RESIN-MODIFIED VEGETABLE OILS IN RUBBER COMPOSITIONS AND TIRES

The present invention is directed to the use of modified vegetable oils in rubber compositions and in tires or other manufactured items. In one aspect of the invention, a vulcanizable rubber composition is disclosed comprising the reaction product of an epoxidized vegetable oil and a carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of terpenoid carboxylic acids and aromatic carboxylic acids.