Abstract:
An elastomeric composition is provided comprising at least one elastomeric compound, at least one vinyl acetal polymer, at least one filler, and optionally at least one coupling agent. A process of making the elastomeric composition is also provided as well as articles comprising the elastomeric composition. In particular, tires comprising the elastomeric composition are provided wherein the handling and processing characteristics are improved while other performance characteristics are retained.
Abstract:
In one embodiment of the present invention, a cellulose ester concentrate is provided. The cellulose ester concentrate comprises at least one non-nitrile carrier elastomer and at least one non-fibril cellulose ester. The Tg of the cellulose ester is greater than the Tg of the carrier elastomer. The cellulose ester concentrate comprises at least 15 weight percent of the cellulose ester. In another embodiment of the present invention, a process to produce a cellulose ester concentrate is provided. The process comprises mixing at least one cellulose ester with one or more carrier elastomers to produce the cellulose ester concentrate. At least a portion of the mixing occurs at a temperature that exceeds the Tg of the cellulose ester.