Graphene-based high-wear-resistance tire tread and preparation method thereof
By preparing graphene masterbatch and optimizing the mixing process, the problem of graphene dispersion in tire tread formulation was solved, improving tire wear resistance and performance stability, and extending service life.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PRODUCTS ZHONGDA OUTAI CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Graphene is difficult to disperse due to its high hardness, making it hard to uniformly incorporate into tire tread formulations and affecting tire wear resistance.
By preparing graphene masterbatch particles, the morphology of graphene is changed, and the mixing process of open mill and internal mixer is combined to ensure the uniform dispersion of graphene in the tread formulation and optimize the ratio of additives to improve performance.
This method achieves uniform dispersion of graphene in the tire tread, significantly improving tire wear resistance and performance stability, and extending tire lifespan.
Smart Images
Figure CN122011527A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of tire manufacturing technology, and more specifically to a graphene-based high wear-resistant tire tread and its preparation method. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, many domestic tire manufacturers are involved in specialized high-wear-resistance formulations. There is also extensive theoretical research on adding graphene to tire treads to improve wear resistance. There is a demand for high-wear-resistance tread formulations, and the ability of graphene to improve tread wear resistance is widely acknowledged. However, in actual production, due to the extremely high hardness of graphene, it is very difficult to disperse and add it to the formulation. How to uniformly disperse graphene into the rubber compound remains a major challenge for the industry. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a graphene-based high-wear-resistant tire tread and its preparation method. Graphene possesses high wear resistance, but its high hardness prevents its direct use in tire tread formulations. This invention pre-processes graphene to obtain graphene masterbatch particles, and then, without affecting the performance of the graphene, modifies its morphology to incorporate it into the tire. This solves the problem that while graphene has excellent properties, it cannot be dispersed into tire formulations in actual production.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0005] A graphene-based high-wear-resistant tire tread comprises the following components in parts by weight:
[0006] 113 parts graphene masterbatch, 40 parts carbon black, 3.5 parts zinc oxide, 2 parts stearic acid, 3 parts antioxidant, 1 part protective wax, 1.3 parts 1% oil-extended sulfur powder, 1.2 parts accelerator, and 0.2 parts scorch inhibitor.
[0007] Preferably, the carbon black is N234 carbon black.
[0008] Preferably, the antioxidant includes antioxidant 4020 and antioxidant RD, with a mass ratio of 1:1.
[0009] Preferably, the accelerator is accelerator NS.
[0010] Preferably, the anti-scorching agent is CTP.
[0011] Another objective of this invention is to provide a method for preparing a graphene-based high-wear-resistant tire tread, comprising the following steps:
[0012] (1) Preparation of graphene masterbatch
[0013] Graphene is mixed and plasticized with natural rubber, and a dispersant is added during the mixing process to obtain graphene masterbatch particles after plasticizing. The tire crown itself is 100% natural rubber. By utilizing the principle of similar compatibility between graphene masterbatch particles and the original formula rubber, graphene is evenly dispersed in the tire crown formula. The addition of dispersant improves the dispersion of graphene and thus improves the wear resistance of the rubber compound.
[0014] (2) Preparation of tread
[0015] Graphene masterbatch, carbon black, zinc oxide, stearic acid, antioxidant, protective wax, 1% oil-extended sulfur powder, accelerator, and anti-scorching agent are mixed and processed in an internal mixer and a two-roll mill to obtain tread compound. The tread compound is then put into a molding machine to form the tire tread.
[0016] Preferably, the mass ratio of graphene, natural rubber and dispersant in step (1) is 10:100:3; the dispersant is dispersant FS-97.
[0017] Preferably, the plasticizing in step (1) includes:
[0018] Mixing and Plasticizing: Natural rubber is fed into a two-roll mill. The roll gap is adjusted to 1-2 mm, and the mill is passed through 3-5 times to allow the natural rubber to wrap around the rolls, forming a smooth sheet. Then, graphene and dispersant FS-97 are evenly sprinkled onto the natural rubber sheet. The roll gap is gradually reduced to 0.5-1 mm for mixing. During mixing, the temperature of the two-roll mill is controlled at 40-60℃, and the mixing time is 15-20 minutes to ensure that the graphene and dispersant are fully mixed with the natural rubber. After mixing, the rubber compound is sheeted and cut into appropriately sized blocks.
