WO2012083419A1

WO2012083419A1 - Phosphonium ionomers comprising pendant vinyl groups and processes for preparing same

Info

Publication number: WO2012083419A1
Application number: PCT/CA2011/001297
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregory J.E. DAVIDSON; Dana K. Adkinson; Sean M. MALMBERG; Lorenzo Ferrari; Conrad Siegers; Sarah J. CHADDER
Original assignee: Lanxess Inc.
Priority date: 2010-11-24
Filing date: 2011-11-24
Publication date: 2012-06-28
Also published as: SG10201601343SA; RU2567387C9; EP2643361A4; CN103228681B; MX2013005808A; RU2567387C2; US20160304634A1; CA2817251C; SG190275A1; EP2643361B1; KR101858288B1; MX350499B; CN103228681A; BR112013012677B1; US10005853B2; PL2643361T3; RU2013128413A; KR20140000285A; JP2013543913A; JP6297330B2

Abstract

The present invention relates to ionomers comprising a reaction product of the reaction betweeen a halogenated isoolefin copolymer and at least one phosphorus based nucleophile comprising at least one pendant vinyl group. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing and curing these ionomers.

Description

PHOSPHONIUM IONOMERS COMPRISING PENDANT VINYL GROUPS AND

PROCESSES FOR PREPARING SAME

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to curable butyl rubber derivatives. In particular, the present invention relates to ionomers comprising at least one pendant vinyl group.

Background

Poly(isobutylene-co-isoprene) or IIR, is a synthetic elastomer commonly known as butyl rubber (or Butyl polymer) which has been prepared since the 1940's through the random cationic copolymerization of isobutylene with small amounts of isoprene (usually not more than 2.5 mol %). As a result of its molecular structure, IIR possesses superior air impermeability, a high loss modulus, oxidative stability and extended fatigue resistance.

Butyl rubber is understood to be a copolymer of an isoolefin and one or more, preferably conjugated, multiolefins as comonomers. Commercial butyl comprises a major portion of isoolefin and a minor amount, usually not more than 2.5 mol %, of a conjugated multiolefin. Butyl rubber or butyl polymer is generally prepared in a slurry process using methyl chloride as a diluent and a Friedel-Crafts catalyst as part of the polymerization initiator. This process is further described in U.S. Patent No. 2,356,128 and Ullmanns Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, volume A 23, 1993, pages 288-295.

Halogenation of this butyl rubber produces reactive allylic halide functionality within the elastomer. Conventional butyl rubber halogenation processes are described in, for example, Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (Fifth, Completely Revised Edition, Volume A231 Editors Elvers, et al.) and/or "Rubber Technology" (Third Edition) by Maurice Morton, Chapter 10 (Van Nostrand Reinhold Company © 1987), particularly pp. 297-300. The development of halogenated butyl rubber (halobutyl) has greatly extended the usefulness of butyl by providing much higher curing rates and enabling co- vulcanization with general purpose rubbers such as natural rubber and styrene- butadiene rubber (SBR). Butyl rubber and halobutyl rubber are high value polymers, as their unique combination of properties (excellent impermeability, good flex, good weatherability, co-vulcanization with high unsaturation rubbers, in the case of halobutyl) make them preferred materials for various applications, such as their use in making tire inner tubes and tire inner liners. The presence of allylic halide functionalities allows for nucleophilic alkylation reactions. It has been recently shown that treatment of brominated butyl rubber (BUR) with nitrogen and/or phosphorus based nucleophiles, in the solid state, leads to the generation of IIR-based ionomers with interesting physical and chemical properties (see: Parent, J. S.; Liskova, A.; Whitney, R. A; Resendes, R. Journal of Polymer Science, Part A: Polymer Chemistry 43, 5671 -5679, 2005; Parent, J . S.; Liskova, A.; Resendes, R. Polymer 45, 8091 -8096, 2004 ; Parent, J. S. ; Penciu, A. ; Guillen- Castellanos, S . A.; Liskova, A.; Whitney, R. A. Macromolecules 37, 7477-7483, 2004). The ionomer functionality is generated from the reaction of a nitrogen or phospohorus based nucleophile and the allylic halide sites in the halogenated butyl rubber to produce an ammonium or phosphonium ionic group respectively.

Like other rubbers, for most applications, butyl rubber must be compounded and vulcanized (chemically cross-linked) to yield useful, durable end use products. Grades of butyl rubber have been developed to meet specific processing and property needs, and a range of molecular weights, unsaturation, and cure rates. Both the end use attributes and the processing equipment are important in determining the right grade of butyl rubber to use in a specific application. The selection and ratios of the proper fillers, processing aids, stabilizers, and curatives also play critical roles in both how the compound will process and how the end product will behave. Peroxide curable butyl rubber compounds offer several advantages over conventional sulfur-curing systems. Typically, these compounds display extremely fast cure rates and the resulting cured articles tend to possess excellent heat resistance. In addition, peroxide-curable formulations are considered to be "clean" in that they do not contain any extractable inorganic impurities (e.g., sulfur). The clean rubber articles can therefore be used, for example, in condenser caps, biomedical devices, pharmaceutical devices (stoppers in medicine-containing vials, plungers in syringes) and possibly in seals for fuel cells.

One approach for obtaining a peroxide-curable butyl-based formulation lies in the use of conventional butyl rubber in conjunction with a vinyl aromatic compound like divinylbenzene (DVB) and an organic peroxide (see Japanese Publication No. 06-107738). In place of DVB, an electron-withdrawing group-containing polyfunctional monomer (ethylene dimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, Ν,Ν'-m-phenylene dimaleimide) can also be used (Japanese Publication No. 06- 172547).

A commercially available terpolymer based on isobutylene (IB), isoprene (IP) and DVB, XL-10000, is curable with peroxides alone. However, this material does possess some significant disadvantages. For example, the presence of significant levels of free DVB can present safety concerns. In addition, since the DVB is incorporated during the polymerization process a significant amount of crosslinking occurs during manufacturing. The resulting high Mooney (60-75 MU, ML1+8@ 125 °C) and presence of gel particles make this material extremely difficult to process. For these reasons, it would be desirable to have an isobutylene based polymer which is peroxide curable, completely soluble (i.e., gel free) and contains no, or trace amounts of divinylbenzene in its composition. U.S. Patent No. 5,578,682 discloses a process for obtaining a polymer with a bimodal molecular weight distribution derived from a polymer that originally possessed a monomodal molecular weight distribution. The polymer, e.g., polyisobutylene, a butyl rubber or a copolymer of isobutylene and para- methylstyrene, was mixed with a polyunsaturated crosslinking agent (and, optionally, a free radical initiator) and subjected to high shearing mixing conditions in the presence of organic peroxide. This bimodalization was a consequence of the coupling of some of the free-radical degraded polymer chains at the unsaturation present in the crosslinking co-agent.

