Elastomeric composition for tire compounds, elastomeric compound for tires, process for preparing an elastomeric compound, tire component for vehicle wheels, and tire for vehicle wheels.

Abstract

Elastomeric Composition for Tire Compounds, Elastomeric Compound for Tires, Process for Preparing an Elastomeric Compound, Tire Component for Vehicle Wheels, and Tire for Vehicle Wheels. The present invention relates to elastomeric compound compositions for tires comprising monotetrazole compatibilizing agents distinguished by precise activation temperatures, tire components, and tires for vehicle wheels comprising the same. Advantageously, the present monotetrazole compatibilizing agents allow the breakdown properties of the compounds to be improved while maintaining high filler compatibilization.

Description

76 Elastomeric composition for tire compounds, elastomeric compound for tires, process for preparing elastomeric compound, tire component for vehicle wheels, and tire for vehicle wheels.

[001] The present invention relates to elastomeric compound compositions for tires comprising tetrazole compatibilizing agents distinguished by precise activation temperatures, tire components and vehicle wheel tires comprising the same. PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE

[002] In the rubber industry and, more particularly, in the tire industry, it is known to add reinforcing fillers to elastomeric compounds in order to improve their mechanical properties.

[003] Due to its high reinforcing power, carbon black is the most commonly used filler. Carbon black imparts strong hysteresis to articles, that is, it increases the heat dissipated under dynamic conditions.

[004] Alternatively, so-called “white” reinforcement fillers are in use, such as chalk, talc, kaolinite, bentonite, titanium dioxide and especially silica, fillers that can partially or totally replace carbon black in elastomeric compositions, and provide lower rolling resistance, good wet grip and, at the same time, sufficient reinforcement for the tires.

[005] Elastomeric compositions comprising white fillers, in particular silica, can therefore be advantageously used in tires subjected to different performances, such as high-performance HP tires, summer tires, all-season or winter tires.

[006] For such uses, silicas with different features are commercially available or can be prepared according to Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 12 / 110 / 76 known cases.

[007] For the elastomeric compound to have the desired properties, however, it is important that the reinforcing filler be homogeneously distributed in the elastomer and that it remain so over time, preventing the formation of agglomerates as much as possible.

[008] The distribution and dispersion of the fillers in the matrix depends both on their chemical nature and on the mechanical energy used to mix them. In particular, better distribution and dispersion is achieved the more similar their chemical nature is, that is, the more compatible they are, and the greater the mechanical stress applied. Typically, in tire compounds, to improve the dispersion and compatibility between “white” fillers, or inorganic fillers that have surface hydroxyl groups, such as silicates, carbonates or amorphous silica, and rubber, we use agents called compatibilizers or coupling agents.

[009] Among the most commonly used coupling agents are silane polysulfide coupling agents, such as bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide TESPT and bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)disulfide TESPD.

[0010] These agents have a silane head, capable of reacting with the surface hydroxyl groups of the fillers, and polysulfide units that, upon heating, decompose producing sulfhydryl radicals capable of reacting with the elastomer, but not always with ideal results.

[0011] It is, in fact, known that the thermal decomposition of these polysulfide systems is difficult to control, as it can occur at low temperatures, well before the vulcanization stage (see, for example, chapter 3, paragraph 3.17 of the book “Silane Coupling, Compounding Precipitated Silica in Elastomers”, Hewitt, Ciullo, William Andrew Publishing, 2007). Furthermore, the radical species thus generated have high reactivity and weak selectivity, leading to the formation of mixtures of Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 13 / 110 / 76 mono and disulfides.

[0012] To distribute these polysulfide compatibilizers homogeneously, it is necessary to carefully control the internal temperature in the mixers, in order to prevent reactions with the elastomer from occurring before a satisfactory distribution of the silica and the compatibilizers themselves takes place.

[0013] Typically, this mixing step - called the non-productive step (i) or first step - is carried out at temperatures not exceeding 140°C.

[0014] However, despite the use of compatibilizers and high-energy mixing, the Applicant noted that it is not always possible to achieve, and above all, to maintain, ideal dispersion of the reinforcing fillers in the elastomeric matrix.

[0015] In fact, the disulfide bonds of the compatibilizer with the elastomer are not stable enough, as they can break over time and under particular conditions, and thus allow migration and reaggregation of the filler.

[0016] Good dispersion of reinforcing fillers is an important requirement for obtaining compounds suitable for use in tires. In fact, heterogeneous dispersion, with the formation of numerous and / or bulky aggregates, negatively affects the performance of the material itself, resulting, for example, in excessive hysteresis or poor cracking behavior.

[0017] Furthermore, in the case of elastomer compounds with different polarity, migration and accumulation of fillers can occur mainly in the most similar stages and, consequently, the appearance of problems related to the heterogeneity of the compound, such as, for example, high aggregate abrasion and uncontrolled compound hysteresis, as well as the potential onset of cracking. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 14 / 110 / 76

[0018] In the tire, all this translates into high energy dissipation and excessive sensitivity to mechanical stress up to the point of rupture.

[0019] On the other hand, it would be desirable to have the ability to distribute the fillers in the elastomeric material in a homogeneous manner so as to be able to maintain this homogeneity throughout the mixing process and during all subsequent stages of use of the material.

[0020] At the process level, it would also be advantageous to have the ability to prolong mixing until the desired distribution is achieved without having to strictly control the temperature and, subsequently, to have the ability to stably fix the well-dispersed fillers to the die, for example, during vulcanization. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The Applicant has conducted studies to improve the affinity of the fillers for the elastomeric materials of the compounds and, above all, to stabilize the dispersion of the compounds obtained at the end of the mixing process.

[0022] For this purpose, the Applicant's research focused on compatibilizing agents capable of, on the one hand, interacting with the selected reinforcing filler, and, on the other hand, covalently binding, in a controlled and stable manner, to the elastomeric component of the compounds. It is known from the literature, for example, from JK Stille, AT Chen, Macromolecules, 378, 5, (1972), that disubstituted 2,5-tetrazoles, following heating or irradiation with ultraviolet light, decompose, with the development of nitrogen, generating highly reactive intermediate species (nitrilimines) capable of reacting with double bonds (A=B), such as vinyl groups, as shown in the following Scheme 1: Scheme 1 Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 15 / 110 5 / 76

[0023] This reaction, called 1,3-dipolar cyclization, leads to the formation of stable substituted pyrazolines, easily recognizable due to their fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

[0024] The temperature at which the disubstituted 2,5-tetrazole decomposes, herein also called the activation temperature Ta, depends on the nature of the groups present at the 2,5 positions of the tetrazole, as discussed, for example, in the article J. Appl. Polym. Science, Vol. 28, pages 3671-3679 (1983) in Table 1, in the article Macromolecules Vol. 5, No. 4, (1972), pp. 377-384, in Table 2, and as investigated by the Applicant in this experimental part (Tables 1 and 2).

[0025] Document No. JP200900751 IA refers to an elastomeric composition for tires, comprising silica, a conventional silane coupling agent and a tetrazole derivative monosubstituted at position 5 of formula C^CONH NN H ChH^CONH-^ Ní The aforementioned composition exhibits an improved affinity of silica for rubber and an increased vulcanization rate. This document does not mention the possible thermal decomposition of these monosubstituted tetrazoles, nor does it suggest the use of 2,5-disubstituted tetrazoles.

[0026] In this regard, the Applicant has experimentally verified that tetrazolines substituted only at 5, such as those shown in this document, decompose at very high temperatures, well above 220°C (as shown by the TGA analysis in Figure 2), of little practical interest. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 16 / 110 6 / 76

[0027] Document JP2017039824A describes an elastomeric composition – comprising, in addition to a silane coupling agent, also a compound with three or more nitrogen atoms in a ring, for example, a tetrazole and a sulfur atom outside the ring – that would exhibit improved reactivity between the silane coupling agent and the rubber. The description does not mention the possible thermal activation of such a compound at certain temperatures.

[0028] The Applicant has experimentally verified that tetrazoles substituted with 5-mercapto such as these do not decompose clearly upon heating with the release of nitrogen, but degrade slowly, as shown by the thermogram in Figure 2.

[0029] Document JPS62263239A describes elastomeric compositions comprising natural or synthetic diene rubber, reinforcing fillers, in particular carbon black, and tetrazole compounds substituted with phenyls, which are in turn optionally substituted with carboxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, hydroxyl, halogen or alkoxy.

[0030] Document JPS62215640A describes elastomeric compositions for tires comprising diene rubbers, reinforcing fillers, in particular carbon black, and tetrazole compounds of formula II, III or IV. in which Ri and R2 represent H, alkyl or aryl, R3 represents H, alkyl aryl, halogen or -NXY where X and Y represent H, alkyl or aryl, Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 17 / 110 / 76

[0031] R4 represents H, alkyl, aryl, or halogen, and R5 represents H or alkyl. In these studies, the Applicant verified that certain 2,5-disubstituted monotetrazolines prove to be excellent compatibilizers of reinforcing fillers for elastomers and that their activation, in a highly precise, temperature-modifiable ad hoc process, allows the mixing process to be extended until the desired dispersion is achieved and only then proceeds with the stable anchoring of the fillers in the elastomer.

[0032] Advantageously, if substituents in tetrazole are selected in such a way as to raise their activation temperature Ta, it becomes possible to carry out the mixing steps with the elastomer without having to strictly control time and temperatures for fear of premature reactions, which, with traditional polysulfide-based compatibilizers, can already occur, for example, around 140°C.

[0033] Furthermore, it was found that, with the use of the present monotetrazole compatibilizers, it is possible to stably anchor the fillers to the matrix and at least maintain, or even improve, the mechanical properties of the final compounds that incorporate them.

[0034] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention is an elastomeric composition for tire compounds comprising at least: a) 100 phr of at least one diene elastomeric polymer, -at least 1 phr of at least one reinforcing filler, -at least 0.1 phr of at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of formula nAN )ln (I) in which Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 18 / 110 / 76 A is absent or represents an organic group (ligand) that is at least divalent, optionally comprising one or more heteroatom(s) covalently bonded to position 2 or 5 of the tetrazole; R is a group covalently attached to position 5 or 2 of the tetrazole, respectively, selected from linear or branched C1-C10 alkyl; C6-C20 aryl; C3-C10 cycloalkyl; an optionally benzocondensed, saturated, unsaturated or aromatic, mono- or bicyclic heterocycline of 5 or 6 members, comprising at least one heteroatom selected from N, S, O; R, in turn, is optionally substituted with at least one electron-withdrawing X group or an electron-donating Y group, or R is a B group, B represents a group with high affinity for the reinforcing filler, selected from a silane substituted with C1-C5 alkoxyls, C1-C5 alkyls and / or C6-C10 aryls, a (HO)2B group, an optionally benzocondensed, saturated, unsaturated or aromatic, mono- or bicyclic heterocycline of 5 or 6 members, comprising at least one heteroatom selected from N, S and O, or a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon; n is an integer from 1 to 3, provided that groups A, B and R do not comprise any disubstituted 2,5-tetrazole; and - 0 to 20 phr of a vulcanizing agent.

[0035] A further aspect of the present invention is an elastomeric compound for tires obtained by mixing and vulcanizing the elastomeric composition according to the invention.

[0036] A further aspect of the present invention is a process for preparing an elastomeric compound according to the invention, comprising: - mixing, in one or more steps, all the components of the composition according to the invention, maintaining the temperature at a value Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 19 / 110 / 76 T1 lower than the activation temperature Ta of at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I), to generate a compound (1) comprising said monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I) with unreacted tetrazole, - heating compound (1) to a temperature T2 equal to or greater than the activation temperature Ta of the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I), to generate a compound (2) in which said at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I) has reacted at least partially by tetrazole decomposition and subsequent addition to the diene elastomeric polymer, and - Optionally, vulcanize the compound.

[0037] A further aspect of the present invention is a tire component for vehicle wheels comprising, or preferably consisting of, an elastomeric compound, according to the invention.

[0038] A further aspect of the present invention is a tire for vehicle wheels comprising at least one component of a tire according to the invention.

[0039] The present monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent, when incorporated and vulcanized into elastomeric compounds for tires, imparts improved static and dynamic mechanical properties to them, at least comparable to those observed with classic polysulfide compatibilizing agents.

[0040] Advantageously, by varying the type of substituents on the tetrazole ring, it is possible to adequately modulate the activation temperature Ta of the monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent and obtain process advantages not achievable with conventional polysulfide compatibilizing agents. DEFINITIONS

[0041] The term “monotetrazole compatibilizing agent” refers to a compound comprising a single disubstituted 2,5-tetrazole, i.e., a Petition 870220119605, dated 19 / 12 / 2022, p. 20 / 110 / 76 unique tetrazole with the capacity to release nitrogen after reaching a precise temperature with the formation of nitrilimine, as explained above. In the present compatibilizing agent (I) it is possible, although not preferred, that other tetrazoles, otherwise substituted and thermally stable at the activation temperature Ta of said unique 2,5 disubstituted tetrazole are present.

[0042] The term “electron-donating X group” means an atom or group of atoms that contributes to increasing the electron density in nearby atoms, such as the -CH3, -OH, -OR, -NH2 groups.

[0043] The term “electron-withdrawing X group” means an atom or group of atoms that contributes to reducing the electron density in nearby atoms, such as the -NO2, -CN, -COOH groups and halogens.

[0044] The term “group with high affinity for the reinforcing filler” B means a functional group capable of interacting with the reinforcing filler, in particular with silica surface hydroxyl groups or with the amorphous carbon of carbon black, forming covalent or ionic bonds, or even through weaker Van der Waals interactions, such as dipole-dipole bonds, for example, hydrogen bonds.

[0045] The term “polysulfide compatibilizing agent” means a compound containing a polysulfide unit Sn, where n is a number equal to or greater than 2, indicating the number of sulfur atoms present in the polysulfide unit, and at least one group with a high affinity for filler, in particular for silica and silicates. Upon heating, the polysulfide unit decomposes producing sulfhydryl radicals capable of reacting with the double bonds of the elastomer.

[0046] The term “activation temperature Ta” of the monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent means the temperature at which the disubstituted 2,5 tetrazole decomposes with loss of nitrogen and formation of Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 21 / 110 / 76 intermediate nitrilimin.

[0047] The term “elastomeric composition for tire compounds” means a composition comprising at least one elastomeric diene polymer and one or more additives, which by mixing, and possibly heating, provides an elastomeric compound suitable for use in tires and their components.

[0048] The components of the elastomeric composition are not generally introduced simultaneously into the mixer, but typically added sequentially. In particular, vulcanizing additives, such as the vulcanizing agent and possibly accelerating and retarding agents, are normally added in a downstream step relative to the incorporation and processing of all other components.

[0049] In the final vulcanizable elastomeric compound, the individual components of the elastomeric composition may be altered or no longer individually traceable as modified, wholly or in part, due to interaction with the other components, thermal and / or mechanical processing. The term “elastomeric composition” in this document is intended to include the set of all components that are used in the preparation of the elastomeric compound, regardless of whether or not they are actually present simultaneously, are introduced sequentially, or are subsequently traceable in the elastomeric compound or the final tire.

