Sustainable rubber composite for power transmission belt

Abstract

An article, such as a power transmission belt, includes an elastomeric body and at least one reinforcing core wire disposed in the elastomeric body. At least a portion of the elastomeric body is formed from a rubber composite that includes a styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) sustainable polymer. The rubber composite may include additional sustainable materials, such as one or more of additional sustainable rubber, sustainable fibers, sustainable carbon black, sustainable plasticizers, and the like. The rubber compound may have a total sustainable content of 50% or greater, or even greater than 65%, for example, a total sustainable content in the rubber compound up to about 95% or greater. The article may include additional sustainable materials, such as sustainable fabrics and / or sustainable reinforcing core wires. The entire article may have a total sustainable content of 50% or greater, or a total sustainable content in the article up to about 95% or greater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional application No. 18 / 483,235, filed October 9, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a sustainable rubber compound, and more specifically, to a sustainable rubber compound for power transmission belts. Background Technology

[0003] In various applications, power transmission belts are used to transfer power from one rotating shaft or pulley to another within a machine or system. A typical power transmission belt comprises an elastomer body having an inner pulley engagement section, an outer section, and a load-bearing section located between the inner and outer sections. This load-bearing section typically includes reinforcing core wires and provides most of the belt's tensile strength. The inner pulley engagement section of the belt may include longitudinal or transverse grooves or ribs that engage with the grooves of corresponding pulleys in the power transmission system. For some belts, grooves or ribs may also be provided in the outer section of the belt. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The elastomer body of the drive belt is formed from a rubber compound, one common type of rubber in which is styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). SBR is formed from two monomers: styrene and butadiene. Styrene is a hydrocarbon compound derived from petrochemical sources, such as crude oil or petroleum-derived naphtha. Styrene provides stiffness and hardness to SBR rubber, making it more suitable for certain applications. Butadiene is another hydrocarbon compound derived from crude oil or naphtha through petrochemical processes, such as hydrocarbon cracking. However, the current goal is to avoid petroleum-derived materials and instead use sustainable materials to form the rubber compound.

[0005] At least one aspect of this disclosure addresses one or more problems associated with conventional petroleum-derived SBR by providing a rubber compound having an SBR sustainable polymer. This SBR sustainable polymer may include styrene and / or butadiene monomers derived from sustainable naphtha. Sustainable naphtha may be derived from sustainable sources, such as organic or biomass feedstocks. This may include sources such as plant-based materials like sugarcane or corn, vegetable oils, waste oils, organic waste, or agricultural residues.

[0006] Rubber compounds may include additional sustainable materials, such as one or more of the following: additional sustainable rubber, sustainable fibers, sustainable carbon black, sustainable plasticizers, etc. Rubber compounds may have a total sustainable content of 50% or more, or even greater than 65%, for example, the total sustainable content in a rubber compound may be up to about 95% or more.

[0007] Sustainable rubber compounds and / or variations thereof may constitute the majority of the elastomeric body of the article. The article may include additional sustainable materials, such as sustainable fabrics and / or sustainable reinforcing cores. In exemplary embodiments, the entire article may have a total sustainability content of 50% or more, or even greater than 65%, for example, the total sustainability content in the article may be up to about 95% or more.

[0008] According to one aspect, a tape is disclosed, comprising: an elastomer body; and at least one reinforcing core wire disposed in the elastomer body; wherein at least a portion of the elastomer body is formed of a rubber compound comprising one or more sustainable polymers of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).

[0009] According to another aspect, a rubber compound is disclosed, comprising: one or more natural rubbers in a total amount of 30 phr to 70 phr; one or more SBR sustainable polymers in a total amount of 30 phr to 70 phr; one or more sustainable carbon blacks in a total amount of 25 phr to 150 phr; one or more dispersed sustainable reinforcing fibers in a total amount of 5 phr to 20 phr; optionally, one or more antioxidants in a total amount of 1 phr to 10 phr; and optionally, one or more activators in a total amount of 4 phr to 20 phr.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the rubber compound further comprises one or more sustainable plasticizer oils in a total amount of about 5 phr to about 20 phr; the one or more dispersed sustainable reinforcing fibers comprise cotton with an average size in the range of 2 mm to 7 mm; and the one or more sustainable carbon blacks have an average size in the range of 20 nm to 60 nm and are present in the rubber compound in a total amount of 75 phr to 150 phr.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the rubber compound further comprises one or more unsustainable plasticizer oils in a total amount of 5 phr to 20 phr; the one or more dispersed sustainable reinforcing fibers comprise cotton with an average size in the range of 2 mm to 7 mm; the one or more sustainable carbon blacks have an average size in the range of 60 nm to 100 nm and are present in the rubber compound in a total amount of 25 phr to 100 phr; the compound further comprises one or more additional carbon blacks having an average size in the range of 20 nm to 60 nm and being present in the rubber compound in a total amount of 25 phr to 100 phr.

[0012] According to another aspect, there is an article comprising an elastomer body formed according to any of the aforementioned rubber compounds, in particular, the elastomer body having a total sustainable content of more than 50% (by weight based on the total weight of the elastomer body).

[0013] The following description and accompanying drawings illustrate some illustrative embodiments according to this disclosure. However, these embodiments only indicate a few of the many ways in which the principles of the invention can be applied. Other objects, advantages, and novel features according to aspects of this disclosure will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings (which are not necessarily to scale) illustrate several embodiments according to this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1 A portion of the annular belt according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in a perspective sectional view.

[0016] Figure 2 A portion of another annular band according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in a perspective sectional view.

[0017] Figure 3 A portion of another annular band according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in a perspective sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The principles and aspects of this disclosure are particularly applicable to belts, such as annular belts, especially power transmission belts, and therefore will be described herein primarily in this context. However, it should be understood that the principles and aspects of this disclosure are also applicable to other types of belts in other applications, or generally to other articles of manufacture when one or more advantages of the materials and / or structures described herein are desired.

[0019] Many conventional belts are formed from elastomeric compounds, which may include one or more rubbers derived from petrochemical processes. For example, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) includes styrene and butadiene monomers, which may be derived from petroleum-derived naphtha.

[0020] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, unique rubber compounds and / or unique article structures using such rubber compounds are provided, said rubber compounds comprising at least one SBR sustainable polymer. The SBR sustainable polymer may comprise styrene and / or butadiene monomers derived from sustainable naphtha, which may be derived from renewable sources, including organic feedstocks, biomass feedstocks, etc. The unique rubber compound (also referred to herein as a sustainable rubber compound for convenience) may also include additional sustainable materials, such as one or more of additional sustainable rubber, sustainable fibers, sustainable carbon black, sustainable plasticizers, etc., as described in further detail below.

[0021] As used herein, the term "sustainable material" refers to its general and conventional meaning. Therefore, "sustainable material" means that the material or the raw materials used to make the material are derived from a sustainable source. A sustainable source is a renewable and / or circular source. A renewable source is a source that can be replenished through sustainable methods, including, for example, natural or biomass materials, such as plant-based materials. A circular source uses recycled materials to reduce the need for new raw materials. Typically, sustainable materials reduce negative environmental impacts and are therefore usually not derived from mineral or petrochemical sources, including oil or natural gas.

[0022] Typically, sustainable rubber compounds with SBR sustainable polymers can be used to reinforce elastomeric articles having an elastomeric body and at least one reinforcing core within the elastomeric body. In exemplary embodiments, unique sustainable rubber compounds may have one or more material properties that make them particularly suitable for articles such as annular power drive belts, or for belts in other applications, such as conveyor belts. These articles, including belts, may have one or more segments or portions of an elastomeric body configured for said application, and the sustainable rubber compound according to this disclosure may be used in one or more or all of these different segments or portions, depending on the application.

[0023] As exemplarily referenced below Figures 1-3As described in further detail, the elastomeric body of the annular belt may include an inner engagement section, an outer section, and a load-bearing section between the inner and outer sections. The load-bearing section typically includes reinforcing core wires (also called tension core wires) and provides most of the tensile strength of the belt. The outer section (also called a cover, backing, or ridge section) at least covers the load-bearing section and provides protection for the load-bearing section with the reinforcing core wires. The inner engagement section is located below the load-bearing section and is subjected to compressive loads from pulleys / grooves or other components of the drivetrain. Therefore, the inner engagement section is also referred to as a compression section or buffer section and distributes the load to the reinforcing core wires. The inner engagement section of the belt may include longitudinal or transverse grooves or ribs that engage with the grooves of corresponding pulleys / grooves in the drivetrain. According to one or more exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a sustainable rubber compound may form at least a portion or all of any or all of these sections of the belt.

