Development and Commercialization of New Polymers using a Bio-based Monomer “β-farnesene”

Abstract

Kuraray has developed a series of liquid rubber products with molecular weights ranging from a few thousands to a hundred thousand. These polymers, which consist of isoprene, butadiene and styrene, can be used by tire manufacturers to achieve improvements in processing and tire performance. This paper includes newly developed bio-based liquid farnesene rubbers. These liquid rubbers offer, for example, advantaged vehicle fuel economy through reduction in tire rolling resistance and grip performance, advantaged curing speed in sealant application.