[0050] The term “elastomeric compound” indicates the compound obtainable by mixing and possibly heating at least one elastomeric polymer with at least one of the additives commonly used in the preparation of tire compounds.

[0051] The term “non-vulcanizable elastomeric compound” indicates the compound obtainable by mixing and possibly heating at least one elastomeric polymer with at least one of the additives commonly used in the preparation of tire compounds, with the exception of Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 22 / 110 / 76 vulcanizing agents.

[0052] The term “vulcanizable elastomeric compound” indicates the elastomeric compound ready for vulcanization, obtainable by incorporating into a non-vulcanizable elastomeric compound all additives, including vulcanizing additives.

[0053] The term “vulcanized elastomeric compound” means the material obtainable by vulcanization of a vulcanizable elastomeric compound.

[0054] The term “raw” indicates a material, a compound, a composition, a component or a tire that has not yet been vulcanized.

[0055] The term “vulcanization” refers to the crosslinking reaction in natural or synthetic rubber induced, for example, by a sulfur-based vulcanizing agent.

[0056] The term “vulcanizing agent” indicates a product capable of transforming natural or synthetic rubber into an elastic and resistant material due to the formation of a three-dimensional network of inter- and intramolecular bonds.

[0057] The term “vulcanization accelerator” means a compound capable of decreasing the duration of the vulcanization process and / or the operating temperature, such as TBBS, sulfenamides in general, thiazoles, dithiophosphates, dithiocarbamates, guanidines, as well as sulfur donors such as thiuranes.

[0058] The term “vulcanizing activator” indicates a product capable of further facilitating vulcanization, causing it to occur in shorter times and possibly at lower temperatures. An example of an activator is the stearic acid-zinc oxide system.

[0059] The term “vulcanization retarder” means a product capable of delaying the start of the vulcanization reaction and / or suppressing Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 23 / 110 / 76 undesirable side reactions, for example N-(cyclohexylthio)phthalimide (CTP).

[0060] The term “vulcanization package” means the combination of vulcanizing agent and one or more vulcanization additives selected from vulcanization activators, accelerators and retarders.

[0061] The term “elastomeric polymer” indicates a natural or synthetic polymer that, after vulcanization, can be repeatedly stretched at room temperature to at least twice its original length and, after removal of the tensile load, substantially immediately returns with force to approximately its original length (according to the definitions of the ASTM D1566-11 standard terminology relating to Rubber).

[0062] The term “diene elastomeric polymer” indicates an elastomeric polymer derived from the polymerization of one or more monomers, of which at least one is a conjugated diene.

[0063] The term “reinforcing filler” or filler refers to a compound that, incorporated into the elastomeric compound, has the capacity to improve the static and dynamic mechanical properties of the vulcanized elastomeric component.

[0064] The term “mixing step (i)” indicates the step in the elastomeric compound preparation process in which one or more additives may be incorporated by mixing and possibly heating, except for the vulcanizing agent which is fed in step (ii). The mixing step (i) is also called the “non-productive step”. In the preparation of a compound, there may be several “non-productive” mixing steps which may be indicated with (ia), (ib), etc.

[0065] The term “mixing step (ii)” indicates the next step in the elastomeric compound preparation process in which the vulcanizing agent and possibly the other additives of the vulcanization package are introduced into the elastomeric compound obtained from step (i), and incorporated. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 24 / 110 / 76 by mixing, at a controlled temperature below the vulcanization temperature, generally at a mixing temperature below 120°C, in order to provide the vulcanizable elastomeric compound. The mixing step (ii) is also called the “production step”.

[0066] The term “high performance tires”, commonly called “HP” and “UHP” (“High Performance” and “Ultra-High Performance”), means, in particular, but not exclusively, those that, for example, belong to classes “T”, “U”, “H”, “V”, “ZR”, “W”, “Y” according to the ETRTO classification, suitable for maximum speeds above 190 km / h and up to above 300 km / h, for which operational performance at high temperatures is critical, and constitutes one of the most important factors in their design and construction.

[0067] For the purposes of this description and the following claims, the term “phr” (abbreviation for parts per hundred of rubber) indicates the parts by weight of a given component elastomeric compound per 100 parts by weight of the elastomeric polymer, considered liquid of any plasticizing extending oils.

[0068] Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages are percentages by weight. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0069] With reference to the attached Figures: Figure 1 schematically shows a semi-sectional view of a tire for vehicle wheels according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) plots of the tetrazolines described in previous documents JP2009007511A and JP2017039824A; Figure 3 shows the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) plots of the disubstituted 2,5-tetrazoles 1.1 and 1.3; - Figure 4 shows the IR spectrum of Polivest oligobutadiene Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 25 / 110 / 76 (4A) and its reaction product with tetrazole 1.1 (4B); - Figure 5 shows the 1H-NMR spectrum of Polivest oligobutadiene before (5A) and after (5B) the cycloaddition reaction with 2,5 disubstituted tetrazole 1.1; Figure 6 shows the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) plot of a sample comprising a mixture of Polivest oligobutadiene and 2,5-disubstituted tetrazole 1,3; - Figure 7 (7A - 7E) shows the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) plots of the monotetrazole 3.1 - 3.5 compatibilizing agents; - Figure 8 shows the trend of the S' pair of comparative first-stage compounds (TESPT, APTES) and the invention (monotetrazol 3.1) (8% relative to silica content); - Figure 9 shows the trend of the S' pair of final comparative compounds (TESPT, APTES) and the invention (monotetrazol 3.1) (8% relative to silica content); Figure 10 shows the trend of the S' pair of final comparative compounds (TESPT, APTES) and the invention (monotetrazol 3.1, monotetrazol 3.4) (5% relative to silica content). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0070] The elastomeric composition for tire compounds according to the present invention is distinguished by one or more of the following preferred aspects taken alone or in combination with each other.

[0071] The elastomeric composition according to the invention comprises 100 phr of at least one diene elastomeric polymer.

[0072] The elastomeric composition according to the invention may comprise two or more elastomeric diene polymers in a mixture for a total of 100 phr.

[0073] The diene elastomeric polymer can be selected from Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 26 / 110 / 76 those commonly used in sulfur-vulcanizable elastomeric compositions, which are particularly suitable for producing tires, that is, among solid elastomeric polymers or copolymers with an unsaturated chain that has a glass transition temperature (Tg) generally below 20°C, preferably in the range of 0°C to -110°C.

[0074] These polymers or copolymers may be of natural origin or may be obtained by solution polymerization, emulsion polymerization or gas phase polymerization of one or more conjugated dienes, optionally mixed with at least one comonomer selected from mono-olefins, monovinylarenes and / or polar comonomers in an amount not exceeding 60% by weight.

[0075] Conjugated dienes generally contain from 4 to 12, preferably from 4 to 8 carbon atoms, and may be selected, for example, from the group comprising: 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, 1,3-hexadiene, 3-butyl-1,3-octadiene, 2-phenyl-1,3-butadiene and mixtures thereof. 1,3-butadiene and isoprene are particularly preferred.

[0076] Monoolefins can be selected from among: ethylene and αolefins which generally contain from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, such as, for example, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-octene or mixtures thereof.

[0077] Monovinylarenes, which may optionally be used as comonomers, generally contain from 8 to 20, preferably from 8 to 12 carbon atoms, and may be selected, for example, from: styrene; 1-vinylnaphthalene; 2-vinylnaphthalene; various alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkylaryl or arylalkyl styrene derivatives, such as, for example, α-methylstyrene, 3-methylstyrene, 4-propylstyrene, 4-cyclohexylstyrene, 4-dodecylstyrene, 2-ethyl-4-benzylstyrene, 4-p-tolylstyrene, 4-(4-phenylbutyl)styrene and mixtures thereof. Styrene is Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 27 / 110 / 76 particularly preferred.

[0078] Polar comonomers that may optionally be used may be selected, for example, from: vinylpyridine, vinylquinoline, acrylic acid and alkylacrylic acid esters, acrylonitriles or mixtures thereof, such as, for example, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile and mixtures thereof.

[0079] Preferably, the elastomeric diene polymer can be selected, for example, from: cis-1,4-polyisoprene (natural or synthetic, preferably natural rubber), 3,4-polyisoprene, polybutadiene (in particular polybutadiene with a high 1,4-cis content), optionally halogenated isoprene / isobutene copolymers, 1,3-butadiene / acrylonitrile copolymers, styrene / 1,3-butadiene copolymers, styrene / isoprene / 1,3-butadiene copolymers, styrene / 1,3-butadiene / acrylonitrile copolymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0080] The elastomeric composition may possibly comprise at least one polymer of one or more monoolefins with an olefinic comonomer or derivatives thereof. The monoolefins may be selected from: ethylene and α-olefins generally containing from 3 to 12 carbon atoms, such as, for example, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-octene or mixtures thereof. The following are preferred: copolymers selected from ethylene and an α-olefin, optionally with a diene; isobutene homopolymers or copolymers thereof with small amounts of a diene, which are optionally at least partially halogenated. The diene possibly present generally contains from 4 to 20 carbon atoms and is preferably selected from: 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, 1,4-hexadiene, 1,4-cyclohexadiene, 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene, 5-methylene-2-norbornene, vinylnorbornene, or mixtures thereof. Among these, the following are particularly noteworthy. Petition 870220119605, dated 19 / 12 / 2022, page 28 / 110 / 76 preferred materials: ethylene / propylene copolymers (EPR) or ethylene / propylene / diene copolymers (EPDM); polyisobutene; butyl rubber; halobutyl rubbers, in particular chlorobutyl and bromobutyl rubbers; or mixtures thereof.

[0081] The elastomeric tire compound according to the present invention comprises at least one reinforcing filler.

[0082] The present composition may comprise two or more reinforcing fillers mixed together.

[0083] The present composition may comprise at least 1.5 phr, 2 phr, 5 phr or at least 10 phr of at least one reinforcing filler or mixtures thereof.

[0084] The present composition may comprise from 1 phr to 150 phr, from 1 phr to 120 phr, from 5 phr to 120 phr or from 10 phr to 90 phr of at least one reinforcing filler or mixtures thereof.

[0085] Preferably, the reinforcing filler is selected from optionally modified carbon black, silica, silicates, lamellar or fibrous, chalk, talc, kaolinite, bentonite, titanium dioxide, or mixtures thereof, preferably selected from carbon black, silica, silicates or mixtures thereof.

[0086] In one embodiment, said reinforcing filler comprises carbon black.

[0087] Preferably, carbon black is selected from those having a surface area not less than 20 m2 / g, preferably greater than 50 m2 / g (as determined by STSA - statistical thickness surface area according to ISO 18852:2005).

[0088] Carbon black can be, for example, N234, N326, N330, N375 or N550, N660 marketed by Birla Group (India) or by Cabot Corporation.

[0089] The present monotetrazole compatibilizing agents Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 29 / 110 / 76, once distributed in the elastomer, can stably bind carbon black and improve the hysteretic behavior of the compound.

[0090] In one embodiment, said reinforcing filler comprises modified carbon black.

[0091] Carbon black can be modified, for example, by reaction with modifying reagents such as serinolpyrrole, as described, for example, in document no. WO2016050887A1 or by oxidation (oxidized carbon black) as shown in application no. PCT / IB2019 / 060596.

[0092] In one embodiment, said reinforcing filler comprises conventional silica, such as silica sand precipitated with strong acids, preferably amorphous, or rice husk silica as described, for example, in document no. WO2019229692A1.

[0093] Commercial examples of suitable silica are Zeosil 1165 MP, Zeosil 1115 MP, Zeosil 185 GR, Efficium from Solvay, Newsil HD90 and Newsil HD200 from Wuxi, K160 and K195 from Wilmar, H160AT and H180 AT from IQE, Zeopol 8755 and 8745 from Huber, Perkasil TF100 from Grace, Hi-Sil EZ 120 G, EZ 160G, EZ 200G from PPG, Ultrasil 7000 GR and Ultrasil 9100 GR from Evonik.

[0094] In one embodiment, said reinforcing filler comprises silica mixed with carbon black.

[0095] In one embodiment, said reinforcing filler comprises a modified silica.

[0096] Silica can be modified, for example, by reaction with silsequioxanes (as in document no. WO2018078480A1), by reaction with pyrroles (as in document no. WO2016050887A1) or by reaction with silanizing agents, such as bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide (TESPT), 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, triethoxy(octyl)silane, triethoxy(ethyl)silane, triethoxy-3-(2-imidazolin-1-yl)propylsilane, triethoxy-p-tolylsilane, triethoxy(1-phenylthenyl)silane, triethoxy-2-Petition 870220119605, dated 19 / 12 / 2022, page. 30 / 110 / 76 thienylsilane, 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluoro-octyltriethoxysilane, 3(triethoxysilyl)propyl isocyanate, 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane, isobutyltriethoxysilane, n-octadecyltriethoxysilane, (3chloropropyl)triethoxysilane, triethoxysilane and 3-(triethoxysilyl)propionitrile.

[0097] Commercial examples of suitable silanizing agents are Si69, Dynasilan AMEO and Dynasilan GLYEO from Evonik.

[0098] Modified silica can be a sulfurized silanized silica.

[0099] Sulfur-containing silanized silica is silica prepared by reacting silica, such as fumed silica, precipitated amorphous silica, wet silica (hydrated silicic acid), anhydrous silica (anhydrous silicic acid), or mixtures thereof, or a metal silicate, such as aluminum silicate, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, lithium silicate, or mixtures thereof, with at least one sulfur-containing silanizing agent.

[00100] The term “sulfur-containing silanizing agent” indicates an organic silicon derivative containing mercapto, sulfide, disulfide, or polysulfide groups, which has the capacity to react with silica OH groups.

[00101] A suitable commercial example of sulfide silanized silica is PPG's Agilon 400 silica.

[00102] In one embodiment, said reinforcing filler comprises a modified silica mixed with carbon black.

[00103] In one embodiment, said reinforcing filler comprises silicates.

[00104] In one embodiment, said silicates are silicate fibers. These fibers typically have nanodimensions and have a needle-like morphology.

[00105] Silicate fibers are preferably selected from sepiolite fibers, palygorskite fibers (also known as attapulgite), wollastonite fibers, imogolite fibers and mixtures thereof. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 31 / 110 / 76

[00106] In one embodiment, said reinforcing filler comprises silicate fibers mixed with carbon black.

[00107] In one embodiment, said silicate fibers are modified silicate fibers.

[00108] In one embodiment, the modified silicate fibers may be, for example, acid-treated modified fibers with partial magnesium removal, such as those described and exemplified in patent application no. WO2016 / 174629A1.

[00109] In one embodiment, the modified silicate fibers may be, for example, fibers modified by deposition of amorphous silica on the surface, such as those described and exemplified in patent application no. WO2016 / 174628A1.

[00110] In one embodiment, the modified silicate fibers may be organically modified fibers by reaction, for example, with quaternary ammonium salts, such as sepiolite fibers modified by reaction with taloyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride marketed by Tolsa under the name Pangel B5.

[00111] In one embodiment, the modified silicate fibers may be fibers modified by reaction with a selected silanizing agent, for example, from among mono- or bifunctional silanes with one, two, or three hydrolyzable groups such as bis-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)disulfide (TESPD), bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide (TESPT), 3-thio-octanoyl-1-propyltriethoxysilane (NXT), Me2Si(OEt)2, MeaPhSiCl, Ph2SiCh.