[0024] An exemplary sustainable rubber compound may include an SBR sustainable polymer, one or more additional polymers, and various additives, each component of which may be (depending on the desired application) of any suitable type and in any suitable amount to form the desired article, such as a ring drive belt.

[0025] For example, one or more additional polymers in a sustainable rubber compound may include, for example: natural rubber (NR), epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), polybutadiene rubber (BR), acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR), (partially) hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR), supplemental (non-sustainable) styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), carboxylated styrene-butadiene rubber (XSBR), styrene / ethylene-butene / styrene-based polymer (SEBS), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPM), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), chloroprene rubber (CR), isoprene rubber (IR), butyl rubber (IIR), bromobutyl rubber (BIIR), chlorobutyl rubber (CIIR), chlorinated polyethylene (CP) E), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), alkylated alkyl polyethylene (ACSM), polyepoxychloropropylene rubber (CO; ECO; ETER), ethylene-vinyl acetate rubber (EVA), acrylate rubber (ACM), ethylene-acrylate rubber (AEM), silicone rubber (MQ, VMQ, PVMQ, FVMQ), fluororubber (FKM), fluorinated methyl silicone rubber (MFQ), perfluorinated propylene rubber (FFPM), perfluorocarbon rubber (FFKM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyolefin elastomer (POE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or polyurethane (PU) and / or similar substances, or mixtures of the above. Generally, the total polymer / elastomer / rubber content (including polymer / rubber / elastomer mixtures) can be used as a basis for setting 100 parts per 100 parts (phr) in the composite. As used herein, the term "parts per 100 parts (phr)" refers to the number of parts per 100 parts of the base polymer / elastomer / rubber.

[0026] Various additives in sustainable rubber compounds can be functional or inert. For example, one or more additives may include: fillers or reinforcing agents (e.g., carbon black, silica, calcium carbonate (chalk), kaolin (clay), aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate (talc), or other minerals, or mixtures thereof); dispersed reinforcing fibers (e.g., shredded or woven (short) fibers made from natural or synthetic materials, such as cotton, glass fiber, aramid fiber, polyester fiber, nylon fiber, mineral fiber, etc., or mixtures thereof); plasticizers, softeners, chain extenders (e.g., mineral oil, paraffin oil, naphthenic oil, polymer plasticizers, ester plasticizers, phthalate plasticizers, vegetable oils, epoxidized oils, etc., or mixtures thereof); curing / vulcanizing agents or systems (e.g., sulfur, peroxides, etc., or mixtures thereof); accelerators, activators (e.g., thiazoles, carbamates, sulfides, sulfinamides, stearic acid, metal oxides such as zinc oxide, etc., or mixtures thereof); and retarders (e.g., carboxyl groups). Salts, resorcinol, cyclohexylthiophthalimide, etc., or mixtures thereof; antioxidants, anti-ozone agents, stabilizers (e.g., phenols, amines, phosphites, waxes, zinc oxide, etc., or mixtures thereof); flame retardants (e.g., antimony trioxide, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, organophosphorus compounds, halogenated compounds, intumescent materials such as intercalated graphite, etc., or mixtures thereof); antistatic agents (e.g., conductive fibers or fillers, such as conductive carbon black, graphite, metal powders, carbon nanotubes, graphene, etc., or mixtures thereof); coupling agents, adhesion promoters, tackifiers (e.g., silanes, titanates, rosin, hydrocarbon resins, etc., or mixtures thereof); pigments, dispersants, dyes and other colorants, or opacifiers; various processing aids, flow modifiers, emulsifiers, thickeners, foaming agents or defoamers, wetting agents or surfactants; and / or any other suitable additives, which may be added alone or in any suitable combination with the foregoing substances. It should be understood that one or more of these additives may have multiple functions. These additives can be added in various amounts, and the total additive content in the rubber compound can range, for example, from about 20 phr to about 700 phr. As an example, reinforcing agents can be present at a content of about 50 phr to about 400 phr; and plasticizers such as oils can be present at a content of about 10 phr to about 200 phr. The material can be formulated into a mixture of rubber and additive components in conventional mixing equipment and can be processed into articles (e.g., belts) according to conventional techniques.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the sustainable rubber compound for a belt (e.g., a ring belt, such as a power drive belt) includes: an SBR sustainable polymer, at least one additional polymer, reinforcing filler, dispersed reinforcing fibers, an antioxidant, an accelerator, and a curing agent. For clarity, each of these components of the exemplary sustainable rubber compound will be described in further detail below, but not in a limiting manner.

[0028] Basic polymers

[0029] One or more polymers of the complex form the matrix and serve as the base of the composition. Therefore, the total polymer content forming the base complex is approximately 100 phr. This total amount can be allocated to one or more different types of polymers, such as different types of rubber, which may be desirable for a particular application. In an exemplary embodiment, the different rubbers forming the base of the sustainable rubber complex include: at least one SBR sustainable polymer and at least one sustainable natural rubber (NR), which together can form a rubber complex of 100 phr.

[0030] The SBR sustainable polymer in the rubber compound provides elastomer properties, including durability and versatility. The SBR sustainable polymer comprises styrene and butadiene monomers, one or both derived from sustainable naphtha. Sustainable naphtha can be derived from sustainable sources, such as organic or biomass feedstocks. This can include sources such as plant-based materials like sugarcane or corn, vegetable oils, waste grease, organic waste, or agricultural residues. In an exemplary embodiment, the sustainable naphtha selected for the sustainable rubber compound is derived from plant-based materials or vegetable oils to maintain the desired properties of the entire compound. Typically, the production of sustainable naphtha may involve processes such as biomass conversion, pyrolysis, or fermentation to extract and refine hydrocarbons from these renewable sources.

[0031] SBR sustainable polymers can be present in the compound in any suitable amount. For example, the total amount of SBR sustainable polymer present in the rubber compound can be in the range of about 30 phr to about 70 phr, more particularly about 40 phr to about 65 phr, or even more particularly about 50 phr to about 65 phr, where the total amount is, for example, about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, or 70 phr (inclusive of all values ​​and the range between said values). If there is too much SBR sustainable polymer (or the total amount of SBR polymer) in the rubber compound, for example, more than the above ranges, the rubber compound may be too stiff and have insufficient elongation for the desired application (e.g., annular belts). The opposite is true if there is too little SBR (sustainable) polymer present, for example, less than the above ranges.

[0032] Natural rubber (NR) in rubber compounds also provides elastomer properties and flexibility. Natural rubber is derived from plant-based materials (e.g., rubber trees, dandelions, or other latex-producing plants), and is therefore a sustainable material.

[0033] The NR sustainable polymer can be present in the rubber compound at any suitable content, for example in the range of about 30 phr to about 70 phr, more particularly about 30 phr to about 50 phr, or even more particularly about 35 phr to about 45 phr, such as about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, or 70 phr (inclusive of all values ​​and the range between them). If there is too much NR sustainable polymer in the rubber compound, for example, more than the above range, the rubber compound may have too high an elastic modulus or too high an elongation for the desired application (e.g., for annular belts). The opposite is true if there is too little NR polymer, for example, less than the above range. Typically, the NR content can be less than the SBR content.

[0034] NR sustainable polymers may have different mechanical properties than SBR sustainable polymers, such as lower elastic modulus, lower tensile strength, and higher elongation. Therefore, in exemplary rubber compounds used in belts (e.g., power drive belts), the rubber compound may have a higher proportion of total SBR sustainable polymers compared to the total NR sustainable polymers. This maintains a desired balance of material properties in the rubber compound (e.g., for belts) while also maintaining a high level of sustainability in the rubber compound.

[0035] It should be understood that a sustainable rubber compound may have an additional base polymer, which may or may not have a sustainable content; or, in an exemplary sustainable rubber compound, the only base polymer may be an SBR sustainable polymer and an NR sustainable polymer.

[0036] To maximize the sustainability content in the rubber compound, in exemplary embodiments, a sustainable rubber polymer constitutes all of the compound's base rubber components (e.g., 100 phr), or a majority (e.g., greater than 50%) of the compound's base rubber components, or at least about 75% of the compound's base rubber components. In some embodiments, a sustainable SBR polymer constitutes all of the compound's SBR components, or a majority of the compound's SBR components, or at least about 75% of the compound's SBR components.