Sudo et. al. (U.S. Patent No. 5,994,465) discloses a method for curing regular butyl, with isoprene contents ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 mol %, by treatment with a peroxide and a bismaleimide species. Canadian Patent No. 2,418,884 and Canadian Patent Application No. 2,458,741 describe the preparation of butyl- based, peroxide-curable compounds which have high multiolefin content. Specifically, CA 2,418,884 describes the continuous preparation of IIR with isoprene levels ranging from 3 to 8 mol %. The elevated level of isoprene in the polymer backbone renders these compounds peroxide curable. Halogenation of this high multiolefin butyl rubber consumes some of this unsaturation and produces a reactive ailylic halide functionality within the elastomer. With these elevated levels of isoprene, it is possible to generate BUR analogues which contain ailylic bromide functionalities ranging from 3 to 8 mol %, often with residual double bonds in the polymer backbone. Nucleophilic substitution reactions as described above can be used to create ionomeric moieties from these ailylic halide sites, with the residual unsaturation being sufficient to permit peroxide curing. Peroxide curable butyl rubber ionomer compositions with elevated levels of isoprene are described PCT Publication Nos. WO2007/022618 and WO2007/022619.

However, production of the starting butyl rubber with high isoprene content can be economically disadvantageous in a continuous production environment, due to the need to transition between grades. It would therefore be desirable to have a peroxide curable butyl rubber ionomer composition based on standard grades of butyl rubber with multiolefin content of 2.5 mol% or less. The physical and dynamic properties of the low isoprene content peroxide cured butyl compounds and halobutyl compounds generally are poor.

It would therefore be desirable to provide self curable or peroxide ionomer compositions which do not require elevated levels of multiolefins.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide peroxide curable ionomers comprising at least one pendant vinyl group. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a ionomer comprising a reaction product of the reaction between a halogenated isoolefin copolymer and at least one phosphorus based nucleophile comprising at least one pendant vinyl group. In accordance with a aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for preparing an ionomer comprising the steps of providing a halogenated isoolefin copolymer; providing at least one phosphorus based nucleophile comprising at least one pendant vinyl group; and

reacting the halogen moiety of the halogenated copolymer with the nucleophile to form the ionomer.

In accordance with a aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for preparing a cured polymer, which involves process for preparing a cured polymer, which comprises the steps of providing a halogenated isoolefin copolymer; providing at least one phosphorus based nucleophile comprising at least one pendant vinyl group; reacting the halogen moiety of the halogenated copolymer with the nucleophile to form an ionomer; and

curing the ionomer by heating at a suitable curing temperature.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to novel ionomers, processes for preparing these ionomers and processes for curing these ionomers. lonomer

The ionomers of the present invention are obtained by reacting a halogenated isoolefin copolymer with a nucleophile comprising a pendant vinyl group.

Halogenated Copolymers

The halogenated copolymers used in the present invention are copolymers of at least one isoolefin monomer and one or more multiolefin monomers or one or more alkyl substituted aromatic vinyl monomers or both.

The isoolefins suitable for use in the present inventions are hydrocarbon monomers having 4 to 16 carbon atoms. In one embodiment of the present invention, isoolefins have from 4-7 carbon atoms. Examples of isoolefins for use in the present invention include isobutene (isobutylene), 2-methyl-1 -butene, 3- methyl- 1-butene, 2-methyl-2-butene, 4-methyl-1 -pentene, 4-methyl-1 -pentene and mixtures. In one embodiment, the isoolefin is isobutene (isobutylene).

Multiolefins copolymerizable with the isoolefins, as known to one skilled in the art, can be used in the practice of the present invention. In one embodiment, multiolefin monomers are conjugated dienes. Examples of such multiolefins include, for example, those having in the range of from 4-14 carbon atoms. Examples of suitable multiolefins include isoprene, butadiene, 2-methylbutadiene, 2,4-dimethylbutadiene, piperyline, 3-methyl-1 ,3-pentadiene, 2,4-hexadiene, 2- neopentylbutadiene, 2-methyl-1 ,5-hexadiene, 2,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene, 2- methyl-1 ,4-pentadiene, 4-butyl-l,3-pentadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-l,3-pentadiene, 2,3- dibutyl-l,3-pentadiene, 2-ethyl-l,3-pentadiene, 2-ethyl-1 ,3-butadiene, 2-methyl- 1 ,6-heptadiene, cyclopentadiene, methylcyclopentadiene, cyclohexadiene, 1 - vinyl-cyclohexadiene and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the conjugated diene is isoprene.

Alkyl substituted vinyl aromatic monomers useful in the present invention can have an aromatic group such as benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene or biphenyl. In one embodiment, the alkyl-substituted vinyl aromatic monomer is a C C₄ alkyl substituted styrene. In one embodiment, d- C₄ alkyl substituted styrene includes, for example, o-methyl styrene, p-methyl styrene, or m-methyl styrene.

In one embodiment, the halogenated copolymer used in the formation of the ionomer of the present invention comprises at least one allylic halogen moiety, or at least one halo alkyl moiety or both. In one embodiment, the halogenated copolymer comprises repeating units derived from at least one isoolefin monomer and repeating units derived from one or more multiolefin monomers. In such an embodiment, one or more of the repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers comprise an allylic halogen moiety.