[00112] In one embodiment, said reinforcing filler comprises modified silicate fibers mixed with carbon black.

[00113] In one embodiment, said silicates are lamellar silicates, such as bentonite, halloysite, laponite, saponite, vermiculite or hydrotalcite.

[00114] In one embodiment, said silicates are modified lamellar silicates analogously to what has already been described for fibers of Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 32 / 110 / 76 modified silicate.

[00115] The elastomeric composition for tire compounds of the invention comprises at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of formula (I).

[00116] Preferably, the present elastomeric composition comprises at least 0.5 phr or at least 1 phr or at least 2 phr or at least 3 phr, more preferably at least 5 phr or at least 8 phr of at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of formula (I).

[00117] The elastomeric composition for tire compounds of the invention preferably comprises no more than 30 phr, more preferably no more than 20 phr, even more preferably no more than 10 phr of at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of formula (I).

[00118] The elastomeric composition for tire compounds of the invention preferably comprises 0.5 phr to 30 phr, more preferably 1 phr to 20 phr, even more preferably 2 phr to 20 phr or 2 phr to 10 phr of at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of formula (I).

[00119] The elastomeric composition for tire compounds of the invention may comprise two or more of said compatibilizing agents of formula (I) in a mixture, preferably in a total amount of 0.5 phr to 30 phr, more preferably 1 phr to 20 phr, even more preferably 2 phr to 10 phr.

[00120] In the present elastomeric composition, the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of formula (I) is preferably used in an amount proportional to the reinforcing filler incorporated therein.

[00121] Elastomeric composition for tire compounds from Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 33 / 110 / 76 invention comprises at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of formula (I) and at least one booster filler, preferably in a weight ratio referred to the booster filler comprising between 0.01:1 and 0.3:1, more preferably between 0.02:1 and 0.15:1.

[00122] Preferably, in the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of formula (I)

[00123] A is present and is at least a divalent organic group (ligand) that functions to link at least one B group to the tetrazole and possibly modulate the physical properties and / or activation temperature of the tetrazole.

[00124] The term “at least divalent organic group (linker)” means an organic group capable of covalently linking the tetrazole and at least one B group.

[00125] Binder A for the present purposes should preferably be sufficiently stable under normal processing, vulcanization and use conditions of the elastomeric compound.

[00126] Preferably, group A is divalent, that is, it binds only one group B (n=1).

[00127] Group A is an organic group preferably selected from C1-C10 alkylene; C6-C10 arylene; optionally benzocondensed heterocyclene, saturated, unsaturated or aromatic, mono- or bicyclic, of 5 or 6 members, comprising at least one heteroatom selected from N, S and O; C1-C5 alkylene-arylene C6-C10; C6-C10 arylene-alkylene C1-C5; C1-C5 alkylene-arylene C6-C10-alkylene C1-C5; C1-C5 alkylene heterocyclene-; heterocyclene-alkylene C1-C5; C1-C5 alkylene Petition 870220119605, of 19 / 12 / 2022, page. 34 / 110 / 76 heterocyclylene-C1-C5 alkylene; C6-Cio arylene-C6-Cio arylene; heterocyclylene-heterocyclylene; C6-C10 arylene-C1-C5 alkylene-C6-C10 arylene; heterocyclylene-alkylene C1-Cs-heterocyclylene wherein said heterocyclylene is as defined above and said alkylene optionally comprises one or more heteroatoms selected from B, N, S, O, P and Si or functionalized groups selected from -NR3-CO-, -CO-NR3-, -NH-CO-NH-, COO-, -O-CO-, -CO-, -C=N(R3)-, -CO-N(R3)-CO-, -C=N(OH)-, -O-CON(R3)-, -N(R3)-COO-, -SO-, -SO2-, -SO2-, -SO2O-, -CS-, -CS-O-, -COS-, CS-S-, wherein R3 represents hydrogen or C1-Cs alkyl.

[00128] Alkylene, arylene and heterocyclylene refer to a radical that is at least divalent, obtained by removing at least one hydrogen atom from an alkyl, aryl and heterocyclic group, respectively.

[00129] C1-Cs alkylene and C1-C10 alkylene may be a hydrocarbon group, saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, optionally comprising, in the chain or bonded to atoms of the chain, one or more heteroatoms selected from B, N, S, O, P and Si.

[00130] Alkylene can be, for example, -CH2-, -CH<, -(CH2)2-10-. -CH2-O-CH2-, -O-CH2-CH2-; -(O-CH2-CH-R)-. -(CH2)3-NH-C(O)-, -(CH2)3NH-C(O)-NH-.

[00131] Arylene C6-C20 or C6-C10 comprises mono- and polycyclic carboxylic ring systems in which the single carboxylic rings are fused or attached to each other by means of a single bond.

[00132] C6-C20or C6-C10 arylene may be, for example, phenylene, biphenylene, naphthylene, fluorenylene, phenanthrylene, para-alkoxy phenylene, methachloro phenylene.

[00133] Preferably, arylene is phenylene.

[00134] Heterocyclylene includes heteroarylene as well as the dihydro and tetrahydro derivatives thereof. The binding sites of heterocyclylene can be a carbon atom or a heteroatom. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 35 / 110 / 76

[00135] Heterocycline can be derived from a heterocycline such as pyrrol, di-hidropirrol, pyrrolidine, furan, di-hidrofuran, tetra-hidrofuran, benzofuran, isobenzofuran, di-hidrobenzofuran, thiophene, di-hidrothiopheno, tetra-hidrothiopheno, benzothiopheno, thiazolezol, di-hidrothiazol, di-hidrothiazol, benzotriazol, tetrazol, di-hidrotetrazol, isothiazol, di-hidroisothiazol, imidazol, benzoimidazol, di-hidroimidazol, di-hidrobenzoimidazol, oxazol, di-hidrooxazol, benzoxazol, di-hidrobenzoxazol, oxazoline, isoxazol, di-hidroisooxazol, isoxazoline, oxadiazol, pyrazol, benzopyrazol, di-hidropirazol, pyridine, di-hidropyridine, piperidine, piperazine, pyrazine, pyridazine γ-pyran, tetra-hidropirano, di-hidropirano, 1,4-dioxane, benzo-1,4-dioxane, morpholine, thiomorpholine pyrazine, di-hidropirazine, pyrazoline, quinoline, isoquinoline, dihidroquinoline, tetra-hidroisoidequinoline, indole, di-hidroindoloindol, dihidroindol, quinazoline, quinoxaline and similares.

[00136] Preferably, heterocyclylene is derived from a heterocyclylene selected from thiophene and pyrrole.

[00137] Alkylene, arylene and heterocyclylene may optionally be replaced by linear or branched C1-C10 alkylene groups, more preferably -(CH2)2-10 groups, O-C1-C20 oxo-alkylene groups, N(C1-C20)2 amino-alkylene groups, C(O)C1-C20 acyl groups or the corresponding esters and amides.

[00138] Preferably, group A has a molecular weight of less than 1,000 g / mol, more preferably less than 500 g / mol, and even more preferably less than 300 g / mol.

[00139] In one modality, group A is absent and is equal to 1.

[00140] In one embodiment, group A is present and represents a divalent organic group, en is equal to 1.

[00141] In the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of formula (I), preferably, R is C1-C6 alkyl, C6-C10 aryl, C1-C5 aryl, C6-C1 alkyl, C6-C10 aryl, C1-C5 alkyl, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, heterocycles defined as Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 36 / 110 / 76 heterocyclylene of group A, that is, optionally benzocondensed saturated, unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclyles, mono- or bicyclic, with 5- or 6-membered rings, comprising at least one heteroatom selected from N, S and O.

[00142] R can be, for example, phenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, 4-carboxyphenyl, 3,5-dimethylphenyl, 3,5-dimethoxyphenyl, 4-octyloxyphenyl, 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-dione, 1-hexyl, 2-thiophenyl, 5-amino-2-thiophenyl, diphenyl, pyrrolyl, oligo-2,5-thiophenyl with 1-4 thiophenes optionally substituted at the 3,4 position by C1-C20 alkyl, C1-C20 alkoxy, a polycyclic aromatic benzofused, such as naphthalene, fluorenyl or anthracene, optionally substituted by C1-C20 alkyl or C1-C20 alkoxy.

[00143] Preferably, R is selected from phenyl or thiophene.

[00144] R can be selected from among the most lipophilic groups such as 4-hexylphenyl, naphthalenyl, fluorenyl and the like to increase the solubility of the monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent in the elastomeric matrix.

[00145] R may be a group B selected from those defined below. In this case, the present compatibilizing agent (I) may have an additional group B capable of interacting with the same filler or, in the case of different groups B, with fillers of a different nature such as silica and carbon black.

[00146] In one embodiment, R is different from B.

[00147] R can be selected to appropriately modify the activation temperature Ta of tetrazole.

[00148] The R group can be replaced by at least one electron-withdrawing X group.

[00149] Generally, if R is replaced by an electron-withdrawing X group, the tetrazole is more stable and Ta increases.

[00150] The electron-withdrawing X group can be selected, for example, from halogen, carbonyl substituted (-CO-alkyl or -CO-aryl), Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 37 / 110 / 76 carboxyl, ester, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, sulfonyl (SO2-alkyl or SO2-aryl), tri-halomethyl.

[00151] The same is preferably selected from among ester, cyano and haloalkyl.

[00152] It may be advantageous to select an electron-withdrawing group X traceable with appropriate analytical techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, even when the monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent containing it is diluted in the elastomeric compound, such as, for example, a fluorinated group such as -CF3.

[00153] The R group can be replaced by at least one electron-donating Y group. Generally, if R is replaced by an electron-donating Y group, the tetrazole is less stable and the Ta decreases.

[00154] The electron-donating Y group may, for example, be selected from hydroxy, C1-C10 alkoxy, benzyloxy, C1-C10 alkyl, amino, C1-C10 alkyl monosubstituted amino, C1-C10 alkyl disubstituted amino, primary amide (-NH-COR), hydrazonyl (CH=N-NR2) and the like.

[00155] The monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of formula (I) may comprise more than one group with high affinity for filling, in particular from 1 (for R other than B en=1) to 4 groups (for R=B en=3).

[00156] In one embodiment, the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of formula (I) comprises only one group B (formula I, n equal to 1 and R different from B).

[00157] Group B with high affinity for reinforcing filler is a group that may comprise one or more heteroatoms and / or have polar substituents, such as, for example, hydroxyls, amines, mercapto, amides, if the reinforcing filler is polar or generally akin to such substituents, such as silica.

[00158] Group B has a high affinity for the booster filler, in cases where the booster filler is lipophilic, such as, for example, Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 38 / 110 / 76 carbon black, may be a lipophilic or not very polar group.

[00159] The B group with high affinity for the reinforcing filler is preferably selected from C1-C5 trialkoxysyl, (HO)2B-, optionally benzocondensed, saturated, unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclyl, mono- or bicyclic, with 5- or 6-membered rings, comprising at least one heteroatom selected from N, S and O, wherein said B group is optionally substituted.

[00160] Group B with high affinity for the reinforcing filler may be a group comprising silicon as a silane substituted with GG alkoxyls, GG alkyls and / or G-Go aryls, or a boric acid-derived group, or a polycyclic aromatic or heterocyclic hydrocarbon group.

[00161] Examples of group B comprising silicon are triethoxysilylalkyl, triethoxysylaryl, dietoxyalkylsilylalkyl, dietoxyalkylsilaryl, ethoxydialkylsilylalkyl, ethoxyalkylsilaryl, siliatrylalkyl or silyaryl.

[00162] If said reinforcing filler comprises silica or possibly modified silicates or mixtures thereof, group B is preferably a group of formula -Si(OR1)3 in which R1, identical or different from each other, are GG alkyls, more preferably C2-C3 alkyls or a group of formula -B-(OH)2.

[00163] If said reinforcing filler comprises carbon black, possibly modified or mixtures thereof, group B may be a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, selected from naphthalene, phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene, benzopyrene, fluorene and benzocondensed derivatives thereof, or a heterocyclic residue, for example, derived from the serinolpyrroles described in patent application no. WO2016050887A1.

[00164] In the monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent there may be Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 39 / 110 29 / 76 to 3 groups B or, in the case where group R is equal to B, from 1 to 4 groups B, as defined above.

[00165] Preferably, in the monotetrazole of formula (I) n is 1 or 2, more preferably n is 1.

[00166] Multiple B groups, if present, may be identical to each other and interact with the same filler, or different from each other, showing affinity for fillers of different natures, such as silica and carbon black.

[00167] In one embodiment, the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of formula (I) is an agent of formula (IA) R n(IA) where B, A, R and en assume the meanings indicated previously for the agents of formula (I).

[00168] In one embodiment, the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent is an agent of formula (IA) wherein A is present and is a divalent organic group (ligand), n equals 1 and R is different from B.

[00169] In one embodiment, the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of formula (I) is an agent of formula (IB) bn / / where A, B, R and en assume the meanings indicated previously for the agents of formula (I).

[00170] In one embodiment, the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I) is an agent of formula (IA) or (IB), wherein A is a divalent organic group (ligand) with the formula -A1-A2. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 40 / 110 / 76 wherein A1 may be absent or selected from C2-C10-NH-C(O)alkylene, C2-C10-NH-C(O)-NH-alkylene, and wherein A2 may be absent or selected from optionally benzocondensed, saturated, unsaturated or aromatic, mono- or bicyclic, ring-membered C6-C10 aryl heterocyclyl, comprising at least one heteroatom selected from N, S and O.

[00171] In a preferred embodiment, the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I) is an agent of formula (IA) or (IB), wherein A is a divalent organic group (ligand) of formula -A1-A2 wherein A1 may be absent or selected from -(CH2)(2-4)-NH-C(O) and -(CH2)(2-4)-NH-C(O)-NH-, and A2 may be absent or selected from phenyl and thiophene; and / or R is selected from C4-C6 alkyl, benzyl, phenyl, thiophene, optionally substituted by at least one electron-withdrawing X group or electron-donating Y group; and / or B is selected from naphthyl, pyrenyl, (HO)2B- or -Si(OR1)3 where R1, whether the same or different from each other, are C1-C3 alkyl groups, and en equals 1.

[00172] following: Specific examples of formula agents (IA) are the EtO, I IO's| EtO (Ex. 3.1) (Ex. 3.2) (Ex. 3.3) (Ex. 3.4) Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 41 / 110 31 / 76

[00173] By appropriately selecting organic group A, group R, its possible at least one electron-withdrawing substituent group X or electron-donating group Y, and group B, it is possible to modulate ad hoc the activation temperature Ta of the monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent, its affinity for the specific reinforcement filler, and its solubility in the selected elastomeric matrix.

[00174] Preferably, the monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent has a molecular weight of less than 1,500 g / mol, more preferably less than 1,000 g / mol, and even more preferably less than 600 g / mol.

[00175] Preferably, the monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent has an activation temperature Ta not lower than 100°C, more preferably not lower than 120°C, and even more preferably not lower than 140°C.