[0037] plasticizer

[0038] One or more plasticizers in a sustainable rubber compound can increase flexibility, reduce hardness, and improve the processing properties of the rubber compound. The plasticizers in a sustainable rubber compound can be of any suitable type or combination of these types, and can be in any suitable amount required for the application.

[0039] For example, plasticizers may include aromatic oils, paraffin oils, or naphthenic oils. For example, plasticizer oils may be mineral oils derived from petroleum.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, one or more plasticizers may be sustainable plasticizers derived from sustainable sources. Such sustainable plasticizers may include oils from renewable sources, such as vegetable oils. Suitable vegetable oils include, but are not limited to: palm oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, olive oil, corn oil, grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, any nut oil, hemp seed oil, flaxseed oil, rice bran oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, mustard oil, flaxseed oil, or combinations thereof.

[0041] In exemplary embodiments, one or more plasticizers (e.g., oils) may be present in the sustainable rubber compound in an amount ranging from about 5 phr to about 20 phr, more particularly from about 10 phr to about 20 phr, for example, about 5, 10, 15, or 20 phr (inclusive of all values ​​and sub-ranges between said values). In specific embodiments, only one type of plasticizer (e.g., mineral oil or sustainable oil) is used in the rubber compound in the range or amount described. If too much total plasticizer is used in the rubber compound, for example, more than the range described above, the rubber compound may exhibit excessive softening, making it difficult to process, potentially leading to dimensional instability, and may have reduced strength, potentially making it unsuitable for applications such as belts. If too little plasticizer is used in the rubber compound, for example, less than the range described above, the rubber compound may be hard, brittle, and / or have reduced flexibility, potentially making it unsuitable for applications such as belts.

[0042] To maximize the sustainability content in the rubber compound, in exemplary embodiments, sustainable oil constitutes all, most, or at least about 75% of the oil component of the compound. In some embodiments, sustainable oil constitutes all, most, or at least 75% of the plasticizer component of the compound. In exemplary embodiments, the rubber compound does not contain any plasticizer component greater than 10 phr or greater than 5 phr other than a sustainable plasticizer (e.g., sustainable oil); for example, the rubber compound contains 0 phr of plasticizer other than a sustainable plasticizer (e.g., sustainable oil).

[0043] Reinforcing agent / filler

[0044] One or more reinforcing agents or fillers in a sustainable rubber compound can enhance specific properties, such as improving the mechanical properties of the rubber compound. The reinforcing fillers in a sustainable rubber compound can be of any suitable type or combination of types, and can be in any suitable amount desired for the application.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the sustainable rubber compound contains at least one carbon black as at least one reinforcing agent. The carbon black present in the sustainable rubber compound may have any suitable size and may be derived from any suitable source. In some embodiments, the rubber compound contains only carbon black as the sole particulate reinforcing agent of the rubber compound, or as the majority (>50%) particulate reinforcing agent in the rubber compound.

[0046] As an example, carbon black can be virgin carbon black, which is traditionally formed from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon feedstocks. Such carbon black can be, for example, furnace black, channel black, or lampblack. These virgin carbon blacks use the naming conventions specified by ASTM D1765 to define the specific type and size of the carbon black. For N-series carbon blacks (grades ranging from N110 to N990), the first number indicates the average particle size of the carbon black, and the last two numbers indicate the structural complexity of the carbon black. Lower first numbers (e.g., N100 series) have smaller particle sizes compared to higher first numbers (e.g., N900 series), and therefore have a larger surface area. Generally, finer carbon black provides greater reinforcement and increased tensile strength, increased modulus (stiffness), and increased hardness to rubber compounds. Therefore, the type of carbon black used can affect the amount required to achieve the properties desired for the application.

[0047] In some embodiments, the sustainable rubber compound may contain at least two types of carbon black in the N300 to N700 series range. For example, a first (coarser) carbon black may have dimensions and properties in the N500 to N700 series range, and a second (finer) carbon black may have dimensions and properties in the N300 to N500 series range. The first coarser (e.g., N700 series) carbon black may be present in the rubber compound at a content of about 25 phr to about 100 phr, more particularly about 30 phr to about 60 phr. The finer carbon black (e.g., N500 series) may be present in the rubber compound at a content of about 25 phr to about 100 phr, more particularly about 30 phr to about 60 phr.

[0048] As an alternative to or complement to virgin carbon black, sustainable rubber compounds may include one or more sustainable carbon blacks derived from sustainable materials. For example, sustainable carbon black may be recycled carbon black (rCB) derived from circular rubber materials. Such circular materials may include regenerated or recycled vulcanized rubber, including vulcanized rubber from recycled rubber products (e.g., tires, conveyor belts, power transmission belts, rubber hoses, roofing materials, etc.). This recycled carbon black can be obtained through pyrolysis processes or other known methods for obtaining recycled carbon black. Other sustainable methods, such as bio-derived processes, may also be used to produce sustainable carbon black.

[0049] In some embodiments, one or more recycled carbon blacks may be present in different sizes and / or types, or the entire rCB content may be present in one size and / or type. Unlike virgin carbon black, recycled carbon black does not use the same N-numbering system according to ASTM D1765. However, rCBs may still have an average particle size at least equivalent to that of the virgin carbon black referred to in the N series, and therefore rCBs may be considered equivalent to such an N series. In exemplary embodiments, one or more rCBs may have an average particle size that is comparable to that of N300 series carbon blacks (e.g., about 20 to 50 nm) to N700 series carbon blacks (e.g., about 80 to 100 nm), and more particularly, an average particle size that is comparable to that of N500 series carbon blacks (e.g., about 40 to 60 nm) to N700 series carbon blacks (e.g., about 80 to 100 nm). For example, at least one rCB may have an average particle size comparable to that of N700 series carbon blacks, such as N762 carbon black. As an example, this rCB, equivalent to N700, can have an oil absorption value (OAN) in the range of approximately 60 to approximately 110 ml / 100g according to ASTM D2414 (e.g., a target of approximately 85 ml / 100g); and has an OAN in the range of approximately 40 to approximately 80 ml / 100g according to ASTM D6556. 2 / g range (e.g., target is approximately 60 m) 2 The average particle size of at least one rCB can be comparable to that of N500 series carbon black, such as N550 carbon black. As an example, such N550-compatible recycled carbon black may have an OAN of about 100 to about 140 ml / 100g according to ASTM D224 (e.g., a target of about 120 ml / 100g); and a BET surface area of ​​about 20 to about 50 ml / g according to ASTM D6556. 2 / g range (e.g., approximately 40 m) 2 Specific surface area (STSA) of g.

[0050] The total rCB content (e.g., equivalent to N300 to N700 sizes, such as N550 sizes, and / or N762 sizes) can be present in the sustainable rubber compound in amounts ranging from about 25 phr to about 200 phr, more particularly from about 50 phr to about 175 phr, more particularly from about 75 phr to about 150 phr, more particularly from about 90 to about 120 phr, for example, about 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 140, 160, 180, or 200 phr. For example, in some embodiments, rCB equivalent to N550 can be present in the sustainable rubber compound in amounts ranging from about 50 phr to about 200 phr, more specifically from about 75 phr to about 125 phr, for example, about 100 phr. The rCB equivalent to N550 can be the only carbon black present in the composite, or it can be the only carbon black of that size present in the composite. In some embodiments, the rCB equivalent to N762 can be present in an amount of about 25 phr to about 100 phr, more particularly about 30 phr to about 75 phr, for example about 50 phr. The rCB equivalent to N762 can be combined with a finer carbon black (e.g., N550 virgin carbon black in the same range as the rCB equivalent to N762) or with another rCB. It should be understood that the above ranges include all values ​​and the range between said values.

[0051] If the rCB content is too high, for example above the range described above, the rubber compound may become too stiff, too hard, and too rigid, making it unsuitable for products such as belts. Conversely, if the rCB content is too low, for example below the range described above, this may result in excessive elongation and / or excessively low modulus or tensile strength, making it unsuitable for products such as belts. As described in detail below, exemplary rCBs of N550 size have been found to exhibit different properties than N550 virgin carbon black and therefore cannot be directly substituted. Therefore, the amount of such (one or more) rCBs described above can provide suitable properties for products such as belts.

