| abstract |
A macromolecule includes a polymer directly tethered or bonded to a polyatomic functionality. The polyatomic functionality can be located at a terminus of the polymer and can be generated concurrent with or soon after formation of the polymer. The macro-molecule can be prepared from a functionalized polymer by hydrolyzing and condensing (e.g., by a sol-gel process) functionalities in which one or more alkoxy groups are bound to a silica atom in the presence of an excess of a compound that includes a Si, Ti, Zr, Sn, Al, or Fe atom. Such macromolecules can be used in the manufacture of vulcanizates and tire components, either alone or blended with other polymers and/or other particulate fillers. |