[00176] Depending on the activation temperature of tetrazole, which can be modulated by appropriately selecting the R and possibly A substituent, it is possible to carry out the reaction with the elastomer before, during or after vulcanization.

[00177] The monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent with an activation temperature Ta below 100°C is not preferred since it could react with the elastomer from the preliminary mixing stages of the components prior to vulcanization, even before achieving a homogeneous dispersion. The early reaction could lead to the concentration of the compatibilizer and therefore of the reinforcing filler in particular areas to the disadvantage of the material's performance, and would also lead to an increase in the viscosity of the raw compound, making it less processable in subsequent extrusion and / or calendering stages.

[00178] In one modality, the compatibility agent of Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 42 / 110 32 / 76 monotetrazole (I) preferably has an activation temperature Ta not higher than 220°C, more preferably not higher than 210°C, and even more preferably not higher than 200°C. In one embodiment, the monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent has an activation temperature Ta between 140°C and 220°C, preferably between 140°C and 190°C, so as not to activate prematurely and to react only when subjected to conventional vulcanization conditions (temperature indicatively from 140°C to 180°C).

[00179] In the case of elastomeric compounds comprising various reinforcing fillers of different natures, for example, silica together with carbon black, it is advantageous to use in combination at least two compatibilizing agents of formula (I) having different B groups, with specific affinity for said different reinforcing fillers.

[00180] The monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of formula (I) can be prepared according to one or more conventional synthesis schemes such as the following General Schemes 2 document for n = 1): Scheme 2 and 3 (exemplified herein o=s=oEt0H rnh2HCl H2O / EtOH NaNO3 Pyridine Scheme 3 NaN3H k2co3a-b ---------~ N-ν' DMF dry JlZN m KI Reflux RTK

[00181] Elastomeric composition for tire compounds according to Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 43 / 110 / 76 with the invention may comprise a vulcanizing agent.

[00182] Preferably, the composition comprises at least 0.1 phr, at least 0.2 phr, at least 0.5 phr, at least 0.8 phr or at least 1 phr of at least one vulcanizing agent.

[00183] Preferably, the composition comprises 0.1 to 10 phr, 0.2 to 10 phr, 1 to 10 phr or 1.5 to 5 phr of at least one vulcanizing agent.

[00184] At least one vulcanizing agent is preferably selected from sulfur or, alternatively, sulfur-containing molecules (sulfur donors), such as, for example, bis[(trialcoxysilyl)propyl]polysulfides, thiuranes, dithiodimorpholines and caprolactam disulfide and mixtures thereof.

[00185] In one embodiment, the vulcanizing agent is selected from among the polytetrazolium crosslinkers described in patent application no. IT102019000025804 in the name of the Applicant, of formula (II) R nA—-N ( nO;·AN(II) where A represents an organic group (ligand), possibly including one or more heteroatoms, covalently linked to tetrazoles, identical or different from each other, wherein n is an integer from 2 to 10, and each of the n tetrazoles is linked to at position 2 or 5 and is, respectively, substituted at position 5 or 2 with a group R selected, independently for each tetrazole, from linear or branched C3-C10 alkyl, C6-C20 aryl, C3C10 cycloalkyl, possibly benzocondensed heterocyclyl, saturated, unsaturated or aromatic, mono- or bicyclic, with 5- or 6-membered rings, comprising at least one heteroatom selected from N, S, O, wherein R is, for example, Petition 870220119605, of 19 / 12 / 2022, page 44 / 110 / 76 in turn, possibly replaced with at least one electron-withdrawing X group or an electron-donating Y group, wherein said polyetrazol (C) crosslinking agent has a molecular weight of less than 10,000 g / mol.

[00186] Preferably, the vulcanizing agent is sulfur, preferably selected from soluble sulfur (crystalline sulfur), insoluble sulfur (polymeric sulfur), (iii) oil-dispersed sulfur and mixtures thereof.

[00187] A commercial example of a suitable vulcanizing agent for use in the elastomeric composition of the invention is Redball Superfine sulfur from International Sulphur Inc.

[00188] In the present elastomeric composition, the vulcanizing agent can be used together with adjuvants such as vulcanization activators, accelerators and / or retarders known to those skilled in the art.

[00189] The elastomeric composition according to the invention may optionally comprise at least one vulcanization activator.

[00190] Suitable vulcanizing activators for use in the present elastomeric composition are zinc derivatives, in particular ZnO, ZnCO3, zinc salts of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids containing from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, which are preferably formed in situ in the elastomeric composition by reaction of ZnO and fatty acid, as well as Bi2O3, PbO, Pb3O4, PbO2, or mixtures thereof. For example, zinc stearate is used, preferably formed in situ in the elastomeric composition by ZnO and fatty acid, or magnesium stearate, formed by MgO, or mixtures thereof.

[00191] Vulcanizing activators may be present in the elastomeric composition of the invention in amounts preferably from 0.2 phr to 15 phr, more preferably from 1 phr to 5 phr.

[00192] The preferred activating agents are derived from the reaction of zinc oxide and stearic acid. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 45 / 110 / 76

[00193] An example of an activator is the Aktiplast ST product marketed by Rheinchemie.

[00194] The elastomeric composition according to the invention may further comprise at least one vulcanization accelerator.

[00195] Vulcanization accelerators that are commonly used can, for example, be selected from dithiocarbamates, guanidines, thioureas, thiazoles, sulfenamides, sulfenimides, thiurames, amines, xanthates, or mixtures thereof.

[00196] Preferably, the accelerating agent is selected from mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole-sulfenamide (CBS), N-tert-butyl-2-benzothiazole-sulfenamide (TBBS), and mixtures thereof.

[00197] Commercial examples of suitable accelerators for use in the present elastomeric composition are N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazylsulfenamide Vulkacit® (CBS or CZ), and N-tert-butyl 2-benzothiazylsulfenamide, Vulkacit® NZ / EGC marketed by Lanxess.

[00198] Vulcanization accelerators can be used in the present elastomeric composition in an amount preferably from 0.05 phr to 10 phr, preferably from 0.1 phr to 7 phr, more preferably from 0.5 phr to 5 phr.

[00199] The elastomeric composition according to the invention may optionally comprise at least one vulcanization retarding agent.

[00200] The vulcanization retarding agent suitable for use in the present elastomeric composition is preferably selected from urea, phthalic anhydride, N-nitrosodiphenylamine N-cyclohexylthiophthalimide (CTP or PVI) and mixtures thereof.

[00201] A commercial example of a suitable retardant agent is Ncyclohexylthiophthalimide VULKALENT G from Lanxess.

[00202] The vulcanization retarder agent may be present in Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 46 / 110 / 76 present elastomeric composition in an amount, preferably, of 0.05 phr to 2 phr.

[00203] The present elastomeric composition may comprise one or more vulcanization retarding agents as defined above in a mixture.

[00204] The elastomeric composition according to the invention may optionally comprise at least 0.05 phr, preferably at least 0.1 phr or 0.5 phr, more preferably at least 1 phr or 2 phr of at least one silane coupling agent.

[00205] Preferably, the elastomeric composition according to the invention comprises from 0.1 phr to 20.0 phr or from 0.5 phr to 10.0 phr, even more preferably from 1.0 phr to 5.0 phr of at least one silane coupling agent.

[00206] Preferably, said coupling agent is a silane coupling agent selected from those having at least one hydrolyzable silane group that can be identified, for example, by the following general formula (III): (R')3Si-CnH2n-X (III) wherein the R' groups, which are the same or different from each other, are selected from: alkyl, alkoxy or aryloxy groups or halogen atoms, provided that at least one of the R' groups is an alkoxy or aryloxy group; n is an integer from 1 to 6; X is a group selected from: nitrose, mercapto, amino, epoxide, vinyl, imide, chlorine, -(S)mCnH2n-Si-(R')3e-S-COR', wherein men are integers from 1 to 6 and the R' groups are as defined above.

[00207] Particularly preferred silane coupling agents are bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide and bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)disulfide, also called polysulfide compatibilizers. Said coupling agents can be used as such or in a mixture with Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 47 / 110 / 76 an inert filler (such as carbon black) in order to facilitate its incorporation into the vulcanizable elastomeric composition.

[00208] An example of a silane coupling agent is TESPT: bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide Si69 marketed by Evonik.

[00209] The elastomeric composition according to the invention may further comprise one or more additional ingredients commonly used in the field, such as, for example, plasticizing oils, resins, antioxidant and / or antiozonant agents (anti-aging agents), waxes, adhesives and the like.

[00210] For example, the elastomeric composition according to the present invention, in order to further improve the workability of the compound, may additionally comprise at least one plasticizing oil.

[00211] The amount of plasticizer is preferably from 1 phr to 80 phr, preferably from 10 phr to 70 phr, more preferably from 30 phr to 50 phr.

[00212] The term “plasticizing oil” means a process oil derived from petroleum or a mineral oil or a vegetable oil or a synthetic oil or combinations thereof.

[00213] The plasticizing oil may be a petroleum-derived process oil selected from paraffin (saturated hydrocarbons), naphthenes, polycyclic aromatics and mixtures thereof.

[00214] Examples of suitable petroleum-derived process oils are aromatic, paraffinic, naphthenic oils such as MES (Solvated Mild Extract), DAE (Distilled Aromatic Extract), TDAE (Treated Distilled Aromatic Extract), TRAE (Treated Residual Aromatic Extract), RAE (Residual Aromatic Extract) known in the industry.

[00215] Plasticizing oil can be an oil of natural or synthetic origin derived from the esterification of glycerol with fatty acids, which Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 48 / 110 / 76, includes glycerin triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides, or mixtures thereof.

[00216] Examples of suitable vegetable oils are sunflower, soybean, linseed, rapeseed, castor, and cottonseed oil.

[00217] The plasticizing oil may be a synthetic oil selected from among the alkyl or aryl esters of phthalic acid or phosphoric acid.

[00218] The elastomeric composition according to the present invention may further comprise at least one resin.

[00219] The resin, if used in the composition, is a non-reactive resin, preferably selected from the group comprising hydrocarbon resins, phenolic resins, natural resins and mixtures thereof.

[00220] The amount of resin can be from 0 phr to 80 phr, preferably from 10 phr to 40 phr.

[00221] The elastomeric composition according to the invention may optionally comprise at least one wax.

[00222] The wax can be, for example, a petroleum wax or a paraffin mixture.

[00223] Commercial examples of suitable waxes are Repsol N-paraffin blend and Rhein Chemie Antilux® 654 microcrystalline wax.

[00224] Wax may be present in the elastomeric composition of the invention in a general amount, generally from 0.1 phr to 20 phr, preferably from 0.5 phr to 10 phr, more preferably from 1 phr to 5 phr.

[00225] The elastomeric composition according to the invention may optionally comprise at least one antioxidant agent.

[00226] The antioxidant agent is preferably selected from N-isopropyl-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (IPPD), N-(-1,3-dimethyl-butyl)-n' phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), N,N'-bis-(1,4-dimethyl-pentyl)-pphenylenediamine (77PD), N,N'-bis-(1-ethyl-3-methyl-pentyl)-p-phenylenediamine Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 49 / 110 / 76 (DOPD), N,N'-bis-(1,4-dimethyl-pentyl)-p-phenylenediamine, N,N'-diphenyl-pphenylenediamine (DPPD), N,N'-ditolyl-p-phenylenediamine (DTPD), N,N'-dibeta-naphthyl-p-phenylenediamine (DNPD), N,N'-bis(1-methylheptyl)-pphenylenediamine, N,N'-Di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine (44PD), N-phenyl-Ncyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine, N-phenyl-N '-1-methylheptyl-p-phenylenediamine and the like, and mixtures thereof, preferably, is N-1,3-dimethylbutyl-Nphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6-PPD).

[00227] A commercial example of a suitable antioxidant agent is 6PPD from Solutia / Eastman or Santoflex produced by Flexsys.

[00228] The antioxidant agent may be present in the elastomeric composition in a general amount, preferably from 0.1 phr to 20 phr, more preferably from 0.5 phr to 10 phr.

[00229] A further aspect of the present invention is an elastomeric compound for tires obtained by mixing and vulcanizing the elastomeric composition according to the invention.

[00230] The elastomeric compound according to the invention, when vulcanized, has comparable dynamic properties and better static properties than similar compounds comprising conventional compatibilizing agents, as shown in the present experimental part.

[00231] A further aspect of the present invention is a process for preparing an elastomeric compound according to the invention.

[00232] The process for preparing the elastomeric compound according to the invention preferably comprises: - mixing, in one or more steps, all the components of the composition according to the invention, maintaining the temperature at a value T1 lower by at least 10°C than the activation temperature Ta of at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I), to generate a compound (1) comprising said monotetrazole compatibilizing agent. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 50 / 110 / 76 (I) with the unreacted tetrazole, and - heating compound (1) to a temperature T2 at least 10°C higher than the activation temperature Ta of the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I), to generate a compound (2) in which said at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I) has reacted at least partially by tetrazole decomposition and subsequent addition to the diene elastomeric polymer, and - Optionally, vulcanize the compound.

[00233] During the first mixing step at temperature T1, the reinforcing filler and the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I) are dispersed in the elastomeric matrix. Under these conditions, the tetrazole ring of the compatibilizing agent of formula (I) generally remains substantially stable and does not undergo significant decomposition, while typically one or more B groups of the compatibilizing agent of formula (I) react or interact with the filler.

[00234] In the subsequent heating step at temperature T2, a step that preferably coincides with the tire vulcanization step, the tetrazole ring of the compatibilizing agent (I) decomposes and reacts with the elastomer that anchors the filler to the matrix.

[00235] Depending on the activation temperature Ta of the monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent, which can be modulated by the appropriate selection of the substituent R and possibly A, and the vulcanization temperature, different process variants can be carried out and the reaction with the elastomer can occur before, during or after vulcanization.

[00236] In one embodiment, the process preferably comprises heating the compound (1) to a temperature T2 equal to or greater than the activation temperature Ta of the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I), during the tire vulcanization step, to generate the vulcanized compound (2). This step can be carried out in a vulcanization mold. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 51 / 110 / 76 conventional. In this modality, the monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent is selected to have a Ta similar to the temperature applied in vulcanization, for example, around 160°C.

[00237] In this mode, it is possible to proceed to the mixing stages that precede vulcanization without having to strictly control the temperature, for example, by operating below T160°C and then fixing the well-dispersed fillers in the die only subsequently, for example, during vulcanization.

[00238] In another embodiment, in which the activation temperature Ta of the monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent is lower than the vulcanization T, it is possible to deliberately cause the monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent to react early, if it is desired to increase the viscosity of the material before vulcanization, for example, in the preparation of the internal coating or internal sub-coating.

[00239] In another embodiment, in which the activation temperature Ta of the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I) is higher than the vulcanization T, the vulcanization of compound (1) is carried out, but not the activation of the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I), to generate a vulcanized compound comprising the unreacted monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I).

[00240] This compound, suitably incorporated into tire components, for example, in the sidewall insert, can undergo consolidation when the tire temperature in use reaches the activation temperature Ta of the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I), to generate the compound (2) hardened by the anchoring of the agent and the filling. In this application, the elastomeric composition preferably also comprises a conventional silane-type compatibilizing agent.