[0052] To maximize the sustainable content in sustainable rubber blends, in exemplary embodiments, all carbon black components of the composite are recycled, or at least 50% or most (>50%) of the carbon black components of the composite, or at least about 75% of the carbon black components of the composite. In some embodiments, all reinforcing particle filler components of the composite are recycled, or most of the reinforcing particle filler components of the composite, or at least about 75% of the reinforcing particle filler components of the composite. In exemplary embodiments, the rubber composite does not contain any carbon black greater than about 50, 25, or 20 phr, except for recycled carbon black; more specifically, the rubber composite does not contain any carbon black greater than 10 phr, or greater than 5 phr, or greater than 1 phr, except for recycled carbon black; for example, the rubber composite contains 0 phr of carbon black except for recycled carbon black.

[0053] Dispersed reinforcing fibers

[0054] One or more reinforcing fibers dispersed in a rubber compound can enhance tensile strength, reduce elongation, and improve tear resistance and abrasion resistance. Reinforcing fibers in a sustainable rubber compound can be of any suitable type or combination of types and can be in any suitable amount desired for the application. For example, reinforcing fibers can be natural materials (e.g., cotton, linen, etc.) or synthetic materials (e.g., aramid, polyester, nylon, etc.). Reinforcing fibers can be shredded, spun, or supplied by other techniques to provide the desired length for dispersion in the rubber compound.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the size of the reinforcing fibers (e.g., cotton fibers) is in the range of about 2 mm to about 10 mm, for example, in the range of about 3 mm to 7 mm. The reinforcing fibers (e.g., cotton fibers) may be present in the sustainable rubber compound in amounts ranging from about 5 phr to about 25 phr, more specifically from about 10 phr to about 20 phr, for example, about 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 phr (inclusive of all values ​​and the range between said values). If the amount of reinforcing fibers present is too large, for example, greater than the above range, the material may become difficult to process and flow. If the amount of reinforcing fibers present is too small, for example, less than the above range, the material may not have sufficient reinforcement to achieve the desired properties, for example, for use in belts.

[0056] To maximize the sustainability content in the sustainable rubber blend, in an exemplary embodiment, natural (sustainable) reinforcing fibers (e.g., cotton) constitute all, most, or at least about 75% of the reinforcing fiber component of the composite. In an exemplary embodiment, the rubber composite does not contain any reinforcing fibers greater than 10 phr, 5 phr, or 1 phr other than sustainable reinforcing fibers (e.g., cotton); for example, the rubber composite contains 0 phr of reinforcing fibers other than sustainable reinforcing fibers (e.g., cotton).

[0057] Activator / Accelerator

[0058] One or more activators help to activate the curing system and promote cross-linking between polymer chains during vulcanization. Any suitable activator or combination of activators can be used in any appropriate amount in sustainable rubber compounds.

[0059] For example, suitable activators may include stearic acid, zinc oxide, carbamates, thiazoles, sulfides, and / or sulfinamides.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more activators are sustainable activators made from sustainable sources. For example, stearic acid can be a sustainable stearic acid derived from vegetable oils, such as palm oil.

[0061] The activator may be present in the rubber compound in a total amount of about 1 phr to about 20 phr, more particularly about 5 phr to about 10 phr (including all values ​​and the range between said values).

[0062] To maximize the sustainability content in the sustainable rubber blend, in an exemplary embodiment, sustainable stearic acid constitutes all or most of the stearic acid component of the composite, or at least about 75% of the stearic acid component of the composite. In an exemplary embodiment, the rubber composite does not contain any stearic acid greater than 5 phr, more particularly greater than 2 phr, or greater than 1 phr other than sustainable stearic acid; for example, the rubber composite contains 0 phr of stearic acid other than sustainable stearic acid.

[0063] Antioxidants / Anti-ozone agents

[0064] One or more antioxidants are added to prevent the rubber from oxidizing and degrading over time, which can lead to cracking and loss of elasticity. Antiozone agents protect the rubber from the damaging effects of ozone, which can cause cracking and deterioration. Sustainable rubber compounds may contain one or more such antioxidants and / or antiozone agents, which may be provided in any suitable amount. Antioxidants and / or antiozone agents may be present in the rubber compound in total amounts ranging from about 1 phr to about 15 phr, more particularly from about 2 phr to about 10 phr, for example, about 1, 5, or 10 phr (inclusive of all values ​​and subranges between said values).

[0065] vulcanizing agent

[0066] A vulcanizing agent or curing agent is a chemical that crosslinks the polymer chains in a base rubber, making it more elastic and less prone to deformation. In an exemplary embodiment, the vulcanizing agent includes sulfur. The vulcanizing agent (e.g., sulfur) may be present in a total amount of about 1 phr to about 5 phr.

[0067] Other additives

[0068] It should be understood that sustainable rubber compounds may contain one or more additional additives or may not contain additional additives. However, to maximize sustainability, in exemplary embodiments, sustainable rubber compounds may have a total sustainable content ranging from about 50% to about 100%, for example, a total sustainable content greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90%, and up to about 95% (by weight in the compound). The total sustainable content is calculated based on the total combination of sustainable components (e.g., sustainable rubber, sustainable reinforcing agents, sustainable fibers, sustainable plasticizers, sustainable activators, etc.) and their proportions in the compound.

[0069] Material properties

[0070] Sustainable rubber compounds can possess properties that make them particularly suitable for belt applications (e.g., conveyor belts, power transmission belts, etc.). Therefore, in exemplary embodiments, the material properties of a sustainable rubber compound may include one or more of the following intrinsic properties: (i) an elongation at break greater than about 70%, more particularly greater than 100%, for example, in the range of about 70% to about 300%; (ii) an elastic modulus at 50% strain greater than 500 psi, more particularly greater than 750 psi, for example, about 500 psi to about 1500 psi; (iii) a tensile strength greater than 500 psi, more particularly greater than about 1250 psi, for example, about 1000 psi to about 4000 psi; and (iv) a Shore A hardness in the range of about 70 to 90.

[0071] Tensile strength, elongation, and modulus can be evaluated according to ASTM-D412 at approximately 25°C. Shore A hardness can be evaluated according to ASTM-D2240 at approximately 25°C. Due to the dispersed fiber content, these values ​​can be "along" the processing direction (i.e., in the fiber direction), and it should be understood that these materials can be anisotropic in some properties.

[0072] Other considerations

[0073] As exemplarily illustrated by the test data below, each of the SBR sustainable polymers, recycled carbon black, and sustainable plasticizer oils may not provide the same material properties as the typically unsustainable forms of these materials, and therefore may not be a direct substitute for their typically unsustainable forms. However, in suitable combinations(s), these materials can provide positive interactions for use in sustainable rubber compounds and provide acceptable material properties for articles such as belts.

[0074] As an example, using SBR sustainable polymers may result in a lower modulus compared to non-sustainable SBR. Using sustainable plasticizer oils may result in a lower elongation compared to non-sustainable plasticizer oils. Using rCBs equivalent to N550 may result in lower tensile strength, lower elongation, and higher modulus compared to virgin N550 carbon black. However, a combination of SBR sustainable polymers, sustainable plasticizer oils, and rCBs can provide suitable material properties. Therefore, in exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the phr ratio of total SBR sustainable polymers to total sustainable plasticizer oils to total finer-size rCBs (e.g., rCBs equivalent to N300 to N500, such as N550) (i.e., sustainable SBR: sustainable oil: rCB) can range from about 30:50:5 to about 70:200:20, more particularly from about 40:75:10 to about 65:150:20, and this phr ratio is, for example, about 60:100:15 (inclusive of all values ​​and the range between said values). In such sustainable rubber compounds, finer rCB (e.g., equivalent to N300 to N500, or, for example, equivalent to N550) may be the only carbon black in the compound. It should also be noted that the total content of dispersed reinforcing fibers (which can influence material properties to compensate for any damage caused by sustainable materials) in such rubber compounds may be limited, as excessive increases in the content of dispersed reinforcing fibers can lead to processing problems, and therefore the content of dispersed reinforcing fibers (e.g., cotton fibers) in sustainable compounds can be limited to, for example, no more than 20 phr.