In one embodiment, the halogenated copolymer is obtained by first preparing a copolymer from a monomer mixture comprising one or more isoolefins and one or more multiolefins (also referred to as multiolefin butyl rubber polymer), followed by subjecting the resulting copolymer to a halogenation process to form the halogenated copolymer. Halogenation can be performed according to the process known by those skilled in the art, for example, the procedures described in Rubber Technology, 3rd Ed., Edited by Maurice Morton, Kluwer Academic Publishers, pp. 297 - 300 and further documents cited therein. During halogenation, some or all of the multiolefin content of the copolymer is converted to units comprising allylic halides. The total allylic halide content of the halogentaed polymer cannot exceed the starting multiolefin content of the parent copolymer. In one embodiment, the monomer mixture used in preparing the multiolefin butyl rubber comprises from about 80% to about 99.5% by weight of at least one isoolefin monomer and from about 0.5% to about 20% by weight of at least one multiolefin monomer. In one embodiment, the monomer mixture comprises from about 83% to about 98% by weight of at least one isoolefin monomer and from about 2.0% to about 17% by weight of a multiolefin monomer. In one embodiment, the multiolefin butyl polymer comprises at least 0.5 mol% repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers. In one embodiment, the repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers are at least 0.75 mol%. In one embodiment, the repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers are at least 1.0 mol%. In one embodiment, the repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers are at least 1.5 mol%. In one embodiment, the repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers are at least 2.0 mol%. In one embodiment, the repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers are at least 2.5 mol%. In one embodiment, the multiolefin butyl polymer comprises at least 3.0 mol% repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers. In one embodiment, the repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers are at least 4.0 mol%. In one embodiment, the repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers are at least 5.0 mol%. In one embodiment, the repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers are at least 6.0 mol%. In one embodiment, the repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers at least 7.0 mol%.

In one embodiment, the repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers are from about 0.5 mol % to about 20 mol %. In one embodiment, the repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers are from about 0.5 mol % to about 8 mol %. In one embodiment, the repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers are from about 0.5 mol % to about 4 mol %. In one embodiment, the repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers are from about 0.5 mol % to about 2.5 mol %.

In one embodiment, the halogenated copolymer for use in the present invention includes a halogenated butyl rubber formed from isobutylene and less than 2.2 mol % isoprene, which is commercially available from LANXESS Deutschland GmbH and sold under the names Bromobutyl 2030™, Bromobutyl 2040™, Bromobutyl X2™. In one embodiment, the halogenated copolymer for use in the present invention includes a high isoprene halogenated butyl rubber formed from isobutylene and at least 3 mole% isoprene or at least 4% isoprene, as described in Canadian Patent Application No. 2,578,583 and 2,418,884, respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In one embodiment, the halogenated copolymer of the present invention comprises copolymers of at least one isoolefin and one or more alkyl substituted aromatic vinyl monomers. In such an embodiment, one or more of the repeating units derived from the aromatic vinyl monomers comprise a halo alkyl moiety.

In one embodiment, these type of halogenated copolymers are obtained by first preparing a copolymer from a monomer mixture comprising one or more isoolefins and one or more alkyl substituted aromatic vinyl monomers, followed by subjecting the resulting copolymer to a halogentation process to form the halogenated copolymer. During halogenation, some or all of the alkyl groups of the repeating units derived from the aromatic vinyl monomers are halogenated.

In one embodiment, the halogenated copolymers of the present invention comprise co-polymers of isoolefin and methyl styrene, wherein after halogenations, methyl group of some or all of the repeating units derived from the methyl styrene are converted to benzylic halides. The total benzylic halide content of the halobutyl polymer cannot exceed the starting styrenic content of the parent butyl compound. In one embodiment, the copolymers of isoolefins monomers and alkyl aromatic vinyl monomers comprise repeating units derived from the alkyl aromatic vinyl moieties from about 0.5 weight percent to about 25 weight percent of the copolymer. In one embodiment, the alkyl aromatic repeating units are from about 1 to about 20 weight percent. In one embodiment, the alkyl aromatic repeating units are from about 2 to about 10 weight percent. In one embodiment, the halogenated copolymer of the present invention comprises copolymers of isobutylene and p-methyl styrene, as described in U.S. Patent. No. 5,013,793, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, the halogenated copolymer of the present invention comprises copolymers of isobutylene and p-methyl styrene having styrene content from about 5% to 7% and halogen content from about 0.5 to 1.5%.

In one embodiment, the halogenated copolymer of the present invention comprises copolymers of at least one isoolefin, one or more multiolefin monomers, and one or more alkyl substituted aromatic vinyl monomers. In such an embodiment, one or more units derived from the multiolefin monomers comprise an allylic halogen moiety and/or one or more units derived from the substituted aromatic vinyl monomers comprise a halo alkyl moiety.

These type of halogenated copolymers can be formed by first preparing a copolymer from a monomer mixture comprising the isoolefin, the multiolefin and the alkyl substituted aromatic vinyl monomers, followed by subjecting the resulting copolymer to halogenation process to halogenate the repeating units derived from the multiolefin monomers and/or the alkyl group of the repeating units derived from aromatic vinyl monomers.

In one embodiment, the monomer mixture used in preparing the copolymer of iosoolefin, the multiolefin and the alkyl substituted aromatic vinyl monomers comprise from about 80% to about 99% by weight of isoolefin monomers, from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight the multiolefin monomers, and from about 0.5% to about 15% by weight of the alkyl substituted aromatic vinyl monomers. In one embodiment, the monomer mixture comprises from about 85% to about 99% by weight of isoolefin monomer, from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight the multiolefin monomer and from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight alkyl substituted aromatic vinyl monomer.

In one embodiment, the halogenated copolymer comprises terpolymers of isobutylene, isoprene, and p-methyl styrene as described in U.S. Patent. No. 6,960,632, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The mixture used to produce multiolefin butyl rubber polymer may further comprise a multiolefin cross-linking agent. The term cross-linking agent is a term known to persons skilled in the art and is understood to denote a compound that causes chemical cross-linking between the polymer chains as opposed to a monomer that will add to the chain. Examples of suitable cross-linking agents include norbornadiene, 2-isopropenylnorbornene, 2-vinyl-norbornene, 1 ,3,5- hexatriene, 2-phenyl-1 ,3-butadiene, divinylbenzene, diisopropenylbenzene, divinyltoluene, divinylxylene and Ci to C₂o alkyl-substituted derivatives thereof. More preferably, the multiolefin crosslinking agent is divinyl-benzene, diisopropenylbenzene, divinyltoluene, divinyl-xylene and Ci to C₂o alkyl-substituted derivatives thereof, and/or mixtures of the compounds given. Most preferably, the multiolefin cross-linking agent comprises divinyl-benzene and diiso- propenylbenzene.

In one embodiment, the halogenated copolymers of the present invention isa star branched polymer comprising a branching moiety. In one embodiment, the branching moiety is a polymeric branching moiety.

The polymeric branching moiety useful in the formation of the star branched polymer of the present invention includes polymers and copolymers comprising functional groups capable of copolymerizing or forming a covalent bond with the polymeric chain of the copolymer used in the formation of the halogenated copolymer. The functional group comprises cationically active unsaturation. Non— limiting examples of such polymeric moieties include polydienes, partially hydrogenated polydienes, such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, polypiperylene, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, ethylene-propylene diene monomer rubber, styrene-butadiene-styrene and styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers.