[00241] In another embodiment, by incorporating into the elastomeric compound at least two compatibilizing agents of formula (I) that have different Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 52 / 110 / 76 Yes, it is possible to activate one during the vulcanization stage and the other only subsequently, when, under operating conditions, the temperature in the tire reaches the higher Ta of the second agent.

[00242] Other process variants may refer to the use of compatibilizing agents of formula (I) that have different Ta and affinities for different fillers.

[00243] By appropriately selecting substitutes R and B for said compatibilizing agents (I), a person skilled in the art can plan at which stage of tire production or use to anchor one or the other filler with possible process and tire performance advantages.

[00244] The present elastomeric compound can be prepared according to a process that typically comprises one or more mixing steps in at least one suitable mixer, in particular at least one mixing step (i) (non-productive) and one mixing step (ii) (productive) as defined above.

[00245] Each mixing step may comprise several intermediate processing steps or sub-steps, distinguished by the momentary interruption of mixing to allow the addition of one or more ingredients, but generally without intermediate discharge of the compound.

[00246] Mixing can be carried out, for example, using an open mixer of the “roller mixer” type or an internal mixer of the tangential rotor type (Banbury®) or with interpenetrating rotors (Intermix), or in continuous mixers of the Ko-Kneader™ type (Buss®) or of the two-screw or multi-screw type.

[00247] The temperatures during the mixing and sub-steps can also be defined as a function of the activation temperature Ta of the monotetrazole (i) compatibilizing agent and the process step in which activation is desired.

[00248] As discussed earlier, the elastomeric composition Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 53 / 110 / 76 preferably includes, in addition to the monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent, also a vulcanizing agent.

[00249] The monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I) may be incorporated in one or more of the steps (i) or (ii) while, typically, the vulcanizing agent is only incorporated in the production step (ii).

[00250] Typically, after one or more thermomechanical processing steps, the vulcanizing agent is incorporated into the materials, preferably together with vulcanization accelerators and / or retarders. In the final treatment step, production step (ii), the temperature is generally maintained below 120°C and preferably below 100°C, in order to prevent any unwanted pre-vulcanization phenomenon. After that, the vulcanizable compound is incorporated into one or more tire components and subjected to vulcanization, according to known techniques.

[00251] Depending on the desired application, the vulcanized compound may comprise the unreacted monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (i) or, after decomposition of the tetrazole ring, already attached to the elastomer.

[00252] A further aspect of the present invention is a tire component for vehicle wheels comprising an elastomeric compound according to the invention or, preferably, consisting of the same, preferably selected from the tread, sublayer, anti-abrasion layer, sidewall, sidewall insert, mini-sidewall, inner lining, inner sub-lining, rubber layers, bead filler, bead reinforcement layers (bead cover), bead protection layers (anti-friction fabric), sheet, preferably the same is selected from the tread, sublayer, rubber layers and sidewall insert.

[00253] The tire component may comprise, or preferably may consist of, an unvulcanized elastomeric compound according to the invention (raw component) or a vulcanized elastomeric compound according to the invention. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 54 / 110 / 76

[00254] A further aspect of the present invention is a tire for vehicle wheels comprising at least one component of a tire according to the invention.

[00255] The vehicle wheel tire of the invention may comprise at least one tire component consisting of an elastomeric compound, according to the invention, unvulcanized (raw tire) or consisting of an elastomeric compound according to the invention vulcanized (vulcanized tire).

[00256] Preferably, said component is selected from among tread, sublayer, rubber layers and sidewall insert.

[00257] In one embodiment, a vehicle tire according to the present invention comprises at least - a carcass structure comprising at least one carcass ply having opposite side edges associated with the respective bead structure; - possibly a pair of flanks, each optionally comprising a flank insert, applied to the lateral surfaces of the housing structure, respectively, in an axially external position; - possibly a strap structure applied in a radially external position relative to the carcass structure; - a tread pattern applied radially externally to said carcass structure or, if present, a belt structure, - possibly a layer of elastomeric material, called a sublayer, applied in a radially internal position relative to said tread, wherein at least one component, preferably the tread or the rubber casing of at least one layer of Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 55 / 110 / 76 The casing or flank insert comprises the elastomeric compound according to the invention, or preferably consists of the same.

[00258] In one embodiment, the tire according to the invention is a car tire, preferably a high-performance car tire.

[00259] In one embodiment, the tire according to the invention is a motorcycle tire, wherein at least one component comprises the elastomeric compound according to the invention, or preferably consists of the same.

[00260] In a preferred embodiment, the tire, according to the invention, is a tire for motorcycle wheels, preferably for sports or racing motorcycles.

[00261] The tire according to the invention can be a tire for two-, three- or four-wheeled vehicles.

[00262] The tire according to the invention can be for use in summer or winter or for all seasons.

[00263] In one embodiment, the tire according to the invention is a tire for bicycle wheels.

[00264] A bicycle wheel tire typically comprises a carcass structure contoured around a pair of bead cores in the beads and a tread arranged in a radially outward position relative to the carcass structure. Preferably, at least the tread and / or a rubber layer comprises the elastomeric compound according to the invention.

[00265] The tire according to the present invention can be produced according to a process comprising: - components for constructing a raw tire in at least one forming drum; - to shape, mold and vulcanize the tire; Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 56 / 110 / 76, in which constructing at least one of the components of a raw tire includes: - to manufacture at least one raw component comprising the vulcanizable elastomeric compound of the invention or, preferably, consisting thereof. DESCRIPTION OF A TIRE ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

[00266] A tire for vehicle wheels according to the invention comprising at least one component, comprising the present elastomeric compound, is illustrated in radial half-section in Figure 1.

[00267] In Figure 1, “a” indicates an axial direction and “X” indicates a radial direction, in particular XX indicates the contour of the equatorial plane. For simplicity, Figure 1 shows only a portion of the tire, the remaining portion not shown being identical and symmetrically arranged with respect to the equatorial plane “XX”.

[00268] The tire 100 for four-wheeled vehicles comprises at least one carcass structure, which comprises at least one carcass layer 101 having respectively integrated opposite end protectors with respective annular anchoring structures 102, referred to as bead cores, possibly associated with a bead filler 104.

[00269] The tire area comprising the bead core 102 and the filler 104 forms a bead structure 103 intended to anchor the tire to a corresponding mounting rim, not shown.

[00270] The carcass structure is usually radial, that is, the reinforcing elements of at least one carcass layer 101 are in planes that comprise the geometric axis of rotation of the tire and are substantially perpendicular to the equatorial plane of the tire. Said reinforcing elements generally consist of textile cords. Each bead structure is associated with the carcass structure by folding back the edges. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 57 / 110 / 76 opposite sides of at least one carcass layer 101 around the annular anchoring structure 102 so as to form the so-called carcass reinforcements 101a as shown in Figure 1.

[00271] In one embodiment, the coupling between the carcass structure and the bead structure can be provided by a second carcass layer (not shown in Figure 1) applied in an external position axially relative to the first carcass layer.

[00272] An anti-abrasive strip (105), possibly produced from elastomeric material, is arranged in an external position of each bead structure (103).

[00273] The carcass structure is associated with a belt structure 106 comprising one or more layers of belt 106a, 106b placed in radial overlap with each other and with respect to the carcass layer, which typically has textile and / or metallic reinforcing cords incorporated within a layer of elastomeric material.

[00274] Such reinforcing cords may have cross orientation in relation to a circumferential development direction of the tire (100). By “circumferential” direction, it is meant a direction generally facing in the direction of rotation of the tire.

[00275] At least one zero-degree reinforcement layer 106c, commonly known as a “0° belt”, may be applied in a position more externally radially to the belt layers 106a, 106b, which generally incorporates a plurality of elongated reinforcement elements, typically metallic or textile cords, oriented in a substantially circumferential direction that thereby form an angle of a few degrees (such as an angle of between about 0° and 6°) with respect to a direction parallel to the equatorial plane of the tire, and coated with vulcanized elastomeric material.

[00276] A tread (109) comprising the compound Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 58 / 110 / 76 elastomeric according to the invention is applied in a radially external position to the belt structure (106).

[00277] In addition, respective sidewalls 108 of elastomeric material are applied in an external position axially on the lateral surfaces of the carcass structure, each extending from one of the lateral edges of the tread 109 on the respective bead structure 103.

[00278] In an external radial position, the tread 109 has a rolling surface 109a intended to come into contact with the ground. Circumferential grooves, which are connected by transverse notches (not shown in Figure 1) so as to define a plurality of blocks of various shapes and sizes distributed over the rolling surface 109a, are generally made on this surface 109a, which for simplicity is represented as smooth in Figure 1.

[00279] A sublayer (111) comprising the elastomeric compound according to the invention may be disposed between the belt structure (106) and the tread (109).

[00280] A strip consisting of elastomeric material (110), commonly known as a “minisiden”, may optionally be provided in the connecting zone between the sidewalls (108) and the tread (109), this minisiden generally being obtained by co-extrusion with the tread (109) and allowing an improvement in the mechanical interaction between the tread (109) and the sidewalls (108). Preferably, the sidewall end portion 108 directly covers a lateral edge of the tread 109.

[00281] In the case of tubeless tires, a layer of rubber 112, generally known as a “casing”, which provides the necessary impermeability for the air that inflates the tire, may also be provided in an internal position radially in relation to the carcass layer 101.

[00282] The stiffness of the 108 tire sidewall can be improved by equipping Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 59 / 110 / 76 if the bead structure 103 of a reinforcement layer 120, generally known as “bead cover” or similar insert an additional strip.

[00283] The bead cover 120 is a reinforcing layer that is wrapped around the respective bead core 102 and a bead filler 104 in order to at least partially encircle them, said reinforcing layer being disposed between at least one carcass layer 101 and a bead structure 103. Usually, the bead cover is in contact with said at least one carcass layer 101 and said bead structure 103.

[00284] A bead cover (120) typically comprises a plurality of textile cords embedded within a layer of elastomeric material.

[00285] The annular reinforcement structure or bead (103) of the tire may comprise an additional protective layer which is generally known by the term “anti-friction fabric” (121) or protective strip, and which has the function of increasing the rigidity and integrity of the bead structure (103).

[00286] The antifriction fabric (121) typically comprises a plurality of cords embedded within a layer of elastomeric rubber material. Such cords are generally produced from textile materials (such as aramid or rayon) or metal materials (such as steel cords).

[00287] A layer or sheet of elastomeric material may be disposed between the belt structure and the carcass structure. The layer may have a uniform thickness. Alternatively, the layer may have a variable thickness in the axial direction. For example, the layer may have a greater thickness near its outer edges axially relative to the central zone (crown).

[00288] Advantageously, the layer or sheet may extend over a surface that corresponds substantially to the extension surface of said layer or sheet. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 60 / 110 / 76 belt structure.

[00289] In a preferred embodiment, a layer of elastomeric material, called a sublayer, may be placed between said belt structure and said tread, said sublayer preferably extending over a surface that substantially corresponds to the extension surface of said belt structure.

[00290] The elastomeric compound according to the present invention can be advantageously incorporated into one or more of the tire components mentioned above, preferably in the tread, sidewall insert, plates and rubber compounds.

[00291] According to an undisclosed embodiment, the tire may be a motorcycle wheel tire which is typically a straight-cut tire that features a high-curvature tread.

[00292] The construction of the tire (100) as described above, can be carried out by assembling respective semi-finished products adapted to form the tire components, in a forming drum, not shown, by at least one assembly device.

[00293] At least part of the components intended to form the tire carcass structure may be constructed and / or assembled on the forming drum. More particularly, the forming drum is intended to first receive the possible inner lining, and then the carcass structure. Therefore, devices not shown coaxially engage one of the annular anchoring structures around each of the end tabs, position an outer sleeve comprising the belt structure and the tread in a centrally positioned coaxially around the cylindrical carcass sleeve and conform the carcass sleeve to a toroidal configuration through a radial expansion of the carcass structure, so as to cause the application of the same against a radially inner surface of the outer sleeve. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 61 / 110 / 76

[00294] After the raw tire is constructed, a molding and vulcanization treatment is generally carried out in order to determine the structural stabilization of the tire through vulcanization of the elastomeric compounds, as well as to impart a desired tread pattern on the tread and any distinct graphic markings on the sidewalls. EXPERIMENTAL PART ANALYSIS METHODS Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)

[00295] The thermal behavior of the 2,5-disubstituted tetrazolines described in this document was studied, in particular their activation temperature Ta was determined by thermogravimetric analysis, with a Mettler Toledo STARe system model, under the following conditions: Method 1) Approximately 5 mg of pure monotetrazole agent were placed in the TGA crucible using a thermal program from 30°C to 500°C with a ramp of 5° / min under N2 flow (see Figures 7C, 7E); Method 2) Approximately 10 mg of pure monotetrazole agent were placed in the TGA crucible using a thermal program from 30°C to 1000°C, with a heating ramp from 30 to 150°C at 10°C / min, a constant temperature of 150°C for 10 min, and heating from 150°C to 1000°C at 10°C / min under a nitrogen flow (see Figures 7A, 7B, 7D).

[00296] The first stage of weight loss coincided, as a rule, with the loss of a nitrogen molecule from tetrazole. The temperature at which the release of nitrogen from tetrazole began was considered the activation temperature Ta.

[00297] Again by heating in a thermogravimeter, the reactivity of monotetrazoles with reactive double bonds was evaluated under the following conditions: approximately 1 mg of monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I) (or of the selected comparator agent) was dispersed in Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 62 / 110 / 76 approximately 10 mg of Polyvest 130 butadiene oligomer and the mixture placed in the TGA crucible using a thermal program from 30°C to 140°C (10°C / min ramp), followed by an isothermal hold at 140°C for 30 min, cooling to 30°C (-10°C / min ramp), heating from 30°C to 90°C (5°C / min), cooling to 30°C, heating to 170°C (5°C / min) and an isothermal hold for 30 min at 170°C. This method simulated the thermal history of an elastomeric compound. NMR

[00298] NMR spectra were acquired using a Bruker 400 instrument. Samples were prepared by dissolving 5-10 mg of monotetrazole in 0.6 ml of deuterated solvent (chloroform or DMSO). IR

[00299] IR spectra were acquired with a Perkin-Elmer 100 instrument spectrum analyzer (FT-IR). The sample was loaded directly onto the crystal and pressed with a metal tip. The spectrum was recorded in ATR (Attenuate Total Reflectance) mode. MEASUREMENT OF DYNAMIC AND MECHANICAL RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF ELASTOMERIC COMPOUNDS (RPA)

[00300] The rheological properties were evaluated using a Monsanto RPA 2000 rheometer according to the following method: cylindrical test samples weighing 4.5 g 5.5 g were prepared by drilling first-stage elastomeric compounds - compounds containing the reinforcing filler and the monotetrazol (I) compatibilizing agent, but free of vulcanizers and covulcanizers, and raw final compounds (comprising all components including vulcanizer and covulcanizers).

[00301] Samples of the raw compounds from the first stage and the final stage were heated in a rheometer at 190°C for 30'.