[0075] As another example (which will also be exemplarily described below with reference to the examples), a sustainable rubber compound may contain non-sustainable plasticizer oils (e.g., paraffin oils) instead of sustainable oils. In this case, due to the action of the SBR sustainable polymer and the finer rCB (e.g., equivalent to N300 to N500, such as equivalent to N550), the type and content of carbon black in the sustainable rubber compound without sustainable plasticizer oil can be varied relative to the SBR sustainable polymer to obtain suitable results. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, a sustainable rubber compound having non-sustainable plasticizer oil may have a phr ratio (i.e., sustainable SBR:CB:rCB) of total SBR sustainable polymer and total finer virgin carbon black (e.g., N300 to N500, such as N550) and total coarser rCB (e.g., rCB equivalent to N500 to N700, such as N762) in the range of about 30:25:25 to about 70:75:75, more specifically in the range of about 40:30:30 to about 65:60:60, such as about 60:50:50 (inclusive of all values ​​and the range between said values). In such a sustainable rubber compound, coarser rCB (e.g., equivalent to N500-N700; such as N762) and finer virgin carbon black (e.g., N300-N500; such as N550) may constitute the total carbon black content in the compound. As mentioned above, changes to the content of disperse reinforcing fibers may be limited to, for example, a content of disperse reinforcing fibers (e.g., cotton fibers) in the sustainable composite not exceeding 20 phr.

[0076] Example

[0077] Examples of the preparation and testing of rubber compounds are provided to further illustrate the nature of some embodiments and aspects of this disclosure, and are not intended to limit its scope. These examples are shown in Tables 1-6.

[0078] Referring to Table 1, different rubber formulations for different test samples are shown. This includes a baseline rubber compound that is typically unsustainable (control example), as well as other examples in which the components have been modified to sustainable forms (Examples 1-5) for comparison with the control example.

[0079] Table 1:

[0080]

[0081] Tables 2-6 show the test data for the control examples and Examples 1-5. New control (preliminary) compounds were created for each experiment and re-evaluated. Tensile strength, elongation, and modulus were evaluated according to ASTM-D412 at approximately 25°C. Shore A hardness was evaluated according to ASTM-D2240 at approximately 25°C. Test data represent the original material properties (i.e., without oven aging). Test values ​​indicate that the test was performed "along" the processing direction, or generally "along" the cotton fiber direction. The results of the examples were compared to the control examples (benchmark) using a T-test, where values ​​less than 0.05 represent inequivalence.

[0082] Table 2:

[0083]

[0084] Table 3:

[0085]

[0086] Table 4:

[0087]

[0088] Table 5:

[0089]

[0090] Table 6:

[0091]

[0092] In Example 1, the (non-sustainable) SBR polymer was replaced with an SBR sustainable polymer derived from sustainable naphtha, which is derived from plant materials. As shown in Table 2, comparing Control Example 1 (the baseline) with Example 1, the SBR sustainable polymer exhibited a lower modulus than the baseline material. This leads to non-equivalent conclusions regarding the modulus at 10%, 25%, and 50% strain.

[0093] In Example 2, N550 virgin carbon black was modified into sustainably recycled carbon black that was at least dimensionally equivalent to N550. As shown in Table 3, comparing Control Example 1 (the baseline) with Example 2, the recycled carbon black equivalent to N550 exhibited lower tensile strength, higher modulus, and lower elongation than the baseline material. This resulted in a lower modulus than the baseline material. This leads to non-equivalent conclusions regarding elongation and modulus at 50% strain.

[0094] In Example 3, the (non-sustainable) plasticizer oil was replaced with a sustainable plasticizer oil derived from vegetable oil. As shown in Table 4, compared with Control Example 1 (baseline), Example 3 showed a lower elongation, but this was determined to be equivalent by T-test.

[0095] Example 4 illustrates a combination of sustainable materials, including an SBR sustainable polymer, natural rubber, all of N550 equivalent recycled carbon black, a sustainable plasticizer oil, and wherein the activator / accelerator is replaced with a sustainable activator, namely plant-based stearic acid. The N550 equivalent recycled carbon black has an OAN of about 100 to about 140 ml / 100g according to ASTM D224 (e.g., the target is about 120 ml / 100g); and has an OAN of about 20 to about 50 ml / 100g according to ASTM D6556. 2 / g range (e.g., approximately 40m) 2 The specific surface area (STSA) was calculated as per g. As shown in Table 5, a comparison of Comparative Example 1 (the baseline) with Example 4 surprisingly revealed that material properties previously identified as inequivalent in Examples 1-3 were now found to be equivalent. Furthermore, the values ​​of these material properties were determined to be applicable to belts, particularly annular power transmission belts.

[0096] In Example 5, the sustainable plasticizer oil was replaced with a non-sustainable plasticizer oil to improve the cost of the composition. Therefore, further improvements were made, including changing the recycled carbon black equivalent to N762 to 50 phr and reusing N550 virgin (non-sustainable) carbon black. The recycled carbon black equivalent to N762 has an oil absorption value (OAN) in the range of about 60 to about 110 ml / 100g according to ASTM D2414 (e.g., the target is about 85 ml / 100g); and has an oil absorption value in the range of about 40 to about 80 m according to ASTM D6556. 2 / g range (e.g., target is approximately 60 m 2 The BET surface area is calculated as ( / g). The combination of sustainable materials in Example 5 includes: SBR sustainable polymer, natural rubber, recycled carbon black equivalent to N762, and a sustainable activator (i.e., plant-based stearic acid). The results of this test indicate that these properties are suitable for belts, particularly annular power drive belts.

[0097] Based on the understanding of these experimental results, an exemplary sustainable rubber compound having properties suitable for belts may include: one or more natural rubbers in a total amount of about 30 phr to about 70 phr; one or more SBR sustainable polymers in a total amount of about 30 phr to about 70 phr; one or more recycled carbon blacks in a total amount of about 25 phr to about 150 phr; one or more dispersed sustainable reinforcing fibers in a total amount of about 5 phr to about 20 phr; one or more antioxidants in a total amount of about 1 phr to about 10 phr; one or more activators in a total amount of about 4 phr to about 20 phr; and one or more vulcanizing agents (e.g., sulfur) in a total amount of about 1 phr to about 5 phr.

[0098] More specifically, based on the understanding of these experimental results, exemplary sustainable rubber composites with properties suitable for use in belts may include: one or more natural rubbers totaling about 30 phr to about 70 phr; one or more SBR sustainable polymers totaling about 30 phr to about 70 phr; one or more recycled carbon blacks having an average size in the range of about 20 nm to about 60 nm and a total amount of about 50 phr to about 200 phr; one or more sustainable plasticizer oils totaling about 5 phr to about 20 phr; one or more dispersed sustainable reinforcing fibers (e.g., cotton, with a size of, for example, 2 mm to 7 mm) totaling about 5 phr to about 20 phr; one or more antioxidants totaling about 1 phr to about 10 phr; one or more activators totaling about 4 phr to about 20 phr; and one or more vulcanizing agents (e.g., sulfur) totaling about 1 phr to about 5 phr. The one or more activators may include a sustainable activator (e.g., sustainable stearic acid) totaling about 0.5 phr to about 2 phr.

[0099] In some embodiments, the rubber compound may not contain any (non-sustainable) carbon black greater than 50 phr, except for one or more recycled carbon blacks. The ratio of total SBR sustainable polymer to total sustainable plasticizer oil to total recycled carbon black may be in the range of about 30:50:5 to about 70:200:20, more particularly in the range of about 40:75:10 to about 65:150:20.

[0100] Furthermore, based on an understanding of these results, another exemplary sustainable rubber compound may include: one or more natural rubbers in a total amount of about 30 phr to about 70 phr; one or more SBR sustainable polymers in a total amount of about 30 phr to about 70 phr; one or more recycled carbon blacks having an average size of about 60 nm to about 100 nm, and having a total amount of about 25 phr to about 100 phr in the rubber compound; one or more additional (e.g., virgin) carbon blacks having an average size in the range of about 20 nm to about 60 nm, and present in the rubber compound in a total amount of about 25 phr to about 100 phr; one or more plasticizer oils (e.g., mineral oil or paraffin oil) in a total amount of about 5 phr to about 20 phr; one or more dispersed sustainable reinforcing fibers (e.g., cotton, with a size of, for example, 2 mm to 7 mm) in a total amount of about 5 phr to about 20 phr; one or more antioxidants in a total amount of about 1 phr to about 10 phr; one or more activators in a total amount of about 4 phr to about 20 phr; and one or more activators in a total amount of about 1 phr to about 5 phr. The vulcanizing agent (e.g., sulfur) is phr. The one or more activators may include a sustainable activator (e.g., sustainable stearic acid) in a total amount of about 0.5 phr to about 2 phr.

