To obtain the subject new initiator capable of providing a readily processable and highly branched diene-based polymer having small hysteresis characteristics and an ultrahigh molecular weight by multiply-metalating a thermoplastic polymeric particle.
This anionic polymerization initiator is represented by the formula P(Me)n. [P is a metalatable particle containing a thermoplastic polymer or a vulcanized elastomer and having 1-1,000 μm diameter; Me is a group IA alkali metal covalently bound to the particle; (n) is an integer of ≥3]. The initiator is obtained by reacting an alklai metal compound represented by the formula R(Me) (R is a 1-20C hydrocarbyl) (preferably n-butyl-lithium) with a metalatable particle containing the thermoplastic polymer or vulcanized elastomer and having 1-1,000 μm diameter in the presence of a polar coordinator agent (e.g. tetrahydrofuran). Polyethylene, or the like, are preferred as the thermoplastic polymer, and polybutadiene, or the like, are preferred as the vulcanized elastomer.
COLE WILLIAM M
KNUTSON THEODORE J
BOEHM GEORG G A