[00302] The tests were performed at an oscillation frequency of Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 63 / 110 / 76 1.66 Hz (100 oscillations per minute) and an oscillation amplitude of ± 0.5°.

[00303] The S' values ​​measured for the first-stage and final-stage compounds, comparative and according to the invention, are reported in Figures 8 - 10.

[00304] Samples of the final compounds were subjected to measurement of dynamic properties, i.e., dynamic shear modulus G', viscous dynamic shear modulus G''% at 70°C, frequency 10 Hz (in the strain range between 0.1% and 100% for samples not yet subjected to thermal cycling above 130°C and between 0.1% and 10% for samples subjected to at least one thermal cycle above 130°C), with the results reported in Tables 4 and 5. MEASUREMENT OF STATIC MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

[00305] The elastomeric materials prepared in the previous examples were vulcanized to generate specimens in which the evaluation of static mechanical properties was performed.

[00306] Tensile tests were performed on straight geometric axis Dumbbell specimens.

[00307] Unless otherwise indicated, vulcanization was carried out in a mold, in a hydraulic press at 190°C and at a pressure of 20 MPa (200 bar) for approximately 30 minutes.

[00308] Static mechanical properties were measured at 23°C according to ISO 37:2005 standard.

[00309] In particular, the load at different elongation levels (50%, 100% and 300%, respectively called CA0.5, CA1 and CA3), the load at the rupture CR and the elongation at the rupture AR% were measured, with the results shown in Table 6. EXAMPLE 1 STUDY OF THE THERMAL STABILITY OF DISUBSTITUTED 2,5-MONOTETRAZOLE ENERGY Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 64 / 110 / 76

[00310] To understand the influence of the substituent groups present at positions 2 and 5 of the tetrazole on the activation temperature Ta, the 1.1-1.23 disubstituted 2,5 monotetrazoles of formula (I) shown in the following Table 1 were prepared: TABLE 1 No. of monotetrazole Activation Formula T °C 1.1 O h°OC / Nxn^^ n=n 210 1.2 0 HN^ / -, íA ' 0 n:::n 200 1.3 q 150 1.4 N, Brxs / NN^^ s Vn 150 1.5 u N jTj Ι / Νχ / ν 'n^^ SN=N 165 1.6 N=N ,'Ν^7^ n Cr 0 100 1.7 Ο'Υ'Ν'θ n=N 170 1.8 / ^V-OH \ 'L χΝ. / r N^s-'-f 'n^>> n=N 150 1.9 00 nJ r N-A7 oh n=n 180 1.10 0^ o 165 1.11 n=N 150 1.12 OMe \ iL .Μ Z / l n-'VA N=N OMe 160 1.13 o Q 0 180 Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 65 / 110 55 / 76 No. of monotetrazol Activation Formula T °C 1.14 L Ã, n / ) N=N 190 1.15 n=n 7 N—, 200 1.16 8 z—z / / \ 5 210 1.17 L JL -N / yOH y5 N·—vj / ν=ν 180 1.18 oo ó 5 o 250 1.19 \ 'L Jk £ / f \ / N=N 170 1.20 \ V Ã / / \ / N=N 200 1.21 F kA \ V Λ 1 / / \ / N=N 180 1.22 cf3 \ 1 / / \ / CF, N=N 3 190 1.23 9 O 150

[00311] These monotetrazoles were synthesized and then studied by thermogravimetric analysis in order to investigate the effect of the substituent groups present at positions 2 and 5 on the activation temperature Ta of tetrazole. Synthesis of Dissubstituted 2,5-Monotetrazoles

[00312] Tetrazole agents having an aromatic group at position 2 and an optionally substituted aromatic group at position 5 were prepared as described in Chem. Commun. (2016), 52, 9426, according to the following general synthesis scheme 2.1, exemplified herein for derivatives in which the aromatic group at 5 is a phenyl, but similarly applicable to derivatives in which said group is another Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 66 / 110 56 / 76 aromatic system: SCHEME 2.1

[00313] As reported in the literature, the synthesis included two stages: - The aromatic aldehyde (1 eq.) was dissolved in ethanol. Tosylhydrazide (2 eq.) was added and stirred for 4 hours under reflux. Water was then added, and the precipitate formed was recovered by filtration. The product thus obtained was used for the second step without further purification.

[00314] - The solid obtained in step 1 (1 eq.) was dissolved in pyridine to generate solution A. In parallel, solution B was prepared by adding a solution of NaNCE (1 eq.) in water (xml) to a cooled solution of aniline (1 eq.), concentrated HCl, and water / ethanol (1:1). Solution B, cooled with an ice bath, was slowly added to solution A by drop, and, at the end of the addition, it was stirred overnight at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction mixture was neutralized with diluted HCl, recovering the precipitate formed by filtration. The reaction crude was purified by column chromatography or crystallized from a suitable solvent according to the type of tetrazole.

[00315] Monotetrazoles 1.11, 1.15 and 1.16 were prepared by alkylation according to General Scheme 3, more particularly according to the following Schemes 4-6. Monotetrazole 1.11 Synthesis

[00316] Monotetrazole 1.11 was prepared according to the following Scheme 4: Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 67 / 110 57 / 76 Scheme 4 ÒN NaN3,w-nh ZnBr2( / i K2COj N=N _y \= / +-------*· HjO DM F dry ? TN Reflux 24h RT24h STAGE 1

[00317] Benzonitrile (1 eq.) was suspended in H2O, ZnBr2 (1 eq.) and sodium azide (1.1 eq.) were added. The mixture was heated under reflux for 48 h with stirring. The reaction was rapidly cooled with HCl (37%) and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting solid was treated with a 0.25 M NaOH solution, stirring for 30 minutes. The zinc oxide thus formed was filtered by washing with 1 N NaOH. The resulting aqueous solution was then treated with concentrated HCl to an acidic pH. The precipitated tetrazole was recovered by filtration and washing with 3 M HCl, and finally the product was dried in an oven. The tetrazole was recovered as a white powder (76% yield). STAGE 2

[00318] The glassware was ignited under a flow of N2. 5-phenyl-tetrazole (1 eq.) was dissolved in anhydrous dimethylformamide, K2CO2 (1.2 eq.) was added and after 15 minutes 1-bromohexane (1 eq.) was added, the same was magnetically stirred for 24h at room temperature.

[00319] The reaction mixture was extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The reaction crude was purified by column chromatography, yielding 2-hexyl-5-phenyl-tetrazole as a colorless oil (90% yield). Monotetrazole 1.15 Synthesis

[00320] Monotetrazole 1.15 was prepared according to the following Scheme 5: Scheme 5 Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 68 / 110 58 / 76 STAGE 1

[00321] Benzonitrile (1 eq.) was suspended in H2O, ZnBr2 (1 eq.) and sodium azide (1.1 eq.) were added. The mixture was heated under reflux for 48 h with stirring. The reaction was rapidly cooled with HCl (37%) and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting solid was treated with a 0.25 M NaOH solution, stirring for 30 minutes. The zinc oxide thus formed was filtered by washing with 1 N NaOH. The resulting aqueous solution was then treated with concentrated HCl to an acidic pH. The precipitated tetrazole was recovered by filtration and washing with 3 M HCl, and finally the product was dried in an oven. The tetrazole was recovered as a white powder (76% yield). STAGE 2

[00322] The glassware was ignited under a flow of N2. 5-phenyl-tetrazole (1 eq.) was dissolved in anhydrous dimethylformamide, K2CO3 (1.2 eq.) was added and, after 15 minutes, benzyl bromide (1 eq.) was added, which was magnetically stirred for 24h at room temperature.

[00323] The reaction mixture was extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The reaction crude was purified by column chromatography, yielding 2-benzyl-5-phenyl-tetrazole as a white solid (90% yield). Monotetrazole 1.16 synthesis

[00324] Monotetrazole 1.16 was prepared according to the following Scheme 6: Scheme 6 Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 69 / 110 59 / 76 STAGE 1

[00325] 2-Thiophencarbonitrile (1 eq.) was suspended in H2O, ZnBr2 (1 eq.) and sodium azide (1.1 eq.) were added. The mixture was heated under reflux for 48 h with stirring. The reaction was rapidly cooled with HCl (37%) and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting solid was treated with a 0.25 M NaOH solution, stirring for 30 minutes. The zinc oxide thus formed was filtered by washing with 1 N NaOH. The resulting aqueous solution was then treated with concentrated HCl to an acidic pH. The precipitated tetrazole was recovered by filtration and washing with 3 M HCl, and finally the product was dried in an oven. The tetrazole was recovered as a white powder (74% yield). STAGE 2

[00326] The glassware was ignited under a flow of N2. 5-thiophenyl-tetrazole (1 eq.) was dissolved in anhydrous dimethylformamide, K2CO3 (1.2 eq.) was added and, after 15 minutes, benzyl bromide (1 eq.) was added, which was magnetically stirred for 24h at room temperature.

[00327] The reaction mixture was extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The reaction crude was purified by column chromatography, yielding 2-benzyl-5-(thiophen-2-yl)tetrazole as a white solid (85% yield). CHARACTERIZATION OF MONOTETRAZOLE 1.1-1.23 COMPATIBILIZING AGENTS Thermogravimetric Analysis

[00328] The disubstituted 2,5-monotetrazoles shown in Table 1 were subjected to thermogravimetric analysis according to the method Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pages 70 / 110 / 76 described above.

[00329] Figure 3 shows the TGA plots obtained for monotetrazolines 1.1 and 1.3. As can be seen, monotetrazoline 1.1 showed a net jump of about 210°C after the decomposition of the tetrazoline ring with the release of nitrogen. Instead, monotetrazoline 1.3 gave rise to a more gradual decomposition that begins from about 150°C.

[00330] As shown in Table 1, the activation temperature Ta of these derivatives was between 150 and 250°C and was influenced by the nature of the substituent groups present at positions 2 and 5.

[00331] In particular, it was observed that electron-withdrawing groups, such as carboxyl or triazolidinedione (monotetrazoles 1.1 and 1.2), if present in the para position of a phenyl group attached to the carbon of the tetrazole ring, stabilized the tetrazole by increasing the activation temperature Ta, while electron-donating groups such as thiophene, possibly substituted with amino (monotetrazoles 1.3 and 1.5) when attached to the carbon of the tetrazole ring, had the opposite effect.

[00332] based on the activation temperature values ​​Ta reported in Table 1, it appeared that tetrazolines with activation T included within a wide range of temperatures of technological interest were obtainable synthetically.

[00333] By properly combining the substituents in tetrazole, it was therefore possible to adapt the activation temperature Ta of the system for the desired application. EXAMPLE 2 CYCLE ADDITION TESTS WITH UNSATURATED POLYMERS

[00334] To verify the reactivity of disubstituted 2,5-monotetrazole compounds towards the double bonds of polymers, represented in the case of terminal vinyls in the following Scheme 7: Scheme 7 Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 71 / 110 / 76 / / ''N'R'Ar^VN N2

[00335] Cycloaddition tests were performed with some monotetraazoles from Table 1, with an oligomer as described in the following Examples 2a, 2b and 2c.

[00336] For these preliminary cycloaddition tests useful for evaluating the reactivity of disubstituted 2,5-tetrazoles towards the reactive double bonds of elastomers, liquid polybutadiene Polyvest 130S was selected due to the fact that, being liquid, it was easy to mix even without the use of a solvent.

[00337] Example 2a: the selected tetrazole derivative and the Polyvest 130S oligomer (tetrazole / polymer ratio 1:100 by moles, tetrazole / vinyl polymer group ratio 1:1) were mixed in a glass test tube, in the absence of solvent, and the mixture was heated for 15-30 minutes to the activation temperature Ta of tetrazole.

[00338] The formation of pyrazoline by cycloaddition was highlighted by fluorescence under UV light (365 nm) of the samples and confirmed by IR and NMR spectra measured at the end of the reaction in the tetrazole-modified oligomer and after precipitating it in ethanol. The oligomer was subsequently suspended in ethanol and centrifuged (repeating this process 3 times) to remove unreacted tetrazole and byproducts.

[00339] Figure 4 shows the IR spectra of Polyvest 130S (Figure 4A) and the reaction product between monotetrazole 1.1 and Polyvest 130S (Figure 4B) measured with the Perkin-Elmer 100 spectrum instrument (FT-IR).

[00340] Figure 5 shows the 1H-NMR spectrum of Polyvest before (Figure 5A) and after (Figure 5B) the addition cycle reaction with the Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, p. 72 / 110 / 76 monotetrazolium 1.1.

[00341] In the 1H-NMR spectrum after the reaction (Figure 5B) new signals can be seen in comparison to those of Polyvest, attributable to the formation of pyrazoline, in particular, the signals around 9.5 ppm (carboxyl proton), those between 8.5 and 8.0 ppm (phenyl protons) and those around 4 ppm (pyrazoline ring protons).

[00342] From the tests and analyses carried out in this example, it was shown that the tetrazole decomposed and the nitrilimine reacted with the double bonds of Polyvest, providing the corresponding pyrazoline, thus functionalizing the oligomer.

[00343] Example 2b: the selected monotetrazole and Polyvest 130S oligomer were mixed in a flask, heating up to 70°C to make the oligomer disperse the tetrazole more fluidly and better. A portion of the mixture was then placed in the crucible of the thermogravimeter.

[00344] The mixture was heated in TGA to a T greater than the activation temperature Ta of tetrazole by at least 20°C, with a heating ramp that took from 70°C to the final T in 5 minutes, then maintaining that temperature for at least another 5 minutes. It was observed that monotetrazole 1,3 decomposed only when the activation T was reached and exceeded.

[00345] Example 2c: Another way of heating the Polyvest 130S - monotetrazol 1.3 mixture in TGA was also tested, which reproduced the thermal steps to which the elastomeric compound is typically subjected under normal tire production conditions, comprising, in succession: a first heating to 140°C for 30 minutes, which corresponds to an initial mixing step in the absence of monotetrazol, a cooling to 40°C, a heating to 90°C for 30 minutes, which corresponds to the mixing production step with the incorporation of monotetrazol, a second Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 73 / 110 63 / 76 cooling to 30°C and finally, heating mimicking the reaction conditions with T increasing to at least 20°C above the activation temperature Ta of monotetrazole. As shown by the single detectable weight loss by TGA, it was observed that monotetrazole 1.3 remained unchanged throughout the thermal processing cycle of the compound to activate only when the activation T was reached and exceeded.

[00346] Figure 6 shows the thermogram with the rapid decrease in the weight of the sample comprising monotetrazolium 1,3 at temperatures above its activation temperature Ta of 150°C. EXAMPLE 3 Synthesis of Dissubstituted 2,5-Monotetrazoles

[00347] Other disubstituted 2,5-monotetrazoles of formula (I) were synthesized and distinguished, reported in the following Table 2 along with some comparative compounds: TABLE 2 no. Formula (I) Gross formula Molecular weight g / mol AT 0 3.1 0 Et0:sr^NH vX / 'NO Et0 ÒB n=N C23H31N5O4S1 469.61 190 3.2 Ettaó νη\ηΑΧ^ν C21H30N6O4SSÍ 490.65 150 3.3 φ IZ IZ X Z'z o C31H24N6OS 528.63 180 3.4 q,zz Γ φ co °' C18H42O6S4SÍ2 538.95 of 150* APTES 9Et H2N^Xx / / x'Si Ed °Et C9H23NO3SÍ 221.37 — * activation temperature in the elastomeric compound (as per the studies reported on page 191 of the article “Effects of time and temperature on reaction of TESPT silane coupling agent during mixing with silica filler and tyre rubber”, by LAEM Reuvekamp et al., pages 187-198, vol. 75, Rubber Chemistry and Technology). Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 74 / 110 64 / 76

[00348] TESPT bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide and APTES (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane were tested as comparators.