Star branched polymers of the present invention can be prepared by first linking the polymeric chains with the branching moiety followed by halogenations of the polymeric chains. Preparation of starch branch polymers is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,182,333 and European Publication No., 0 320 263, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Nucleophiles

The nucleophiles for use in the preparation of the ionomer of the present invention comprise at least one pendent vinyl group.

In one embodiment, the nucleophile for use in the present invention includes a phosphorus based nucleophile having at least one pendant vinyl group.

In one embodiment, the nucleophile of the present invention has the following structural formula (I):

wherein:

A is phosphorus; and

Ri, R₂ and R₃ are independently:

a linear or branched C Ci₈ alkyl group optionally comprising one or more hetero atoms, one or more carbonyl groups or combinations thereof; C6 to Cio aryl; C₃- C₆ heteroaryl; C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl; C₃-C₆ heterocycloalkyl; or combinations thereof; wherein at least one of R_{1 f} R₂ and R₃ contains a pendant vinyl group. In one embodiment, in the structural formula (I), at least one of R-i, R2 and R₃ is a linear or branched C Ci₈ alkyl group or C₆ to C10 aryl; C₃-C₆ heteroaryl; C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl; C₃-C₆ heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted with -C(0)-C(=CH₂)R₄₎ or -C(0)R₄, wherein R₄ is C1 -C6 alkyl or H.

In one embodiment, in the structural formula (I), at least one of Ri, R2 and R₃ is a linear or branched C Ci₈ alkyl group or C₆ to C 0 aryl; optionally substituted with-C(0)-C(=CR'R")R₄, or -C(0)R₄, wherein R¹, R" and R₄ are independently C1 -C6 alkyl or H.

In one embodiment, in the structural formula (I), at least one of Ri, R2 and R₃ is - C(0)-C(=CH₂)R₄, or -C(0)R₄, wherein R₄ is C1 -C6 alkyl or H.

In one embodiment, at least one of Ri, R₂ and R₃ is linear or branched C Ci₈ alkyl group having a pendent vinyl group represent by the formula -CH=CH₂.

In one embodiment, in the structural formula (I), at least one of Ri, R₂ and R₃ is a C6 to C-10 aryl substituted with a pendent vinyl group or substituted with a linear or branched C Ci₈ alkyl group having a pendant vinyl group, wherein the pendant vinyl group is represented by the formula -CH=CH₂.

In one embodiment, the one or more heteroatom in the formula (I) is selected from N or 0.

In general, the appropriate nucleophile will contain at least one neutral phosphorus center which possesses a lone pair of electrons which is both electronically and sterically accessible for participation in nucleophiiic substitution reactions. Suitable nucleophiles include, but are not limited to diphenylphosphinostyrene (DPPS), allyldiphenylphosphine, diallylphenylphosphine, diphenylvinylphosphine, triallylphosphine, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the nucleophile for use with the present invention is diphenylphosphinostyrene (DPPS), shown below.

Preparation of Ionomers

The ionomers of the present invention are prepared by reacting the halogen moieties of the halogenated copolymers as described above with the phospohorus nucleophile comprising a pendant vinyl group as also discussed above.

In one embodiment, when the nucleophile is reacted with halogenated copolymers containing halo groups such as allylic halides produced at the multiolefin sites of the starting polymer or alkyl halides produced at the aromatic vinyl sites of the starting polymer, the reaction product produces an ionomer having unsaturation at the pendant vinyl sites. This unsaturation is in addition to any residual unsaturation remaining in the halogenated copolymer starting material. Unsaturation allows self and peroxide curability of the ionomer, without the molecular weight degradation and chain scission that normally occurs when insufficient olefinic bonds are present.

An exemplary ionomer obtained by the reaction of halobutyl rubber with DPPS is shown below:

The amount of nucleophile reacted with the halogenated copolymer can be in the range of from about 0.05 to about 5 molar equivalents. In one embodiment, the amount of nucleophile is from about 0.5 to about 4 molar equivalents. In one embodiment, the amount of nucleophile is from about 1 to about 3 molar equivalents based on the total molar amount of halogen present in the halogenated copolymer.

The halogenated copolymer and the nucleophile can be reacted for about 0.20 to 90 minutes. When the reaction takes place in internal mixer the reagents are reacted from 1 to 10 minutes, or from 1 to 4 minutes. In other cases, the reaction takes considerably longer, for example from 15 to 90 minutes, or 20 to 60 minutes. Since the nucleophile reacts with the halide functionality of the halogenated copolymer, the resulting ionomeric moiety is a repeating unit derived from the repeating units comprising the halide functionality. The total content of ionomeric moiety in the ionomer therefore cannot exceed the starting amount of halide in the halogenated copolymer; however, residual halides containing repeating units and/or residual unsaturated repeating units from the multiolefin and/or vinyl aromatic monomers may be present. In one embodiment, the resulting ionomer comprises from at least 0.05 mol % of the ionomeric moiety up to an amount not exceeding the original halide content of the halogenated copolymer used to produce the ionomer. Residual halides may be present in the ionomer in a non-zero amount up to an amount not exceeding the original halide content of the halogenated copolymer used to produce the ionomer. Residual multiolefin may be present in a non-zero amount up to an amount not exceeding the original multiolefin content of the starting polymer used to produce the halogenated copolymer. In one embodiment, the ionomer comprises total unsaturation of the halogentaed copolymer and the pendant vinyl group in an amount greater than or equal to 1.0 mol %. In one embodiment, the ionomer comprises total unsaturation of the butyl rubber and the pendant vinyl group in an amount greater than or equal to 1.0 mol %.

Fillers can also be used in the formation of the ionomers of the present invention. Fillers suitable for use in the present invention may be composed of particles of a mineral; suitable fillers include silica, silicates, clay (such as bentonite), gypsum, alumina, titanium dioxide, talc and the like, as well as mixtures thereof. Mineral fillers can also be used alone or in combination with known non-mineral fillers, such as carbon blacks; suitable carbon blacks can prepared by the lamp black, furnace black or gas black process and have BET specific surface areas of 20 to 200 m²/g, for example, SAF, ISAF, HAF, FEF or GPF carbon blacks;

or rubber gels, preferably those based on polybutadiene, butadiene/styrene copolymers, butadiene/acrylonitrile copolymers and polychloroprene.

