Progress of synthesis and application of trans-1,4-polyisoprene

A new technology to synthesize trans-1,4-polyisoprene (TPI) with bulk precipitation polymerization in the presence of a supported Ti catalysts was introduced. The termination of polymerization, stabilization of the polymer, and the adjustment of the molecular weight of TPI and its quality index are discussed. The blending and covulcanization of TPI with natural rubber (NR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), and butadiene rubber (BR) were studied. The blending compounds had outstanding dynamic mechanical properties, especially the rolling resistance, heat buildup, and wet skid resistance. Tread and sidewall compounds that contained TPI had a higher modulus, longer fatigue life, better abrasion resistance, lower rolling resistance, and lower buildup, which indicates that TPI is suitable for high-performance tire. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.