Process for the preparation of Vulcanizable, Modified, Synthetic, Conjugated-Diene Polymers

1,168,388. Modified synthetic rubbers. SHELL INTERNATIONALE RESEARCH MAATSCHAPPIJ N.V. 9 Sept., 1968, No. 42808/68. Heading C3P. In a process for the modification of a synthetic conjugated diene polymer, a solution of the polymer is mixed with the " modifying agent " at a temperature below 100‹ C., the solvent is removed, and the resulting mixture is heated at a temperature of 50‹ to 250‹ C. prior to any mechanical processing. Thus, a solution of polyisoprene in isopentene has added thereto dilauroyl peroxide, monoanilide of maleic acid, chloranil, p-quinone dioxime, maleic anhydride, maleimide, or azo-bis-isobutyronitrile, or mixture thereof, the solvent is steam-stripped and the resulting aqueous crumb is heated to react whereafter the polyisoprene is ready for compounding. The " modifying agent " is a reactant which improves the physical and mechanical properties of the polymer.