Chemical modification of neodymium high cis-1,4 polybutadiene with styreneoxide

The polymerization of 1,3‐butadiene (BD) was carried out in the presence of a catalyst composed of neodymium 2‐ethylhexanoate, triisobutyl aluminum, diisobutyl aluminum hydride (DIBAH), ethylaluminum sesquichloride and acetylacetone. The molecular weight of the BR could be controlled with DIBAH. The reactive polymer was then chemically modified with styreneoxide (STO). The STO content of BR increased with the decrease in the molecular weight of the BR. This polymer was modified by the STO at the chain terminal end. The physical properties of the vulcanizates with the modified BR were measured. The abrasion resistance and the tensile strength were found to be improved.