent range of conditions, formulations, and other parameters without affecting the scope of the methods, compounds, and compositions provided herein, or any embodiment thereof. All patents, patent applications, and publications cited herein are hereby fully incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. 1. A composition comprising about 50 wt % to about 95 wt % insoluble sulfur, about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % process oil, and about 0.1 wt % to about 3 wt % of one or more polymers, wherein at least one of the one or more polymers is an ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) polymer, a styrene isoprene styrene (SIS) polymer, an oxygenated polymer, a polyolefin plastomer or elastomer, or an isoprene polymer.

2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more polymers is an EPDM polymer.

3. 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the EPDM polymer has an ethylene content of from about 55 wt% to about 85 wt%.

4. 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the EPDM polymer has an ethylene content of about 70 wt%.

5. The composition of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the EPDM polymer has an ethylidene norbornene content of from about 0 wt% to about 10 wt%.

6. 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the EPDM polymer has an ethylidene norbornene content of about 4.9 wt%.

7. 7. The composition of claim 2, wherein the EPDM polymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 15 ML(1+4) to about 90 ML(1+4), as measured according to ASTM D1646 standard.

8. 8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the EPDM polymer has a Mooney viscosity of about 25 ML(1+4) as measured according to ASTM D1646 standard.

9. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the one or more polymers is an SIS polymer.

10. 10. The composition of claim 9, wherein the styrene content of the SIS polymer is from about 5 wt% to about 20 wt%.

11. 11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the styrene content of the SIS polymer is about 14 wt%.

12. The composition of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the structure of the SIS polymer is linear, radial, branched, pendant, dendritic, or a combination thereof.

13. The composition of claim 12 , wherein the structure of the SIS polymer is linear.

14. The composition of claim 12 , wherein the structure of the SIS polymer is a combination of linear and radial.

15. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one of the one or more polymers is an oxygen-containing polymer.

16. 16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the oxygenated polymer comprises polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, or a combination thereof.

17. 17. The composition of claim 16, wherein the ethylene oxide content of the oxygenated polymer is from about 60 wt% to about 90 wt%.

18. The composition of claim 15, wherein the oxygenated polymer comprises poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid).

19. 16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the oxygenated polymer comprises a dicarboxyl-terminated polybutadiene.

20. 20. The composition of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the water content of the oxygenated polymer is less than 0.2 wt%.

21. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein at least one of the one or more polymers is a polyolefin plastomer or elastomer.

22. 22. The composition of claim 21, wherein the polyolefin plastomer or elastomer has a melt index of from about 500 g / 10 min to about 1300 g / 10 min as measured by ASTM D1238.

23. 23. The composition of claim 21 or 22, wherein the polyolefin plastomer or elastomer has a density of about 0.850 g / cc to about 0.950 g / cc as measured by ASTM D792.

24. 24. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein at least one of the one or more polymers is an isoprene polymer.

25. 25. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising about 0.01 wt% to about 1 wt% of a stabilizer.

26. 26. The composition of claim 25, wherein the stabilizer is an ionic liquid.

27. 26. The composition of claim 25, wherein the stabilizer is an unsaturated olefin.

28. 26. The composition of claim 25, wherein the stabilizer is a carbonium ion.

29. 26. The composition of claim 25, wherein the stabilizer is alpha-methylstyrene, pinene, a terpene, ammonium sulfate, sodium ethylxanthogenate, camphene, benzothiazole, or limonene.

30. 30. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the composition comprises about 80 wt% insoluble sulfur.

31. 31. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of about 3 μm to about 65 μm.

32. 32. The composition of claim 31, wherein the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of 10 μm±5 μm.

33. 32. The composition of claim 31, wherein the insoluble sulfur has an average primary particle size of 50 μm±15 μm.

34. 34. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the composition comprises about 19.2 wt% of processing oil.

35. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the composition comprises about 10 wt% processing oil.

36. 36. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the process oil comprises a mineral oil, a naturally occurring oil, a pyrolysis oil, or a combination thereof.

37. 37. The composition of claim 36, wherein the process oil comprises a mineral oil.

38. 38. The composition of claim 37, wherein the mineral oil is a paraffinic oil, a naphthenic oil, an aromatic oil, or a combination thereof.