Curing of Ionomers

The presence of the pendant vinyl groups makes the ionomers according to the present invention suitable for self and peroxide curing, particularly the ionomers comprising polymers which do not have high levels of residual multiolefin content previously thought necessary to allow self and peroxide curing without undue chain scission and molecular weight degradation.

Curing can be effected by providing conditions suitable for self and peroxide curing. In one embodiment the curing is achieved by heating the ionomers of the present invention at a suitable curing temperature. In one embodiment the curing is achieved by heating the ionomers of the present invention at a suitable curing temperature in the presence of a peroxide curing agent. In one embodiment, the curing temperature is in about 80 to about 250 °C. In one embodiment, the curing temperature is about 100 to 200 °C. In one embodiment, the curing temperature is about 120 to 180 °C.

Peroxide based curing systems suitable for use in the present invention comprises a peroxide curing agent, for example, dicumyl peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, 2,2'-bis (tert.-butylperoxy) diisopropylbenzene (Vulcup® 40KE), benzoyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)-hexyne- 3, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5- di(benzoylperoxy)hexane, (2,5-bis(tert.-butylperoxy)-2,5- dimethyl hexane and the like. One such peroxide curing agent comprises dicumyl peroxide and is commercially available under the name DiCup 40C™.

In one embodiment, the peroxide curing agent is used in an amount of 0.01 to 7 parts per hundred parts of rubber (phr). In another embodiment, the peroxide curing agent is used in an amount of 0.1 to 6 phr. In yet another embodiment, the peroxide curing agent is used in an amount of about 0.2 to 1.5 phr. In yet another embodiment, the peroxide curing agent is used in an amount of about 0.3 to 1.2 phr.

Peroxide curing co-agents can also be used in the present invention. Suitable peroxide curing co-agents include, for example, triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC), commercially available under the name DIAK 7™ from DuPont, N,N'-m- phenylene dimaleimide, known as HVA-2™ (DuPont Dow), triallyl cyanurate (TAC) or liquid polybutadiene known as Ricon D 153™ (supplied by Ricon Resins). Peroxide curing co-agents may be used in amounts equivalent to those of the peroxide curing agent, or less.

In some embodiments of the present invention, stabilizers, anti-oxidants, tackifiers, and/or other additives as known to those of skill in the art may also be added in the usual way and in the normal amounts. Additionally, fillers, curing agents, and/or other additives may be added to the ionomer.

In embodiments where the composition includes the ionomer, fillers, curing agents, and/or other additives, the ingredients may be compounded together using conventional compounding techniques. Suitable compounding techniques include, for example, mixing the ingredients of the composite together using, for example, an internal mixer, such as a Banbury mixer, a miniature internal mixer, such as a Haake or Brabender mixer, or a two roll mill mixer. An extruder also provides good mixing, and permits shorter mixing times. It is possible to carry out the mixing in two or more stages, and the mixing can be done in different apparatus, for example one stage in an internal mixer and one stage in an extruder. For further information on compounding techniques, see Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, Vol. 4, p. 66 et seq. (Compounding). Other techniques, as known to those of skill in the art, are further suitable for compounding.

In one embodiment of the process for producing peroxide cured polymers, it is desirable to first admix the nucleophile comprising a pendant vinyl group with the halogenated copolymer to form the ionomer, then to peroxide cure the ionomer by admixing it with a peroxide curing agent. In other embodiments, it is desirable to form peroxide cured compounds by admixing the halogenated copolymer with both the nucleophile comprising the pendant vinyl group and the peroxide curing agent, to thereby form the ionomer in situ during curing of the compound. This process is simpler from a process point of view, in that it requires only a single step to lead to enhanced states of peroxide cure of halogenated copolymers such as grades with insufficient diene levels in the backbone to otherwise permit peroxide curability. However, the in situ process can also be used with halogenated copolymer grades having elevated levels of multiolefins in the backbone, in order to produce cured polymers having desirably elevated cure states and short cure times. Cured compounds produced in situ desirably have at least comparable cure states, and may have enhanced cure states, as compared with compounds produced in a multi-step process.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to the cured polymer and articles comprising the ionomer as defined and described above.

The invention will now be described with reference to specific examples. It will be understood that the following examples are intended to describe embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

Equipment

Rheometry profiles were obtained using a Moving Die Rheometer (MDR) at temperatures between 160 ^QC and 180 °C with a frequency of 1.7 Hz (1^s arc) according to ASTM 5289. The tc90 value was subsequently used to determine test specific cure times. Stress strain samples were prepared by curing a 2 mm thick macro sheet at temperatures between 160 °C and 180 °C for tc90+5 minutes, after which Die C dumbbells were dyed out. The test was conducted at about 23 ⁹C according to ASTM D-412 Method A. Hardness (Shore A2) values were determined using an A-scale durometer as described in ASTM 2240.

Materials

All reagents, unless otherwise specified, were used as received from Sigma- Aldrich (Oakville, Ontario). BB2030™ (LANXESS Bromobutyl 2030, LANXESS Inc.), RB301™ (LANXESS Butyl 301 ), Di-Cup 40C™ i.e., Dicumyl peroxide (Struktol) and "Trigonox 101-45B-PD" were used as received from their respective suppliers. Diphenylphosphinostyrene (DPPS) from Sigma-Aldrich and Hokko Chemical industry Company Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan) were both used as received from the suppliers. BIMS1 , BIMS2 and BIMS3 are brominated copoylmers of isobutylene and methyl styrene. BIMS1 has styrene content of 5%, a bromide content of 0.5%, and a Mooney viscosity of 45. BIMS2 has styrene content of about 5%, a bromide content of about 0.75% and a Mooney viscosity of 35. BIMS3 has styrene content of about 7%, a bromide content of about 1.2%, and a Mooney viscosity of 45. RB70™ is butyl rubber with an isoprene content of 6.9 mol%, a divinylbenzene content of 0.1 mol %, and a Mooney viscosity of 40.

SBB is a starch branched polymer of halogenated butyl rubber containing isobutene, isoprene and additionally a styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock polymer as branching agent. The bromine content of this polymer was 2.4 % and the Mooney viscosity was 32.