[0101] In some embodiments, the rubber compound may contain no (non-sustainable) carbon black other than one or more recycled carbon blacks and additional (e.g., virgin) carbon black, except for more than 50 phr of any carbon black (non-sustainable). The ratio of total SBR sustainable polymer to total additional carbon black to total recycled carbon black may be in the range of about 30:25:25 to about 70:75:75, more particularly in the range of about 40:30:30 to about 65:60:60.

[0102] Product Examples

[0103] Some embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. However, it should be understood that while the drawings illustrate various embodiments described herein, they are not intended to limit the scope of the various techniques described herein. Furthermore, it should be understood that various aspects and features of these embodiments may be substituted for or combined with each other where applicable. In addition, it should be understood that descriptions of materials forming various parts of an article of article in one embodiment, and of the same or similar materials that may be used in the same or similar parts of an article of article in another embodiment, are used, unless otherwise stated below.

[0104] refer to Figure 1The power transmission belt 100 is shown in the form of an annular V-belt. The belt 100 includes an elastomer body 102 having a reinforcing core wire 104 embedded therein. The elastomer body 102 includes an inner engagement section 106, an outer section 110, and a load-bearing section 108 between the inner and outer sections 110. The belt 100 is configured to engage with a pulley / grooving sheave and includes at least one drive surface. In the belt shown, there are three drive surfaces 112, 114, and 116, which are configured to engage within the grooves of the pulley / grooving sheave.

[0105] The load-bearing section 108 includes a reinforcing core 104 (also referred to as a tensile core) and provides most of the tensile strength to the belt. The reinforcing core 104 may be embedded in the buffer portion of the elastomeric body 102 or the base 118 portion. The reinforcing core 104 extends generally along the longitudinal direction of the belt. The load-bearing section 108 may include one or more strands of such tensile core 104.

[0106] The reinforcing core 104 can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials and can have any suitable form that a particular application might desire. For example, the core can be formed from yarns with a specific denier number and twist. Ply twist can be greater than yarn twist, and core twist can be less than yarn or ply twist. Yarn twist refers to the spiral or helical arrangement of fibers or threads in a single strand of yarn. Core twist refers to the twist applied to multiple yarns or strands when they are twisted together to form a thicker, stronger core. Ply twist is the twist applied to a single strand or ply before it is twisted together to form a core or rope. Higher twist values ​​can provide slightly better resistance to flexural fatigue in the belt but may reduce the belt's modulus. Conversely, lower twist values ​​can increase the belt's modulus but reduce resistance to flexural fatigue. Yarns and plies can be twisted in the same direction, while the core can have an opposite twist direction. Thus, the core yarn twist direction can be ZZS or SSZ. S twist means that the fibers, yarns, or strands are twisted together in a counterclockwise direction. In Z twist, the fibers, yarns, or strands are twisted together in a clockwise direction.

[0107] The materials forming the core yarn can include synthetic, inorganic, or natural materials. For example, synthetic materials, such as synthetic polymers, can include, for example: acrylonitrile, polyacrylonitrile, polypropylene, polyesters, especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyamides, polyimides, polyurethanes, polyphenylene sulfide, polyoxadiazoles, aramids, such as para-aramid, meta-aramid, or copolymerized para-aramid, polyimides, polyetherimides, polyetheretherketones, polyethylene naphthalate, polystyrene, polyphenylene ether (PPO), polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylene ether (PPE), polybenzoxazole, polysulfone, polyvinyl acetal, polyvinyl alcohol. Natural materials can include rock wool or asbestos, cotton, flax or hemp, or wool or silk. Inorganic materials can include glass, ceramics, carbon, metals (e.g., steel), or minerals (e.g., basalt). Hybrid designs, such as blended yarns, can also be used.

[0108] The outer section 110 (also referred to as a cover, backing, or ridge section) at least covers the load-bearing section 108 and provides protection for the load-bearing section 108 with the reinforcing core wire. The inner engagement section 106 lies beneath the load-bearing section 108 and is subjected to compressive loads from pulleys / grooves or other components of the power transmission system. Thus, the inner engagement section 108 is also referred to as a compression section or buffer section and distributes the load to the reinforcing core wire 104. As shown, the inner (buffer) section 106 may constitute the majority of the belt volume. The elastomer body 102 may have a generally trapezoidal shape, and the elastomer nature of the inner engagement section 106 provides robust lateral pressure relative to the sidewalls of the grooved sheave / pulley.

[0109] The rubber compounds forming the inner (buffer) segment 106, the load-bearing segment 108 (e.g., matrix 118), and the outer segment 110 can be the same or different. Typically, if one or more segments use different rubber compounds, although these different rubber compounds may have different proportions of the polymer and may have different proportions of additives, they are all based on the same polymer or polymer blend.

[0110] As shown, the belt 100 may have one or more fabric layers 120 on one or more sides. In the illustrated embodiment, the belt 100 is wrapped with fabric layers 120 on all sides. In other embodiments, the fabric reinforcement layer 120 may be at least partially embedded in the crosslinked elastomer body 102, which allows the elastomer body and the fabric reinforcement layer to together form the outer surface of the belt. Typically, the fabric reinforcement layer 120 may be provided at least on the drive surfaces 112, 114, 116 to enhance the mechanical stability of these surfaces and to provide abrasion-resistant surfaces for engaging pulleys. Alternatively, the belt 100 may not have fabric layers 120 on one or more sides; such a belt is referred to as a rough-edged belt.

[0111] Fabric layer 120 may have any suitable structure, including bidirectional, nonwoven, woven, knitted, or braided fabrics. The fabric may include warp and weft yarns laid out at any desired angle. Fabric layer 120 may be a layered knitted fabric comprising yarns woven together. In some embodiments, more than one layer of fabric may be used. If desired, the fabric may be bias-cut such that the strands are at an angle to the longitudinal direction of travel of belt 100. This angle may be any suitable angle, including but not limited to 0 or 90 degrees, or any angle in between.

[0112] The fabric used for fabric layer 120 can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the fabric used for fabric layer 120 can be made from materials including: nylon (e.g., nylon 4.6, nylon 6.6, and nylon 6), cotton, polyester, cotton / polyester, nylon / polyester, cotton / nylon, aramid, rayon, etc. Blended designs, such as blended fabrics, can also be used.

[0113] The fabric in fabric layer 120 may be coated with an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the fabric layer may have different coatings on one side to ensure that fabric layer 120 adheres to the strip segments 106, 108, 110 (on which the fabric layer is applied); and different coatings may be applied to the opposite side to provide low friction and / or abrasion resistance.

[0114] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the drive surfaces 112, 114, and 116 can be smooth. However, the inner engagement section 106 of the belt may include longitudinal or transverse grooves or ribs that engage with the grooves of corresponding pulleys / grooves in the power transmission system. The outer engagement section 110 may also have grooves or teeth to form a double-sided belt. These grooves or teeth may be provided as a single V-groove, multiple V-grooves, or synchronizing grooves, wherein the inner belt tooth surface engages with multiple toothed grooves on the outer periphery of the mating sprocket.

[0115] Go to Figure 2 Another exemplary embodiment of an annular power transmission belt 200 is shown, in which it is in the form of a grooved V-belt. The belt 200 includes an elastomeric body 120 having an inner (buffered) section 106, a support section 108, and an outer section 110. The support section includes a core wire 104 embedded in the core 118. The inner (buffered) section 106 has a plurality of longitudinal ribs having a plurality of longitudinal grooves 230. These ribs and grooves form drive surfaces 112, 114.

[0116] Figure 3Another exemplary embodiment of the annular power transmission belt 10, which is in the form of a synchronous belt, is shown. The belt 300 includes an elastomer body 120 having an inner (buffered) section 106, a load-bearing section 108, and an outer section 110. The load-bearing section includes a core wire 104 embedded in the matrix 118. The inner (buffered) section 106 has transverse grooves 340. The belt 300 has a fabric layer 120 adhered beneath the elastomer inner buffered section 106 to form a drive surface 114. The belt 300 may have a barrier layer 350 located between the inner (buffered) section 106 and the fabric layer 120 to prevent or reduce the penetration of rubber from the inner (buffered) section 106 through the fabric 120 into the drive surface 114.

[0117] Examples of sustainable rubber compounds may form one or more of the following: internal segments 106, support segments (e.g., matrix 118), and / or external segments 110 of bands 100, 200, and 300. Other segments may be formed from different polymers or blends; however, for compatibility with the sustainable rubber compound, the same base polymer (e.g., an SBR / NR blend) may be used to form bands 100, 200, and 300. These different polymers for the different segments of the band may have any polymer or additives in the amounts described herein.