39. 39. The composition of claim 38, wherein the mineral oil is a naphthenic oil.

40. 37. The composition of claim 36, wherein the process oil comprises a naturally occurring oil, or a hydrogenated derivative thereof.

41. 41. The composition of claim 40, wherein the naturally occurring oil is soybean oil, vegetable oil, orange oil, canola oil, castor oil, palm oil, sunflower oil, or a combination thereof.

42. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the composition comprises about 0.8 wt% of the one or more polymers.

43. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises about 80 wt% to about 90 wt% insoluble sulfur, about 10 wt% to about 20 wt% processing oil, and about 0.4 wt% to about 1 wt% polyolefin plastomer or elastomer.

44. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises about 80 wt% to about 90 wt% insoluble sulfur, about 10 wt% to about 20 wt% processing oil, and about 0.4 wt% to about 1 wt% EPDM polymer.

45. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises about 80 wt % to about 90 wt % insoluble sulfur, about 10 wt % to about 20 wt % processing oil, about 0.4 wt % to about 1 wt % polyolefin plastomer or elastomer, and about 0.01 wt % to about 0.07 wt % EPDM polymer.

46. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises about 80 wt % to about 90 wt % insoluble sulfur, about 10 wt % to about 20 wt % processing oil, about 0.01 wt % to about 0.07 wt % polyolefin plastomer or elastomer, and about 0.4 wt % to about 1 wt % EPDM polymer.

47. The polyolefin plastomer or the elastomer has a viscosity of about 0.862 g / cm ３ 47. The composition of any one of claims 43, 45, or 46, having a density of about 100 .mu.m or less and an ethylene content of about 16.

48. 48. The composition of claim 47, wherein the polyolefin plastomer or elastomer is VISTAMAXX™ Performance Polymer 6102.

49. 47. The composition of any one of claims 44-46, wherein the EPDM polymer has an ethylene content of about 70 and an ethylidene norbornene (ENB) content of about 4.

9.

50. 50. The composition of claim 49, wherein the EPDM polymer is NORDEL™ IP 4725P.

51. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 50, wherein the composition has a Carr index of less than 28%.

52. 52. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 51, wherein the composition has a Hausner ratio of less than 1.

40.

53. A vulcanized elastomeric article comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 52.

54. A vulcanized elastomeric article prepared using the composition of any one of claims 1 to 52.

55. 55. The vulcanized elastomeric article of claim 53 or 54, wherein the vulcanized elastomeric article is a tire.

56. 1. A process for preparing a vulcanized elastomeric article, comprising: (a) mixing the composition of any one of claims 1 to 52 with at least one elastomer to form a mixture; (b) forming the mixture of (a) into a shaped object; (c) vulcanizing the molded shape, providing a vulcanized elastomeric article.

57. 53. A kit comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 52 and instructions for using said composition in a vulcanizable elastomeric composition.

58. 53. A kit comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 52 and instructions for using said composition to prepare a vulcanized elastomeric article.

59. A sulfur masterbatch comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 52 and at least one elastomer.

60. 60. The masterbatch of claim 59, wherein the elastomer is natural rubber (NR), polyisoprene rubber (IR), butyl rubber (IIR), polybutadiene rubber (BR), styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber (SIBR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), chloroprene rubber (CR), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), acrylic rubber (ACM), chlorinated polyethylene (CM), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), polychloromethyloxirane (CO), ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer (EAM), epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), ethylene propylene rubber (EPM), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVM), rubber having fluoro, fluoroalkyl, or fluoroalkoxy substituents on the polymer chain (FKM), silicone rubber (Q), or a combination thereof.

61. 61. The masterbatch of claim 60, wherein the masterbatch comprises from about 60 wt % to about 90 wt % of the composition of any one of claims 1 to 52.

62. 62. The masterbatch of claim 61, wherein the masterbatch comprises about 80 wt. % of the composition of any one of claims 1 to 52.

63. 63. The masterbatch of any one of claims 59 to 62, wherein the masterbatch comprises from about 10 wt% to about 40 wt% elastomer.

64. 64. The masterbatch of claim 63, wherein the masterbatch comprises about 20 wt% elastomer.

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