[00349] Monotetrazoles 3.1, 3.2 and 3.4 appear to be suitable compatibilizers for silica and silicate fibers while monotetrazoles 3.3 and 3.5 for carbon black, given the high affinity of pyrene and naphthalene core for this filler. Monotetrazole 3.1 Synthesis

[00350] Monotetrazole 3.1 was prepared according to the following Scheme 8: Scheme 8 (CCCIh Dry THF DMF dry Step 1

[00351] The glass equipment was ignited under the flow of N2. Tetrazole 1.1 (1 eq.) was dissolved in anhydrous THF and stirred magnetically. Two drops of DMF were added, followed by oxalyl chloride (2 eq.) and heated under reflux for 2 hours. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, yielding an orange solid (99% yield). STAGE 2

[00352] The glassware was ignited under a flow of N2. The product obtained in the first step (1 eq.) was dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane (dichloromethane), stirred magnetically. Pyridine (1 eq.) and subsequently APTES (0.95 eq.) were added, stirred at room temperature for 24 hours.

[00353] The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, washed with dichloromethane. A dark brown solid was obtained (83% yield).

[00354] 1H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 8.50 (s, 1H), 8.14 (dd, J = Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 75 / 110 65 / 76 8.3, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.93 (d, J = 3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (d, J = 3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.74 7.67 (m, 1H), 7.67-7.61 (m, 1H).

[00355] From the thermogravimetric analysis (see the thermogram in Figure 7A) it could be observed that at a temperature around 190°C there was decomposition with weight loss due to the release of nitrogen. The activation temperature Ta, thus measured, is shown in Table 2 above. Monotetrazole 3.2 Synthesis

[00356] Monotetrazole 3.2 was prepared according to the following Scheme 9: Scheme 9

[00357] The glassware was ignited under a flow of N2. Tetrazole 1.5 (1 eq.) was dissolved in anhydrous dioxane and stirred magnetically. Isocyanate (1 eq.) was added and stirred under reflux for about 3 hours.

[00358] The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. A dark brown oil was obtained (94% yield).

[00359] From the thermogravimetric analysis (see the thermogram in Figure 7B) it could be observed that at a temperature around 150°C there was decomposition with weight loss due to the release of nitrogen.

[00360] The activation temperature Ta, thus measured, is shown in Table 2 above. Monotetrazole 3.3 synthesis

[00361] Monotetrazole 3.3 was prepared according to the following Scheme 10: Scheme 10 Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 76 / 110 66 / 76

[00362] The glassware was ignited under a flow of N2. Pyrembutyric acid (1 eq.) was dissolved in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (THF) and cooled to 0°C. Diphenylphosphoryl azide (DPPA 1.1 eq.) was added and, after about 10 minutes, triethylamine (TEA, 1.1 eq.) was added. The mixture was stirred under reflux for 3 hours. Tetrazole 1.5 (1 eq.) was dissolved in anhydrous THF and added dropwise to the previous solution. The mixture was stirred under reflux for 3 hours. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude obtained was extracted with dichloromethane, first washed with aqueous NaHCl, then with water, and subsequently with HCl (IM). The organic phase was dried and evaporated under reduced pressure.

[00363] The solid obtained by Soxhlet extraction was extracted on ethyl acetate and a white solid was obtained (55% yield).

[00364] Ή NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 10.02 (s, 1Η), 8.39 (d, J = 9.3 Hz, 1H), 8.31 - 8.22 (m, 4H), 8.15 (d, J = 2.8 Hz, 2H), 8.13 - 8.09 (m, 2H), 8.07 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.72 - 7.65 (m, 2H), 7.63 (d, J = 1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (d, J = 4.0 Hz, 1H), 6.68 (t, J = 5.6Hz, 1H), 6.57 (d, J= 4.0 Hz, 1H), 3.43 - 3.36 (m, 2H), 2.01 (dt, J= 14.5, 7.2 Hz, 2H).

[00365] From the thermogravimetric analysis (see the thermogram in Figure 7C) it could be observed that at a temperature around 180°C there was decomposition with weight loss due to the release of nitrogen. The activation temperature Ta, therefore, measured is shown in Table 2 above. Monotetrazole 3.4 synthesis

[00366] Monotetrazole 3,4 was prepared according to the following Scheme 11: Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 77 / 110 67 / 76 Scheme 11 STAGE 1

[00367] 5-Formyl-2-thienylboronic acid (1 eq.) was dissolved in ethanol. Tosylhydrazide (1 eq.) was added and stirred for 4h under reflux.

[00368] Water was then added, and the precipitate formed was recovered by filtration. The product thus obtained was used for the second stage without further purification. STAGE 2

[00369] - The solid obtained in step 1 (leq.) was dissolved in pyridine to generate solution A. In parallel, solution B was prepared by adding a solution of NaNCE (leq.) in water to a solution of cooled aniline (leq.), conc. HCl and water / ethanol (1:1).

[00370] Solution B, cooled with an ice bath, was slowly added to solution A by dropwise addition, and, at the end of the addition, it was stirred overnight at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction mixture was neutralized with dilute HCl, recovering the precipitate formed by filtration. The reaction crude was washed with dichloromethane to yield a light orange solid.

[00371] Ή NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.50 (s, 1Η), 8.14 (dd, J = 8.3, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.93 (d, J = 3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (d, J = 3.6 Hz, 1H), 7.74 7.67 (m, 1H), 7.67-7.61 (m, 1H).

[00372] From the thermogravimetric analysis (see the term gram in Figure 7D), it could be observed that, at a temperature around 140 to 150°C, there was decomposition with weight loss due to the release of nitrogen. The activation temperature Ta, therefore, measured is shown in Table 2 above. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 78 / 110 68 / 76 Monotetrazole 3.5 synthesis

[00373] Monotetrazolium 3.5 was prepared according to the following Scheme 12: Scheme 12 STAGE 1

[00374] Naphthalene-2-carbonitrile (1 eq.) was suspended in H2O and ZnBr2 (1 eq.) and sodium azide (1.1 eq.) were added. The mixture was heated under reflux for 48h with stirring.

[00375] The reaction was rapidly cooled with HCl (37%) and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting solid was treated with a 0.25 M NaOH solution, stirring for 30 minutes. The zinc oxide thus formed was filtered by washing with 1 N NaOH. The resulting aqueous solution was then treated with concentrated HCl to an acidic pH. The precipitated tetrazole was recovered, filtered, washed with 3 M HCl, and finally dried in an oven. 5-naphthyl-tetrazole was obtained as a white powder (41% yield). STEP 2

[00376] The glassware was ignited under a stream of N2. 5-Naphthyl-tetrazole (1 eq.) was dissolved in anhydrous acetonitrile, K2CO3 (10 eq.) was added and, after 15 minutes, benzyl bromide (1 eq.) was magnetically stirred for 24 hours at room temperature.

[00377] The reaction mixture was extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried and evaporated under reduced pressure. The reaction crude was purified by column chromatography, yielding 2-benzyl-5-(naphthalen-2-yl)2H-tetrazole as a white solid (yield of 38%). Ή NMR (400 MHz, CDC13): 8.68 (s, 1H), 8.21 (d, 1H), 7.94 (d, 2H), 7.53 Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 79 / 110 / 76 (m, 2H), 7.46 (d, 2H), 7.42 - 7.37 (dd, 4H), 5.85 (s, 2H).

[00378] From the thermogravimetric analysis (see the thermogram in Figure 7E) it could be observed that at a temperature around 230°C there was decomposition with weight loss due to the release of nitrogen. The activation temperature Ta, thus measured, is shown in Table 2 above. EXAMPLE 4 EVALUATION OF THE ABILITY OF MONOTETRAZOLE COMPATIBILIZING AGENTS TO BIND TO DOUBLE BONDS OF OLIGOMERS

[00379] The 3.1-3.5 compatibilizing agents of 2,5-monotetrazole disubstituted were dispersed in Polyvest 130, which weighs an amount of compatibilizing agent equal to about 0.5% of the weight of the oligomer, the dispersions introduced into a test tube and heated to activation temperatures identified by TGA for about 30 minutes.

[00380] In each case, a mass with fluorescence labeled under UV light was obtained, indicating the formation of pyrazoline and, therefore, the binding of the compatibilizing agent to the oligomer. EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of elastomeric compounds including silica.

[00381] The elastomeric compounds were prepared with equal equivalents of a traditional silane compatibilizer (which has two siloxane groups per molecule and sulfides to anchor to the elastomer via sulfur bridges, e.g., Comp. 5.1 and 5.5), of APTES (a traditional silane compatibilizer which has only one siloxane group and one NH2 group, e.g., Comp. 5.2 and 5.6) or a monotetrazole compatibilizer according to the invention (3.1 with a siloxane group or 3.4 with a boronic group, e.g., 5.3, 5.4 and 5.7). The amounts of the various components Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 80 / 110 / 76 expressed in phr and percentage by weight and their addition step to the compound are shown in the following Table 3: TABLE 3: ELASTOMERIC COMPOSITIONS Phr Step of Ingredients (% pp) Ex. 5.1 Ex. 5.2 Ex. 5.3 Ex. 5.4 Ex. 5.5 Ex. 5.6 Ex. 5.7 Comp. Comp. Inv. Inv. Comp. Comp. Inv. 1.0 SBR (equal to 100 phr) 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 1.1 Silica 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 1.1 Monotetrazole 3.1 (Ta 190°C) — — 5.2* — — — 8.5** 1.1 Monotetrazole 3.4 (Ta 140°C) — — — 3* — — — 1.1 TESPT 3 — — — 4.8 — — 1.1 APTES 2.5* 3.9** 1.1 6PPD 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 1.2 Stearic acid 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1.2 ZnO (80%) 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2.0 CBS 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2.0 Sulfur (67%) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 in which: (*) equal to equivalents vs. TESPT of Ex. 5.1; (** ) equal to equivalents vs. TESPT of Ex. 5.5; TESPT is 5% by weight in Example 5.1 and 8% by weight in Example 5.5 relative to the weight of the filler (silica); stage 1.0 - 1.2: non-productive stage or stage (i); eta pa 2.0: productive stage or stage (ii); SBR: Solution-extended styrene-butadiene copolymer with 37.5 phr of TDAE oil for every 100 phr of dry elastomeric polymer, supplier TRINSEO. Silica: ZEOSIL 1165 MP, supplier Solvay Rhodia Operations Silane: TESPT supplier JINGZHOU JIANGHAN FINE CHEM APTES: Dynasilan AMEO supplier EVONIK Stearic acid: supplier TEMIX OLEO SRL 6PPD: N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, supplier: Eastman Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 81 / 110 / 76 ZnO (80): 80% zinc oxide, 20% polymer binder and dispersing agent, supplier Lanxess Add CBS: N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazyl sulfenamide, cyclohexylamine content < 1%, supplier Duslo Sulfur: Amorphous sulfur Crystex OT33, insoluble in CS2 and toluene. Treated with 33% hydrotreated heavy naphthenic distillate (petroleum), supplier Eastman.

[00382] The mixing was carried out in several stages using an internal tangential mixing rotor from the Brabender laboratory (60 ml mixing chamber).

[00383] In the first stage (1-0), 50% of the elastomer was introduced and chewed for 30 seconds at 140°C (defined temperature).

[00384] In the following step (1.1) the monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent, TESPT or APTES silane, silica, and the remaining elastomer were added. The mixture was continued for 2 minutes at 140°C.

[00385] Subsequently, in step 1.2 the antioxidant, ZnO and stearic acid were introduced. The mixture was continued for about 2 minutes, until the reaction between stearic acid and zinc was complete, again at 140°C, after which the compounds – called first-step compounds – were discharged and tested for their rheological properties.

[00386] After 12-24 hours, in step (ii), carried out using the same mixer, the vulcanizer (sulfur) and the CBS accelerator were introduced, and mixing continued for about 3 minutes at 90°C, when the final compounds were discharged and tested again for their dynamic and rheological properties. RHEOLOGICAL, DYNAMIC AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

[00387] The first-stage and final-stage compounds, comparative and according to the invention, were subjected to property analysis. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 82 / 110 / 76 rheological and dynamic mechanical properties, according to the methods described above.

[00388] Figures 8 - 10 show the trend of the rheogram curves S' (dNm) / time (min).

[00389] In particular, Figure 8 shows the S' pair curve measured in samples heated to 190°C of first-step compounds from Comparative Examples 5.5 (TESPT) and 5.6 (APTES) and Example 5.7 of the invention (monotetrazol 3.1) at 8% by weight relative to silica.

[00390] From the S' curve, measured in the absence of a sulfur vulcanizing system, it is possible to evaluate the consolidation effect of the compound using only the compatibilizer.

[00391] The TESPT silane, as expected, releases sulfur which crosslinks the compound, as demonstrated by the increase in S'.

[00392] APTES silane normally acts as a catalyst in the vulcanization package, but it does not crosslink, and in fact, the S' value is unchanged once the test T is reached.

[00393] With regard to monotetrazole 3.1 of the invention, the very low initial value of S' attests to the high degree of silica compatibilization in the compound and the suppression of the interaction between silica particles that is typically obtained when excellent dispersion is achieved.

[00394] Figure 9 shows the torque curve S' of samples heated to 190°C of final compounds from Comparative Examples 5.5 (TESPT) and 5.6 (APTES) and invention 5.7 (monotetrazol 3.1) at 8% by weight relative to silica.

[00395] The following Table 4 shows the values ​​of the elastic modulus G' and viscous modulus G'' measured for the comparative samples of Ex. 5.5 and 5.6 and of the invention of Ex. 5.7: TABLE 4 Final compounds Ex. 5.5 Ex. 5.6 Ex. 5.7 Comp. Comp. Inv. TESPT APTES Tetrazol 3.1 Crude G'9% (KPa) 611.05 720.09 427.23 Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 83 / 110 / 76 Final compounds Ex. 5.5 Ex. 5.6 Ex. 5.7 AG (0.5-10%) 134.47 305.17 174.48 Vulcanized (190°C x 30 min) G'9% (KPa) 1,260.23 1,526.42 713.47 AG (0.5-10%) 347.01 727.57 242.14 G'' 9% (KPa) 128.05 210.79 104.83 8% in relation to silica

[00396] Based on the data reported in Table 4 and the curve in Figure 9, it was observed that the sample containing monotetrazole 3.1 according to the invention had a reduced modulus of final crude compounds compared to the comparative compounds.

[00397] This behavior is attributable to good compatibility and dispersion of the filler.

[00398] The vulcanization curve in Figure 9 shows a kinetic profile of the compound according to the invention, comprising monotetrazole 3.1, comparable with those of the reference compounds.