[0118] To increase the sustainability content of the entire belt 100, 200, 300, one or more embodiments may have at least an inner (buffered / compression) section 106 of the belt made from an embodiment of a sustainable rubber compound. This is because the inner (buffered) section 106 can form the main part of the elastomer body 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the elastomer of each of the inner section 106, the load-bearing section 106, and the outer section 110 is made from an embodiment of a sustainable rubber compound, which may be the same sustainable rubber compound or a different sustainable rubber compound. If a fabric layer 120 is provided, its elastomer may also be made from an embodiment of a sustainable rubber compound, which may be the same as or different from that of sections 106, 108, 110.

[0119] To further enhance the sustainability of the entire belt 100, 200, and 300, the reinforcing core 140 may also be formed from sustainable materials. For example, the core 140 may be formed from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material. The matrix 118 may also be made from embodiments of sustainable rubber composites, thereby providing a high level of sustainability to the load-bearing section 108 of the belt.

[0120] Additionally, the fabric of fabric layer 120 can also be formed from sustainable materials. For example, the fabric can be formed from recycled PET, or cotton, or a blend of cotton and recycled PET. Fabric layer 120 is coated. The elastomeric coating of fabric layer 120 can be formed from neoprene, which is unsustainable; however, even so, fabric layer 120 can still have a high sustainability content, for example, about 95%.

[0121] In an exemplary embodiment, the total sustainable content of the bands 100, 200, and 300 has a total sustainable content in the range of about 50% to about 100%, for example, greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90%, and up to about 95% (based on the total weight of the bands as a weight percentage).

[0122] The above description of embodiments has been provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. Examples of embodiments have been provided to make this disclosure thorough and exhaustive, and to convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of specific components, apparatus, and methods, have been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. It should be understood that within the scope of this disclosure, individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable and can be used in selected embodiments as long as applicable, even if not specifically shown or described. Thus, while a specific feature may be described only with respect to one or more of several embodiments, that feature may be used alone or in any combination with one or more other features of other embodiments. Similarly, variations are possible. Such variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications should be included within the scope of this disclosure, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

[0123] Any background information contained herein is provided to better understand the various aspects described herein. It should be understood that any such background statements should be read in this sense and not as an endorsement of the prior art. Similarly, the descriptions and examples presented herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope and applicability of this disclosure.

[0124] The phrase “and / or” as used in this disclosure should be understood to mean “any one or both” of the combined elements, that is, in some cases these elements are present simultaneously, while in others they are present separately. In addition to the elements specifically defined by the “and / or” clause, other elements may optionally be present, whether or not they are related to those specifically defined elements, unless explicitly excluded. Thus, as a non-limiting example, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “having,” “A and / or B” can mean that in one embodiment there may be A but not B (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment there may be B but not A (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment there may be A and B (optionally including other elements); and so on.

[0125] The word “or” as used in this disclosure should be understood as inclusive rather than exclusive. For example, when listing items in a list, “or” or “and / or” should be interpreted as inclusive, that is, including at least one, but possibly more, of the element package or list, and may selectively include other unlisted items. For example, any of the following conditions A or B are satisfied: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); and both A and B are true (or exist). Only terms that explicitly indicate exclusivity should be interpreted as indicating an exclusive option (i.e., “one or the other, but not both”), such terms include, for example, “any one,” “only one of them,” or “exactly one of them.” In other words, such an exclusive term means including exactly one element from the element package or list.

[0126] As used herein, "one embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic associated with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0127] Furthermore, the term "a" is used herein to describe the elements and components of the embodiments. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general understanding of the concepts according to this disclosure. This description should be understood to include one or at least one, and the singular form also includes the plural case, unless otherwise stated.

[0128] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily considered preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Similarly, phrases such as “particularly,” “preferred,” etc., as used in this disclosure may refer to elements or values ​​that provide advantages in some embodiments, but are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure to those “particular” or “preferred” features.

[0129] Transitional languages ​​such as “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “involving,” or variations thereof are intended to have a broad meaning that covers the topics listed thereafter, equivalents, and other topics not mentioned; that is, these languages ​​are open-ended and mean including but not limited to.

[0130] It should be understood that terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “forward,” and “backward” can refer to any frame of reference, rather than the usual gravitational frame of reference.

[0131] It should be understood that all values, ranges, ratios, etc., described in this disclosure can be combined in any way. Furthermore, it should be understood that the ranges of concentrations or contents or values ​​listed in this disclosure are intended to include any and every concentration or content or value within that range, including endpoints, as if every value within that range had been explicitly listed. For example, "a range of 1 to 10" should be interpreted as each and every possible number within a continuous interval of about 1 to about 10. Therefore, even if a specific data point within that range is explicitly indicated, or if no data point within that range is explicitly indicated or only a few specific data points are mentioned, it should be understood that the inventor acknowledges and understands that any and all data points within that range have been specified, and that the inventor owns the entire range and all points within that range.

[0132] Furthermore, each numerical value used in this disclosure should be interpreted as being modified once with the term "about" (unless such modification is explicitly stated), and then again without such modification, unless the context otherwise requires. As used herein, the term "about" means any value within a range defined by a variation of up to ±10% of the stated value, for example, ±10%, ±9%, ±8%, ±7%, ±6%, ±5%, ±4%, ±3%, ±2%, ±1%, ±0.01%, or ±0.0% of the stated value, and values ​​between these values. When the term "about" is used to describe an endpoint of a value or range, this disclosure should be understood to include that particular value or endpoint.

[0133] The term "substantially composed" in relation to a complex means that the components present in the complex are substantially (e.g., greater than 95% by weight, or greater than 99% by weight) the listed components. Therefore, this term does not exclude the presence of trace amounts of additives or impurities, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0134] Although the invention has been shown and described in conjunction with one or more specific embodiments, equivalent substitutions and modifications will readily conceive by those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this disclosure, and all such modifications should be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the foregoing elements (components, parts, devices, combinations, etc.), the terms used to describe these elements (including those referring to "method") are intended to correspond to any element that performs a particular function of said element (i.e., a functionally equivalent element), even if structurally not equivalent to the disclosed structure (which performs that function in one or more exemplary embodiments of this disclosure shown herein), unless otherwise stated.

[0135] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0136] 100, 200, 300 belts

[0137] 102 Elastomer Body

[0138] 104 drawn core wire

[0139] 106 internal section

[0140] 108 bearing section

[0141] 110 external section

[0142] 112, 114, 116 driving surfaces

[0143] 120 fabric layers

[0144] 230 longitudinal groove

[0145] 340 transverse groove

[0146] 350 barrier layer.

Claims

1. A strip (100, 200, 300) comprising: The elastomer body (102); and At least one reinforcing core wire (104) is arranged in the elastomer body; in, At least a portion of the elastomer body (102) is formed of a rubber compound comprising one or more sustainable polymers of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).

2. The strip according to claim 1, wherein: One or more SBR sustainable polymers include styrene and / or butadiene monomers derived from sustainable naphtha; More specifically, sustainable naphtha is derived from renewable sources, including biomass materials, particularly plant-based materials.

3. The strip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: One or more SBR sustainable polymers are present in total amounts of 30 phr to 70 phr; More specifically, one or more SBR sustainable polymers are present in total amounts of 40 phr to 65 phr.

4. The strip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The rubber compound contains a total sustainable polymer content of 80 phr to 100 phr, including one or more SBR sustainable polymers; More specifically, the rubber compound contains 100 phr of total sustainable polymer content, including one or more SBR sustainable polymers.

5. The strip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The rubber compound includes one or more additional sustainable materials, including one or more of natural rubber, sustainable carbon black, dispersed sustainable reinforcing fibers, sustainable plasticizers, and / or sustainable activators.

6. The band according to claim 5 or any other preceding claim, wherein: The rubber compound includes one or more natural rubbers in a total amount of 30 phr to 70 phr; More specifically, the rubber compound comprises one or more natural rubbers in a total amount of 30 phr to 50 phr; More specifically, the total amount of one or more natural rubbers is less than the total amount of one or more SBR sustainable polymers.

7. The band according to claim 5 or any other preceding claim, wherein: The rubber compound comprises one or more dispersed, sustainably reinforcing fibers in a total amount of 5 phr to 25 phr; More specifically, the rubber compound comprises one or more dispersed, sustainably reinforcing fibers in a total amount of 10 phr to 20 phr; In particular, one or more dispersed, sustainable reinforcing fibers are derived from plant-based materials.

