| abstract |
The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of Y and Z, wherein Y is a copolymer of a first monomer and a second monomer, wherein the first monomer is selected from the group consisting of 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, and styrene; and the second monomer is selected from the group consisting of formula 1 and 2n nwherein B is boron; O is oxygen; R 1 and R 2 are independently linear or branched alkyl groups containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R 3 is hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and R 4 is a linear or branched alkane diyl group containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a bridging aromatic group; and nZ is a compound of formula 3n nwhere R 5 is phenylene, a linear or branched alkane diyl group containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a combination of one or more phenylene groups and one or more linear or branched alkane diyl groups containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and Q is hydrogen, bromine, or a functional group comprising at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur. The functionalized elastomer may be used in a rubber composition for use in a pneumatic tire. |