American Synthetic Rubber

American Synthetic Rubber Corp. High cis (>90% cis-1,4) North America Cis dene Z-N... 

Butadiene. Although butadiene was produced in the United States in the eady 1920s, it was not until the start of Wodd War 11 that significant quantities were produced to meet the war effort. A number of processes were investigated as part of the American Synthetic Rubber Program. Catalytic dehydrogenation of / -butenes and / -butanes (Houdry process) and thermal cracking of petroleum hydrocarbons were chosen (12). 

Many random copolymers have found commercial use as elastomers and plastics. For example, SBR (62), poly(butadiene- (9-styrene) [9003-55-8] has become the largest volume synthetic mbber. It can be prepared ia emulsion by use of free-radical initiators, such as K2S20g or Fe /ROOH (eq. 18), or in solution by use of alkyl lithium initiators. Emulsion SBR copolymers are produced under trade names by such companies as American Synthetic Rubber (ASPC), Armtek, B. F. Goodrich (Ameripool), and Goodyear (PHoflex) solution SBR is manufactured by Firestone (Stereon). The total U.S. production of SBR in 1990 was 581,000 t (63). 

Peter J. T. Morris. The American Synthetic Rubber Research Program. Philadelphia University of Pennsylvania Press, 1989. Source for synthetic rubber needed German substitutes neoprene properties and marketing. 

POLYMER MILESTONES—THE AMERICAN SYNTHETIC RUBBER PROGRAM... 

Delzell E, Sathiakumar N, Graff J, et al. An updated study of mortality among North American synthetic rubber industry workers. Res Rep Health Eff Inst 2006 132 65-74. 

Peter J.T. Morris is Senior Curator, Experimental Chemistry, Science Museum, London. His publications include the American Synthetic Rubber Research Program (Philadelphia University of Pennsylvania Press, 1989), and, with Colin A. Russell, Archives of the British Chemical Industry, 1750-1914 (Faringdon, Oxfordshire British Society for the History of Science, 1988). Research appointments have included Royal Society-British Academy Research Fellow in the History of Science and Edelstein International Fellow in the History of Chemistry. 

Shortly after Word War II, the American synthetic rubber industry began production of cold SBR, from which, it was found, superior tire rubber, especially as regards tread wear, could be prepared. Subsequent studies showed that the reduction in temperature from 50 to 5°C had little or no effect on the microstructure of the polydiene units (cis-1,4 versus trans-1,4 versus 1,2), or on the comonomer composition, but did exert a marked influence on the molecular weight distribution (Table VI). It was also shown [70] that the... 

It is important to note that the discovery of the first American synthetic rubber was in the mid 1920 s when few scientists besides Hermann Staudinger and Herman Mark recognized the existence of polymers. Patrick demonstrated his inventive ability further by using rubber compounding recipes to cure (vulcanize) and reinforce this vile smelling, solvent-resistant, brown gum. 

Doc" Patrick retired and moved to Florida in 1948. However, he returned to Pennsylvania later and entered a new career as a builder and investor. In spite of his brilliant research and his being "the father of American synthetic rubber", "Doc" Patrick received little recognition during his active years with Thiokol, Corp. However, the use of Thiokol LP-3 as a binder for solid ftiel rocket propellants after World War II drew considerable attention to this modest scientist-inventor. 

The story of Thiokol is unique. It was developed by a medical doctor who attempted to hydrol3rze ethylene dichloride with sodium polysulfide. The importance of this pioneer american synthetic rubber was not recognized by most chemists and this inventor was plagued by lack of funds and essentially run out of tx)wn C nsas City) by Boss Pendergast. 

American Synthetic Rubber (Eouisville, Kentucky, USA, owned by Michelin) Retroflex (Brazil)... 

Morris PJT (1989) The American synthetic rubber research program. University of Pennsylvania Press, Philadelphia... 

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