8. The band according to claim 5 or any other preceding claim, wherein: The rubber compound includes one or more sustainable plasticizer oils in total amounts of 5 phr to 20 phr; More specifically, the rubber compound includes one or more sustainable plasticizer oils derived from plant-based materials and present in a total amount of 10 phr to 20 phr.

9. The band according to claim 5 or any other preceding claim, wherein: The rubber compound includes one or more sustainable carbon blacks, particularly one or more recycled carbon blacks, in total amounts from 25 phr to 200 phr; More specifically, the rubber compound includes one or more sustainable carbon blacks, particularly one or more recycled carbon blacks, in total amounts of 75 phr to 125 phr; More specifically, the rubber compound contains no more than 50 phr of any carbon black other than one or more sustainable carbon blacks.

10. The belt according to any one of the preceding claims, in, Rubber compounds include: (i) One or more SBR sustainable polymers in total amounts of 30 phr to 70 phr; (ii) One or more natural rubbers in a total amount of 30 phr to 70 phr, in particular, the total amount of one or more natural rubbers is less than the total amount of one or more SBR sustainable polymers; (iii) One or more sustainable plasticizer oils in total amounts of 5 phr to 20 phr; and (iii) One or more sustainable carbon blacks, particularly recycled carbon blacks, in total amount of 50 phr to 200 phr, wherein the one or more sustainable carbon blacks have an average size in the range of 20 nm to 60 nm, and (iv) In particular, any carbon black other than one or more sustainable carbon blacks, not exceeding 50 phr; More specifically, the ratio of total SBR sustainable polymer to total sustainable plasticizer oil to total sustainable carbon black is in the range of 30:50:5 to 70:200:20, and more specifically in the range of 40:75:10 to 65:150:

20.

11. The belt according to any one of the preceding claims, in, Rubber compounds include: (i) One or more SBR sustainable polymers in total amounts of 30 phr to 70 phr; (ii) One or more natural rubbers in total amount of 30 phr to 70 phr, particularly, the total amount of natural rubber is less than the total amount of SBR sustainable polymer; (iii) One or more unsustainable plasticizer oils in a concentration of 5 phr to 20 phr; and (iii) One or more sustainable carbon blacks, particularly recycled carbon blacks, in total amount of 25 phr to 100 phr, wherein the one or more sustainable carbon blacks have an average size in the range of 60 nm to 100 nm. (iv) One or more additive carbon blacks in total amount of 25 phr to 100 phr, said additive carbon blacks having an average size in the range of 20 nm to 60 nm. (v) In particular, any carbon black other than sustainable carbon black and supplementary carbon black, not exceeding 50 phr; More specifically, the ratio of total SBR sustainable polymer to total additional carbon black to total sustainable carbon black is in the range of 30:25:25 to 70:75:75, and more specifically in the range of 40:30:30 to 65:60:

60.

12. The strip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Rubber compound: (i) Having a total sustainable material content of at least 50%, greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, or greater than 90%, and / or up to 95%, based on the weight of the composite, wherein the total sustainable material content includes SBR sustainable polymers; and / or (ii) Having a total sustainable polymer content of at least 50%, greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80% or greater than 90%, and / or up to 95%, based on the weight of the composite, wherein the total sustainable polymer content includes SBR sustainable polymers; and / or (iii) Not containing any plasticizer oil with a filtration efficiency of more than 10 phr or more than 5 phr, except for sustainable plasticizer oils; and / or (iv) Contains no carbon black other than sustainable carbon black, not exceeding 50 phr or 20 phr; and / or (v) It does not contain any dispersed reinforcing fibers other than dispersed sustainable reinforcing fibers, which may contain more than 10 phr, or more than 5 phr, or more than 1 phr.

13. The strip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Rubber compounds have the following characteristics: (i) Elongation at fracture greater than 70%, more particularly in the range of 70% to 300%; and / or (ii) an elastic modulus at 50% strain greater than 500 psi, more particularly 500 psi to 1500 psi; and / or (iii) Tensile strength greater than 500 psi, more particularly 1000 psi to 4000 psi; and / or (iv) Shore A hardness is in the range of 70 to 90.

14. The strip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The rubber compound forms at least most of the elastomer matrix; At least one reinforcing core wire is formed from sustainable materials, specifically recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET); and The belt has a total sustainable content of the following, namely, greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, or greater than 90%, and / or up to 95%, based on the total weight of the belt as a weight percentage.

15. The strip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: One or more natural rubbers are present in a total amount of 30 phr to 70 phr; One or more SBR sustainable polymers are present in total amounts ranging from 30 phr to 70 phr. One or more sustainable carbon blacks, particularly recycled carbon blacks, are present in a content of 25 phr to 125 phr. One or more dispersed, sustainable reinforcing fibers are present in total amounts ranging from 5 phr to 20 phr. Specifically, one or more antioxidants are present in a total amount from 1 phr to 10 phr. Specifically, one or more activators are present in a total amount of 4 phr to 20 phr.

16. The strip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The rubber compound is a first rubber compound of an elastomer matrix, which forms at least a first segment of the elastomer matrix and has a first sustainable content; The elastomer body further comprises a second rubber compound comprising one or more sustainable styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) polymers, the second rubber compound being different from the first rubber compound and having a second sustainable content, the second compound forming at least a second segment of the elastomer body, the second segment being different from the first segment; The total amount of the first sustainable content and the second sustainable content combined is greater than 50%, based on the total weight of the belt as a weight ratio.

17. A rubber compound comprising: One or more natural rubbers in total amounts of 30 phr to 70 phr; One or more SBR sustainable polymers in total amounts of 30 phr to 70 phr One or more sustainable carbon blacks, particularly recycled carbon blacks, in total quantities ranging from 25 phr to 150 phr. One or more dispersed, sustainable reinforcing fibers in total quantities of 5 phr to 20 phr. Optionally, one or more antioxidants in total amount from 1 phr to 10 phr, and Optionally, one or more activators in total amounts of 4 phr to 20 phr.

18. The rubber compound according to claim 17, It also contains one or more sustainable plasticizer oils in total amounts of 5 phr to 20 phr. in, One or more dispersed, sustainable reinforcing fibers include cotton with an average size ranging from 2 mm to 7 mm. One or more sustainable carbon blacks have an average size in the range of 20 nm to 60 nm and are present in the rubber compound in a total amount of 75 phr to 150 phr. More specifically, the rubber compound does not contain more than 50 phr of any carbon black other than one or more recycled carbon blacks; More specifically, the ratio of total SBR sustainable polymer to total sustainable plasticizer oil to total recycled carbon black is in the range of 30:50:5 to 70:200:20, and more specifically in the range of 40:75:10 to 65:150:

20.

19. The rubber compound according to claim 17, It also contains one or more unsustainable plasticizer oils in total amounts of 5 phr to 20 phr. in, One or more dispersed, sustainable reinforcing fibers include cotton with an average size ranging from 2 mm to 7 mm. One or more sustainable carbon blacks have an average size in the range of 60 nm to 100 nm and are present in the rubber compound in a total amount of 25 phr to 100 phr. The compound also contains one or more additional carbon blacks having an average size in the range of 20 nm to 60 nm and present in the rubber compound in a total amount of 25 phr to 100 phr; More specifically, the rubber compound contains no more than 50 phr of carbon black, apart from recycled carbon black and additional carbon black. More specifically, the ratio of SBR sustainable polymer to added carbon black to recycled carbon black is in the range of 30:25:25 to 70:75:75, and more specifically in the range of 40:30:30 to 65:60:

60.

20. The rubber compound according to any one of claims 17 to 19, comprising: (i) Elongation at fracture greater than 70%, more particularly in the range of 70% to 300%; and / or (ii) an elastic modulus at 50% strain greater than 500 psi, more particularly 500 psi to 1500 psi; and / or (iii) Tensile strength greater than 500 psi, more particularly 1000 psi to 4000 psi; and / or (iv) Shore A hardness is in the range of 70 to 90.

21. An article comprising an elastomeric body formed from a rubber compound according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein, The elastomer body has a total sustainable content of more than 50%, which is expressed as a weight percentage based on the total weight of the elastomer body.

22. The article of claim 21, wherein, The product is a power transmission belt or conveyor belt.

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