[00399] When comparing the moduli before and after vulcanization, it can be seen that the increase in the deformation modulus to 9%, following vulcanization, of the samples containing the two reference compounds (of about 700 KPa) is more marked than that of the sample according to the invention (of about 300 KPa).

[00400] This result may depend on the fact that the reference compounds, with different mechanisms, can increase the elastomer crosslinking, unlike the tetrazoles of the invention. It is, in fact, known to those skilled in the art that TESPT silane can act as a sulfur donor and contribute to the formation of the disulfide bridges of the mesh. It is also known [see for example Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol. 123, 2805-2811 (2012)] that APTES silane can contribute to the formation of the sulfur mesh as it acts as a vulcanization accelerator. With respect to monotetrazole 3.1 of the invention, the reactivity of the silane is independent of the sulfur crosslinking reaction, therefore its contribution to the mechanical reinforcement of the vulcanizate is less.

[00401] Figure 10 shows the torque curve S' of samples Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, page 84 / 110 / 76 heated to 190°C of final compounds of Comparative Examples 5.1 (TESPT) and 5.2 (APTES) and of the invention 5.3 (monotetrazol 3.1) and 5.2 (monotetrazol 3.4) in 5% by weight relative to silica.

[00402] The following Table 5 shows the values ​​of the elastic modulus G' and viscous modulus G'' measured for the comparative samples of Ex. 5.1 and 5.2 and of the invention of Ex. 5.3 and 5.4: TABLE 5 Final compounds Ex. 5.1 Ex. 5.2 Ex. 5.3 Ex. 5.4 Comp. Comp. Inv. Inv. TESPT APTES Tetrazole 3.1 Tetrazole 3.4 Gross G'9% (KPa) 784.46 967.57 758.76 934.07 AG (0.5-10%) 210.63 442.95 628.70 449.69 Vulcanized (190°C x 30 min) G'9% (KPa) 1,486.75 2,017.30 1,631.10 1,933.43 AG (0.5-10%) 413.21 970.82 1,237.11 1,057.93 G'' 9% (KPa) 151.24 269.41 269.61 283.89 5% relative to silica

[00403] From the values ​​reported in Table 5, it can be observed that in smaller quantities of compatibilizer compared to the samples in Figure 9 (Ex. 5.5 - 5.7), the G' values ​​of the green samples of compounds containing APTES (Ex. 5.2), monotetrazol 3.4 (Ex. 5.4) are higher than the sample containing TESPT (Ex. 5.1). This behavior could depend on the greater polarity, compared to TESPT, of APTES and monotetrazol 3.4, which would ensure greater interaction with the filler, consequently increasing the mechanical reinforcement.

[00404] From the vulcanization curves in Figure 10, a comparable kinetic profile is again observed for all samples.

[00405] The G' and G'' modulus values ​​of the vulcanizate shown in Table 5 are aligned with the G' values ​​of the crude and attest to differences mainly due to the state of dispersion.

[00406] In summary, the monotetraazoles of the invention show the classic rheological effect in the compound of a compatibilizer that modifies the surface of the conventional filler, that is, a reduction in the G' modulus as the amount of compatibilizer increases and its polarity decreases. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pages 85 / 110 / 76

[00407] Indeed, as shown by the samples in Ex. 5.5 and Ex. 5.1, which comprise TESPT in amounts equal to 8% and 5% of silica, respectively (Table 4 vs. Table 5), the effect on the mechanical properties of the compound caused by the surface modification is particularly evident with higher amounts of compatibilizer.

[00408] In conclusion, considering the dynamic and rheological properties, the compatibilizers according to the invention allow only the compatibilization of the filler to proceed without affecting the crosslinking, unlike traditional compatibilizers, in which both functions are co-present, and in which the difficult-to-control activation of sulfur crosslinking can occur prematurely in non-ideal filler dispersion situations. With the present monotetrazole agents, on the other hand, it is possible to proceed with the ideal dispersion of the filler without interfering with the crosslinking and without having to exercise strict control over mixing temperatures, with undeniable advantages both in terms of the mechanical performance of the improved materials and at a process level. STATIC MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

[00409] Samples of the compounds from the examples according to the invention and comparatives, vulcanized at 190°C for 30 minutes, were subjected to evaluation of static mechanical properties. The results of these tests are shown in the following Table 6: TABLE 6 Ex. 5.1 Ex. 5.2 Ex. 5.3 Ex. 5.4 Ex. 5.5 Ex. 5.6 Ex. 5.7 Compatib. TESPT* APTES* 3.1* 3.4* TESPT** APTES** 3.1** Comp. Comp. Inv. Inv. Comp. Comp. Ca Inv. 18.9 17.5 14.7 13.8 AR% 347 612 659 699 368 547 589 Where Ca is in MPa; * 5% vs. silica; ** 8% vs. silica

[00410] The precise tensile load values ​​of 50%, 100%, and 300% classify samples containing TESPT as more rigid for tensile testing. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 86 / 110 / 76 due to its ability to contribute to the vulcanization of sulfur.

[00411] On the other hand, the elongations at break are much lower than those obtainable with all other compatibilizers. Considering that, in general, it is difficult to obtain a good compromise between mechanical reinforcement (expressed, for example, as Ca3) and elongation at break, the compatibilizers of greatest interest in this study are the monotetraazoles of invention 3.1 and 3.4.

[00412] In conclusion, from the tests performed and the results of the above tests, it appeared that the monotetrazol (I) compatibilizing agent of the invention incorporated into tire compounds had a marked compatibilizing effect, especially at higher concentrations, as demonstrated by the G' values ​​of the raw and vulcanized compounds, particularly beneficial to the breakdown properties of the vulcanized compound, compared to the commercial silanes APTES and TESPT.

[00413] These results make it possible to use the compatibilizing agents of the invention in tire compounds as an alternative to traditional compatibilizers, however, taking advantage of the undeniable benefit of simplifying the preparation process linked to the possibility of having the ability to trigger the reaction of the compatibilizing agent with the elastomer at a precise predetermined temperature, for example only during vulcanization, and therefore having the ability to process the compound for longer without having to exercise strict temperature control.

[00414] The final compounds of the invention exhibit ideal properties as they combine considerable mechanical reinforcement and excellent breaking properties. Petition 870220119605, dated 12 / 19 / 2022, pp. 87 / 110

Claims

1 / 7 CLAIMS 1. Elastomeric composition for tire compounds, characterized in that it comprises at least - 100 phr of at least one diene elastomeric polymer, - at least 1 phr of at least one reinforcing filler, - at least 0.1 phr of at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of a formula in which A is absent or represents at least one divalent organic group (linker), which optionally comprises one or more heteroatom(s) covalently bonded to position 2 or 5 of the tetrazole; R is a group covalently bonded to position 5 or 2 of the tetrazole, respectively, selected from linear or branched C1-C10 alkyl; C6-C20 aryl; C3-C10 cycloalkyl; an optionally benzocondensed heterocycline, saturated, unsaturated or aromatic, mono- or bicyclic, of 5 or 6 members, comprising at least one heteroatom selected from N, S, O;R, in turn, being optionally substituted with at least one electron-withdrawing X group or an electron-donating Y group, or R being a B group, B representing a group with high affinity for the reinforcing filler, selected from a silane substituted with C1-C5 alkoxyls, C1-C5 alkyls and / or C6-C10 aryls, a (HO)iB group, an optionally benzocondensed, saturated, unsaturated or aromatic, mono- or bicyclic, 5- or 6-membered heterocyclyl comprising at least one heteroatom selected from N, S and O, or a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. Petition 870240041363, dated 05 / 15 / 2024, page 1. 7 / 21 2 / 7 n is an integer from 1 to 3, provided that groups A, B and R do not comprise any 2,5-tetrazole disubstituted; and - 0 to 20 phr of a vulcanizing agent.

2. Composition according to claim 1, characterized in that n equals 1 and A represents a divalent organic group.

3. Composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: - said elastomeric diene polymer is selected from natural or synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene, 3,4-polyisoprene, polybutadiene, optionally halogenated isoprene / isobutene copolymers, 1,3-butadiene / acrylonitrile copolymers, styrene / 1,3-butadiene copolymers, styrene / isoprene / 1,3-butadiene copolymers, styrene / 1,3-butadiene / acrylonitrile copolymers and mixtures thereof; and / or - said reinforcing filler is selected from optionally modified carbon black, silica, silicates, chalk, talc, kaolinite, bentonite, titanium dioxide and mixtures thereof; and / or - said at least one vulcanizing agent is selected from sulfur, sulfur-containing molecules or sulfur donors and polyetrazol crosslinkers and mixtures thereof.

4. Composition according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises - from 1 phr to 150 phr, preferably from 5 phr to 120 phr of at least one reinforcing filler; and / or - from 0.1 to 10 phr or from 1.5 to 5 phr of at least one vulcanizing agent; and / or - from 0.5 phr to 30 phr or from 2 phr to 10 phr of at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of formula (I).

5. Composition according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent of formula (I) and at least one booster filler by weight ratio, referred to the booster filler, between 0.01:1 and 0.3:1, preferably between 0.02:1 and 0.15:

1.

6. Composition according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said group A is present and has a molecular weight of less than 1,000 g / mol, preferably less than 500 g / mol.

7. Composition according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said group A is present and is selected from C1-C10 alkylene; C6-C10 arylene; optionally benzocondensed, saturated, unsaturated or aromatic, mono- or bicyclic, 5- or 6-membered heterocycline, comprising at least one heteroatom selected from N, S and O; C1-C5 alkylene-C6-C10 arylene; C6-C10 arylene-C1-C5 alkylene; C1-C5 alkylene-C6-C10 alkylene; C1-C5 alkylene-heterocycline-; C1-C5 heterocycline-alkylene; C1-C5 alkylene-heterocycline-C1-C5 alkylene; C6-C10 arylene-C6-C10 arylene; heterocyclylene-heterocyclylene; C6-C10 arylene-C1-C5 alkylene-C6-C10 arylene;heterocyclylene-alkylene C1-C5-heterocyclylene, wherein said heterocyclylene is as defined herein and said alkylene optionally comprises one or more heteroatoms selected from B, N, S, O, P and Si or functionalized groups selected from -NR3-CO-, CO-NR3-, -NH-CO-NH-, -COO-, -O-CO-, -CO-, -C=N(R3)-, -CO-N(R3)-CO-, -C=N(OH)-, -O-CO-N(R3)-, -N(R3)-COO-, -SO-, -SO2-, -SO2O-, -CS-, -CSO-, -COS-, -CS-S-, wherein R3 represents hydrogen or C1-C5 alkyl.

8. Composition according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said group R is selected from C1-C6 alkyl, C6-C10 aryl, C1-C5 alkyl-C6-C10 aryl, C6-C10 aryl-C1-C5 alkyl, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, optionally benzocondensed heterocycline, saturated, unsaturated or aromatic, mono- or bicyclic, of 5 or 6 members, comprising at least one heteroatom selected from N, S and O.

9. Composition according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said group R is substituted by at least one electron-withdrawing group X, preferably selected from halogen, carbonyl, carboxyl, ester, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl and sulfonyl, or R is substituted by at least one electron-donating group Y, preferably selected from hydroxy, C1-C10 alkoxy, benzyloxy, C1-C10 alkyl, amino, C1-C10 alkyl monosubstituted amino, C1-C10 alkyl disubstituted amino, primary amide (-NH-COR), hydrazonyl (CH=N-NR2).

10. Composition according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said B group is a group of formula -Si(OR1)3, wherein R1, identical or different from each other, are C1-C5 alkyl, or is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, selected from naphthalene, phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene, benzopyrene, fluorene and benzocondensed derivatives thereof.

11. Composition according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said monotetrazole compatibilizing agent is an agent of formula (IA) or an agent of formula (IB) Petition 870240041363, dated 15 / 05 / 2024, page 10 / 21 5 / 7 Π ANN, ,N \\ / Z / “N R (IB) where A is present and is a divalent organic group (ligand), n equals 1 and R is different from B.

12. Composition according to claim 11, characterized in that said monotetrazole compatibilizing agent is an agent of formula (IA), wherein: A is a divalent organic group (linker) of formula -A1-A2, wherein Al is absent or selected from -(CH2X2-4)-NH-C(O)- and (ch2)(2-4)-NH-C(O)-NH-, and wherein A2 is absent or selected from phenyl and thiophene; R is selected from C4-C6 alkyl, benzyl, phenyl and thiophene, optionally substituted by at least one electron-withdrawing group X or electron-donating group Y; B is selected from -Si(ORl)3, wherein RI is C1-C3 alkyl, (HO)2B-, naphthyl or pyrenyl.

13. Composition according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent has a molecular weight of less than 1,500 g / mol, preferably less than 600 g / mol.

14. Composition according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said monotetrazole (I) compatibilizing agent has an activation temperature Ta not less than 100°C, preferably not less than 140°C and not greater than 220°C, preferably not greater than 200°C.

15. Elastomeric compound for tires, characterized by the fact that Petition 870240041363, dated 05 / 15 / 2024, page 11 / 21 6 / 7 being obtained by mixing and vulcanizing the elastomeric composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. Process for the preparation of an elastomeric compound as defined in claim 15, characterized in that it comprises: - mixing, in one or more steps, all the components of the composition as defined in any of claims 1 to 14, maintaining the temperature at a value T1 lower than the activation temperature Ta of at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I), to generate a compound (1) comprising said monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I) with unreacted tetrazole, - heating the compound (1) to a temperature T2 equal to or greater than the activation temperature Ta of the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I), to generate a compound (2), in which said at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I) has reacted at least partially by tetrazole decomposition and subsequent addition to the diene elastomeric polymer, and - vulcanizing the compound.

17. Process according to claim 16, characterized in that said temperature T1 is lower by at least 10°C, and said temperature T2 is higher by at least 10°C than the activation temperature Ta of at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I).

18. Process according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that said heating step of compound (1) to a temperature T2 equal to or greater than the activation temperature Ta of the monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I) coincides with the vulcanization step of the compound.

19. Process for preparing elastomeric compound Petition 870240041363, dated 05 / 15 / 2024, p. 12 / 21 7 / 7 as defined in claim 15, characterized in that it comprises: - mixing, in one or more steps, all the components of the composition as defined in any of claims 1 to 14, maintaining the temperature at a value T1 lower than the activation temperature Ta of at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I), to generate a compound (1) comprising said monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I) with the unreacted tetrazole, and - vulcanizing the compound at a temperature below the activation temperature Ta of at least one monotetrazole compatibilizing agent, to generate a vulcanized compound comprising said monotetrazole compatibilizing agent (I) with the unreacted tetrazole.

20. A tire component for vehicle wheels, characterized in that it comprises, or preferably consists of, an elastomeric compound as defined in claim 15, said component being selected from tread, underlayer, anti-abrasion layer, sidewall, sidewall insert, mini-sidewall, inner lining, inner sub-lining, rubber layers, filler, bead reinforcement layers (bead cover), bead protection layers (anti-friction fabric) and sheet.

21. Tire for vehicle wheels, characterized in that it comprises at least one tire component as defined in claim 20. Petition 870240041363, dated 05 / 15 / 2024, page 13 / 21

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