Mixing Procedure 1

The polymer (or previously made compound) was added to a room temperature two-roll mill and was allowed to run for a short period of time before adding the other ingredients. All ingredients were added on the mill and the resulting compound was subjected to a minimum of 6 three-quarter cuts and 6 endwise passes to ensure adequate dispersion of ingredients. For examples where the compound was split to mix another example the scale was approximately 130g per batch and for compounds that were not split the scale was approximately 65 9-

Mixing Procedure 2

The polymer was added to a Brabender miniature internal mixer at 130 °C and 60 rpm. The rubber was allowed to mix alone for a short period of time before adding the other ingredients. All ingredients, not including peroxide, were added in the mixer and the compound was allowed to mix for 7 to 10 minutes. The peroxide was added to the compounds on a room temperature two-roll mill. After peroxide addition the compound was refined with a minimum of 6 three-quarter cuts and 6 endwise passes. For examples where the compound was split to mix another example the scale was approximately 130g per batch and for compounds that were not split the scale was approximately 65 g. Mixing Procedure 3

The polymer, filler, and TPP (if applicable) were added to a Brabender miniature internal mixer at 60 °C and 60 rpm. The rubber was allowed to mix alone for a short period of time before adding the other ingredients. The compound was allowed to mix for approximately 4 minutes. The DPPS and peroxide, where applicable, were added to the mix on a room temperature two-roll mill. After ingredient addition the compound was refined with a minimum of 6 three-quarter cuts and 6 endwise passes. For examples where the compound was split to mix another example the scale was approximately 130g per batch and for compounds that were not split the scale was approximately 65 g.

Cure temperatures

Unless stated otherwise, a cure temperature of about 170 °C was used. In DiCup 40C containing compositions about 170 °C was used as cure temperature. In Trigonox 101 -45B-PD containing compositions about 180 °C was used.

Examples:

Following the general mixing procedures discussed above, various polymeric mixtures and ionomers were prepared as shown in Tables 1 to 14, and cured in the presence and absence of peroxide curing agents, and the tensile properties were determined as described below.

Table 1.

TPP 4.7 4.7 4.7

DPPS 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1

Di-Cup 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 40C™

Mixing 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 Procedure

M_H 2.77 2.68 1.54 2.79 1.47 7.63 11.00 12.84 10.72 1.11 1.50

MH-ML 1.19 1.36 0.23 1.45 0.12 6.24 6.27 11.37 6.24 0.01 0.44 t'90 (min) 3.51 4.65 23.18 5.11 26.10 23.61 6.27 7.59 4.48 29.89 1.60

Ultimate

Tensile

(MPa) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.32 N/A 2.56 N/A N/A N/A

Ultimate

Elongation

(%) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 342.1 N/A 150.3 N/A N/A N/A

M100 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.78 N/A 1.34 N/A N/A N/A

M300 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.57 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

As shown in Table 1 : Example 1 (BB2030™ + Dicumyl peroxide) shows marginal peroxide curability (M_H = 2.77 dNm.). Example 2 (BB2030™ + triphenylphosphine or TPP) pre-mixed on a room temperature (RT) mill) shows 5 an increase in torque after 5 minutes, suggesting ionomer formation. Example 3 (BB2030™ + TPP reacted in a mixer) shows no increase in torque, indicating that no further reaction occurs under heat after the ionomer is formed. Examples 4 and 5 show no increase in torque, indicating that the TPP ionomer is not peroxide curable. In comparison, Examples 6 and 7 (BB2030™ +0 Diphenylphosphinostyrene or DPPS) show a significant increase in torque over time (M_H = 7.63 dNm and M_H = 11.00 dNm) with a marching modulus, indicating both formation of the ionomer as well as radical cross-linking through the vinyl group on the styrene. Peroxide curing of the pre-formed ionomer (Example 9) resulted in a high initial torque (6.24 dNm), fast t'90 (4.48 min), high M_H (10.72 dNm) and slight reversion. Example 8 illustrates the differences observed when DPPS is utilized as an additive (the DPPS and peroxide are added on a RT mill). This compound shows a slower t'90 (7.59 min), a steady state of cure and a comparable M_H (12.84 dNm) indicating that the ionomer is formed in situ.

Examples 10 and 1 1 relate to RB301™ and TP RB75™, which cannot form an ionomer due to the absence of allylic halide. The resulting MDR curves show no increase in torque, and severe reversion for RB301 , confirming absence of ionomer formation.

Table 2.

Examples 12 to 14 relate to variation in the amount of DPPS used in the ionomer preparation.

A decreased level of DPPS (Examples 12, 13) results in compounds with lower state of cure. However, comparison of the MDR curves of lower DPPS peroxide cured compounds (pre-formed ionomer (Example 13) vs. ionomer formed in situ (Example 12) shows the same trend as the high DPPS analogues described above with comparable M_H values. Examples 12, 14 and 15 show a cure behavior and physical properties that is commensurate with crosslinked butyl rubber.

Table 3.

Examples 16-20 demonstrate that very little peroxide is required for the cure of ionomers comprising DPPS. A small amount of peroxide is beneficial in that it shortens the cure time significantly. BB2030 and DPPS with no peroxide (Example 6) has a t'90 of 23.61 min vs. t'90 of 17.22 min (Example 16), 14.22 min (Example 17), and 7.59 min (Example 8), for 0.05 phr, 0.1 phr and 1 phr dicumyl peroxide respectively. The presence of excess peroxide (i.e. 7 phr, Example 20) causes a substantial decrease in torque and is not recommended. Table 4.

Elongation

(%)

M100 0.25 0.75 1.09 0.32 0.38 0.36

M300 0.34 2.09 N/A 0.41 0.81 0.84

Examples 22-26 demonstrate the effect of elevated levels of isoprene, wherein high isoprene BUR (2.5 mol% isoprene, 0.8 mol% allylic bromide) was used as described in U.S. Publication No. 2007/0218296 A1 , which is incorporated herein by reference. Comparison with Examples 6, 8, 12 and 14 (that based on BB2030™) show a similar state of cure (M_H of 12.20 dNm for Example 23) compared to MH of 12.84 dNm for Example 8) as well as a similar cure time (t'90 of 8.11 min compared to 7.59 min.) Table 5.

MH-ML 0.02 11.27 7.82 14.47 11.82 13.24 4.82 t'90 (min) 22.22 16.03 3.16 20.18 3.43 18.02 1.84

Ultimate

Tensile

(MPa) N/A 4.77 1.8 2.96 2.36 2.23 N/A

Ultimate

Elongation

(%) N/A 199.0 132.0 117.0 104.0 80.0 N/A

M100 N/A 1.28 1.42 2.43 2.24 N/A N/A

M300 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Examples 28-33 demonstrate the effect of ionomer formation via a benzylic bromide. Comparison with Examples 6, 8, 12 and 14 (that based on BB2030™ - allylic bromide) typically shows a decreased cure state (M_H of 10.32 dNm vs. M_H of 12.20 dNm), but an increased cure rate (t'90 of 3.16 min for Example 29 compared to 7.59 min. for Example 8)

Table 6.

