	US 7,576,155 B2
	Method for clay exfoliation, compositions therefore, and modified rubber containing same
Xiaorong Wang, Hudson, Ohio (US); Hiroyuki Fudemoto, Tokyo (Japan); James E. Hall, Mogadore, Ohio (US); Shunji Araki, Kodaira (Japan); Terrence Hogan, Akron, Ohio (US); Victor J. Foltz, Akron, Ohio (US); Pat Sadhukhan, Akron, Ohio (US); and Georg G. A. Böhm, Akron, Ohio (US)
Assigned to Bridgestone Corporation, Tokyo (Japan)
Appl. No. 10/536,278 PCT Filed Dec. 18, 2003, PCT No. PCT/US03/40375 § 371(c)(1), (2), (4) Date Jan. 17, 2006, PCT Pub. No. WO2004/058874, PCT Pub. Date Jul. 15, 2004.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/434481, filed on Dec. 18, 2002.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/437630, filed on Dec. 31, 2002.
Prior Publication US 2006/0235128 A1, Oct. 19, 2006
Int. Cl. C08K 9/04 (2006.01)

U.S. Cl. 524—445 [425/186; 425/447]

21 Claims

1. A butyl rubber composition of low gas permeability comprising:

a) an organically-modified clay,

b) butyl rubber, and

c) a polyisobutylene-based exfoliant, in which said organically-modified clay is intercalated by said polyisobutylene-based exfoliant and said butyl rubber;

wherein the polyisobutylene-based exfoliant is PIBQS, PIB₂QS₂, or PIBAS.