Ultimate

Tensile

(MPa) 1.65 2.52 3.15 0.64 1.79

Ultimate

Elongation

(%) 568.7 368.1 130.0 750.3 401.7

M100 0.37 0.84 1.86 0.41 0.45

M300 0.59 1.87 N/A 0.57 0.95

Examples 35-38 relate to terpolymers obtained by polymerizing isobutene, isoprene and methyl styrene, comprising 1.4mol% of isoprene, 8.2% of methyl styrene and 0.8% brominated monomer units. Comparison with Examples 6, 8, 12 and 14 (that based on BBB2030™) shows an increased cure state (M_H of 16.15 dNm (Example 34) vs. M_H of 2.20 dNm(Example 8) ) and increased ultimate tensile (3.15 MPa vs. 2.56 MPa.)

Table 7.

Tensile

(MPa)

Ultimate

Elongation

(%) N/A 493.9 178.1 N/A 382.5

M100 0.24 0.72 1.2 N/A 0.41

M300 0.33 1.57 N/A N/A 0.97

Examples 40-43 demonstrate the effect of a branched polymer microstructure. Starbranched bromobutyl rubber in comparison with Examples 6, 8, 12 and 14 (that based on BB2030™) peroxide cure to a slightly lower degree (M_H of 10.96 vs. M_H of 12.20.)

Table 8.

Table 9.

Examples 44-47 demonstrate ionomers formed via alternative nucleophiles. In comparison with Example 8 (that with DPPS), these nucleophiles show a greatly reduced cure state (~ 3.5 MPa vs. 12.20 MPa.)

Table 10.

Example

48 49 50 51

BB2030™ 100 100

Example 47 104.9

Example 49 105.4 tri(p- 5.4

tolyl)phosphine

diphenyl(p- 4.9 tolyl)phosphine

Di-Cup 40C™ 1 1.1

Mixing 1 1 1 1

Procedure

M_H 2.71 2.50 2.37 2.31

MH-ML 1.37 1.21 0.96 0.93

t'90 (min) 3.86 2.49 2.99 1.71

Ultimate N/A N/A N/A N/A

Tensile (MPa)

Ultimate N/A N/A N/A N/A

Elongation (%)

M100 N/A N/A N/A N/A

M300 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Examples 48-51 demonstrate that the allyl or vinyl group is necessary for peroxide cure to occur. These tolyl-functionalized phosphine nucleophiles form ionomer, but do not peroxide cure.

Table 11.

Ultimate Tensile

(MPa) 3.51 1.46 2.46

Ultimate

Elongation (%) 169.6 375.8 603.1

M100 1.17 0.45 0.54

M300 N/A 1.13 1.12

Examples 52-54 show the use of different peroxide types with peroxide curable ionomer. Equimolar amounts of Trigonox-101 and dicumyl peroxide demonstrate a similar crosslink density.

Table 12.

(%)

M100 1.75 1.68 1.93 N/A N/A

M300 4.33 4.68 5.32 N/A N/A

Examples 55-65 demonstrate the properties that can be obtained by the use of fillers in peroxide curable ionomers. MH values of up to 35.34 and ultimate tensile of 13.08 MPa can be achieved in cured filled compounds. These properties can be tailored to specific applications by altering of the recipes.

Table 13.

Table 14.

Examples 66-67 demonstrate the effect of coagent on peroxide curable ionomer. Although the torque in the MDR is not altered by the addition of coagent, it can alter the physical properties i.e. elongation of the compounds. These recipes can be altered and different coagents may provide an improvement in properties.

Example 68 69 70 71

M_H (dNm) 11.08 14.41 15.56 15.42

Temperature: 160°C M_H - M_L (dNm) 9.62 12.73 14.05 13.72 35.67 29.64 22.65 19.45

Temperature 200°C M_H - M_L (dNm) 7.44 8.57 7.51

feo (min) 2.48 2.54 2.29

Examples 68 - 71 show that crosslinked rubber is resulting at temperatures between 160 and 200 °C. Extractions in Toluene

Some of the above examples were extracted in toluene to demonstrate crosslinking of the polymer. Small masses of the cured compounds were weighed (approximately 0.3g) and placed in glass vials with caps. To the vials approximately 5 mL of toluene was added and the samples were allowed to mix on a shaker for over 72 hours. The samples were then decanted and the swollen rubber, if it had not dissolved, was weighed and the mass was recorded. The swollen rubber was then placed in a vacuum oven at 60 - 70 °C overnight to dry the sample of any solvent. The dried sample was then weighed and the mass was recorded. A rubber that swells in organic solvent is indicative of a crosslinked polymer. Table 15.

Calculations:

% swell = (swollen mass / dried mass) ^* 00%

% loss = [(initial mass - dried mass)/initial mass] ^* 100%

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.

Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing for purposes of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be limited by the claims.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. An ionomer comprising a reaction product of the reaction between a halogenated isoolefin copolymer and at least one phosphorus based nucleophile comprising at least one pendant vinyl group.

2. The ionomer of claim 1 , wherein a halogenated isoolefin copolymer comprises repeating units derived from at least one isoolefin monomer, and repeating units derived from one or more multiolefin monomers, one or more alkyl substituted aromatic vinyl monomers or a mixture thereof.

3. The ionomer of claim 2, wherein said halogenated copolymer comprises at least one allylic halogen moiety, or at least one halo alkyl moiety or both.

4. The ionomer of claim 2, wherein said halogenated copolymer comprises repeating units derived from said at least one isoolefin and repeating units derived from said one or more multiolefin monomers.

5. The ionomer of claim 2, wherein one or more of said repeating units derived from said multiolefin monomers comprise an allylic halogen moiety.

6. The ionomer of claim 5, wherein said one or more multiolefin monomers are selected from C4-C16 conjugated diolefins.

7. The ionomer of claim 6, wherein said conjugated diolefin is isoprene.

8. The ionomer of claim 2, wherein said halogenated copolymer comprises repeating units derived from said at least one isoolefin and repeating units derived from said one or more alkyl substituted aromatic vinyl monomers.

9. The ionomer of claim 8, wherein one or more of said repeating units derived from said aromatic vinyl monomers comprise a halo alkyl moiety

10. The ionomer of claim 2, wherein said halogenated copolymer comprises repeating units derived from said at least one isoolefin, repeating units derived from said one or more multiolefin monomers, and repeating units derived from said one or more alkyl substituted aromatic vinyl monomers.

11. The ionomer of claim 10, wherein one or more units derived from said multiolefin monomers comprise an allylic halogen moiety and/or one or more units derived from said alkyl substituted aromatic vinyl monomers comprise a halo alkyl moiety

12. The ionomer of any one of claims 8 to 11 , wherein the aromatic group in the alkyl substituted aromatic vinyl monomer is benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene or biphenyl.

13. The ionomer of any one of claims 8 to 11 , wherein the alkyl substituted aromatic vinyl monomer is C_rC₄ alkyl substituted styrene.

14. The ionomer of claim 13, wherein the alkyl substituted aromatic vinyl monomer is o-methyl styrene, p-methyl styrene, or m-methyl styrene.

15. The ionomer of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the isoolefin monomer comprises a C₄ to Ce isomonoolefin monomer.

16. The ionomer of claim 15, wherein the isomonoolefin monomer comprises isobutylene.

17. The ionomer of claim 1 , wherein said halogenated copolymer comprises halobutyl rubber.

18. The ionomer of claim 1 , wherein said halogenated copolymer comprises a copolymer of isobutylene and p-methyl styrene, wherein one or more repeating units derived from said p-methyl styrene have a benzylic halogen group.

19. The ionomer of claim 1 , wherein said halogenated copolymer comprises a terpolymer of isobutylene, isoprene and p-methyl styrene, wherein one or more repeating units derived from said isoprene have an allylic halogen moiety and/or one or more repeating units derived from said p-methyl styrene have a benzylic halogen group.

20. The ionomer of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein said halogenated copolymer is a star branched polymer.

21. The ionomer of any one of claims 2 to 19, wherein said polymer comprises from about 0.2 to about 20 mol% of the units derived from said conjugated multiolefins.

22. The ionomer of claim 21 , wherein the repeating units derived from said conjugated multiolefin is from about 0.5 to about 2.5 mol%.

23. The ionomer of claim 21 , wherein the repeating units derived from said conjugated multiolefin is from about 3.0 to about 8.0 mol%.

24. The ionomer of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the phosphorus based nucleophile has the formula:

wherein:

Ri, R₂ and R₃ are independently:

a linear or branched C1-C18 alkyl group optionally comprising one or more hetero atoms, one or more carbonyl groups or combinations thereof; C6 to C10 aryl; C3-C6 heteroaryl; C3-C6 cycloalkyi; C3-C6 heterocycloalkyi; or combinations thereof;

wherein at least one of Ri, R₂ and R₃ contains a pendant vinyl group.

25. The ionomer of claim 24, wherein, at least one of R_{1 (} R₂ and R3 is a linear or branched Ci-Ci₈ alkyl group having a pendent vinyl group represent by the formula -CH=CH₂.

26. The ionomer of claim 24 wherein, at least one of R-i, R₂ and R₃ is a linear or branched C Ci₈ alkyl group or C₆ to C-io aryl; optionally substituted with -

C(0)-C(=CR'R")R₄, or -C(0)R₄, wherein R', R" and R₄ are independently C1 - C6 alkyl or H.

27. The ionomer of claim 24 wherein, at least one of R-i, R₂ and R₃ is a C₆ to C10 aryl substituted with a pendent vinyl group or substituted with a linear or branched C Ci₈ alkyl group having a pendant vinyl group, wherein the pendant vinyl group is represented by the formula -CH=CH₂.

28. The ionomer of claim 24, wherein the nucleophile is selected from the group consisting of diphenylphosphinostyrene (DPPS), allyldiphenylphosphine, diallylphenylphosphine, diphenylvinylphosphine, triallylphosphine, and mixtures thereof.

29. The ionomer of claim 28, wherein the nucleophile is DPPS.

30. A process for preparing an ionomer comprising the steps of:

providing a halogenated isoolefin copolymer;

providing at least one phosphorus based nucleophile comprising at least one pendant vinyl group; and

reacting the halogen moiety of said halogenated copolymer with the nucleophile to form the ionomer.

31. The process according to claim 30, wherein the halogenated isoolefin copolymer comprises repeating units derived from at least one isoolefin monomer, and repeating units derived from one or more multiolefin monomers, one or more alkyl substituted aromatic vinyl monomers or a mixture thereof.

32. The process of claim 30 or 31 , wherein said halogenated copolymer is a star branched copolymer.

33. The process according to claim 30, wherein the nucleophile is reacted with the halogenated copolymer in the range from about 1 to 5 molar equivalents based on total molar amount of the halogen present in the halogenated polymer.

34. A process for preparing a cured polymer comprising the steps of:

providing a halogenated isoolefin copolymer;

providing at least one phosphorus based nucleophile comprising at least one pendant vinyl group;

reacting the halogen moiety of said halogenated copolymer with the nucleophile to form an ionomer; and

curing the ionomer by heating at a suitable curing temperature.

35. The process of claim 34, wherein said curing temperature is about 80 °C to about 250 °C.

36. The process of claim 34 or 35, wherein the curing step further comprises adding a peroxide curing agent.

37. The process of any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein said process comprises forming said ionomer prior to the curing step.

38. The process of any one of claim 34 to 36, wherein said process comprises forming said ionomer during the curing step.

39. The process according to any one of claims 34 to 38, wherein the peroxide curing agent comprises dicumyl peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, 2,2'-bis (tert-butylperoxy) diisopropylbenzene, benzoyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(ie -butylperoxy)-hexyne-3, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5- di(benzoylperoxy)hexane, or (2,5-bis(iert-butylperoxy)-2,5-dimethyl hexane.

40. The process according to any one of claims 34 to 39, wherein the peroxide curing agent is added in an amount of from 0.01 to 7 phr.

41. The process according to any one of claims 34 to 40, wherein the neucleophile is reacted with the halogenated copolymer in the range from about 1 to 5 molar equivalents based on total molar amount of the halogen group.

42. The process according to any one of claims 34 to 41 , wherein the process further comprises admixing a peroxide curing co-agent with the peroxide curing agent and the ionomer.

43. The process according to claim 42, wherein the co-agent comprises triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC), N,N'-m-phenylene dimaleimide, triallyl cyanurate (TAC) or liquid polybutadiene.

44. The process according to claim 34 wherein the ionomer comprises total unsaturation of the copolymer and the pendant vinyl group in an amount greater than or equal to 1.0 mol %