[0019] Further plasticizing: The cut rubber blocks are put into an internal mixer. The initial temperature of the internal mixer is set to 80-100℃ and the rotor speed is 60-80 rpm. The internal mixer is started and plasticizing is carried out for 5-8 minutes. During the plasticizing process, the temperature and state of the rubber compound inside the internal mixer are closely observed. When the temperature rises to 120-130℃, the rubber is discharged. After discharge, the rubber compound is put back into the open mill for thin passing 2-3 times to further improve the uniformity of the rubber compound and finally obtain graphene masterbatch.
[0020] Preferably, step (2) of mixing in the internal mixer includes: starting the internal mixer and beginning mixing; maintaining the internal mixer temperature at 100-120℃ for the first 2-3 minutes to allow the raw materials to mix initially; then gradually increasing the internal mixer temperature to 140-150℃ and continuing mixing for 8-10 minutes; closely observing the pressure and temperature changes of the rubber compound inside the internal mixer during the mixing process and adjusting the parameters of the internal mixer as needed to ensure uniform mixing of the rubber compound; and discharging the rubber compound when it reaches the appropriate viscosity and elasticity.
[0021] Preferably, the mixing process in the open mill includes: feeding the discharged rubber compound into the open mill, adjusting the mill roll gap to 1-1.5 mm, and performing a thin pass 5-7 times. During the thin pass, the rubber compound is continuously cut and turned to further mix the compound evenly and remove air bubbles. After the thin pass, the roll gap is appropriately increased to 2-3 mm, and the rubber compound is sheeted to obtain the tread compound.
[0022] As can be seen from the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following technical effects:
[0023] 1. Excellent wear resistance: By applying graphene to tire tread materials, this invention utilizes the excellent mechanical properties of graphene to significantly improve the wear resistance of tire treads and extend tire service life.
[0024] 2. Uniform dispersion: In the process of preparing graphene masterbatch and tire tread, by optimizing the plasticizing and mixing processing steps, using a combination of open mill and internal mixer, and strictly controlling the temperature, time and parameters of each step, we ensured that the graphene, carbon black and other components were uniformly dispersed in the rubber matrix, thereby improving the overall performance of the tire tread.
[0025] 3. Stable performance: This invention optimizes the selection and proportion of additives such as antioxidants, accelerators and scorch inhibitors, effectively improving the anti-aging performance, vulcanization performance and anti-scorch performance of tire treads, and ensuring the performance stability of tire treads during use. Attached Figure Description
[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a tire cross-section;
[0028] Figure 2 Photograph of graphene in its original state;
[0029] Figure 3 Photographs showing the state of graphene masterbatch particles;
[0030] Figure 4 Photographs showing the dispersion effect of graphene in its original state;
[0031] Figure 5 This is a photograph showing the dispersion effect of graphene masterbatch particles.
[0032] In the diagram, 1 is the tire crown, 2 is the tire sidewall, 3 is the rubber core, and 4 is the steel wire bead. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the tire crown is the part of the tire that touches the ground. It directly contacts the ground and causes wear. Once worn, it cannot be repaired. Eventually, the tire is worn smooth by the road, loses its traction, and becomes unusable and scrapped.
[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, graphene in its original state has high hardness, large particle size, and uneven particle size, making it difficult to transport, package, process, and disperse in adhesives.
[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, when graphene is processed into masterbatch granules, the particle size becomes smaller and more uniform, the hardness decreases, making it easier to process and disperse into formulations.
[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, graphene added to the tread formulation in its original state is difficult to process, has uneven dispersion, low strength consistency, and unstable rubber quality.
[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, graphene, in the form of masterbatch particles, is added to the tread formulation, making it easy to process, uniformly dispersed, high in strength, and with good wear resistance, resulting in good compound quality stability. This solves both the dispersion problem of graphene and improves tire wear resistance, overcoming the challenge of directly adding graphene to the rubber compound.
[0039] Example 1
[0040] Preparation of graphene masterbatch:
[0041] Weigh out 10 kg of graphene, 100 kg of natural rubber and 3 kg of dispersant FS-97.
[0042] Natural rubber is fed into an open mill, the roll gap is adjusted to 1.5 mm, and it is passed through a thin mill 4 times. Then, graphene and dispersant FS-97 are sprinkled onto the natural rubber sheet, the roll gap is reduced to 0.8 mm, and it is mixed at 50°C for 18 minutes. The sheet is then cut into rubber blocks.
[0043] The rubber block was fed into an internal mixer, with an initial temperature of 90℃ and a rotor speed of 70 rpm. The mixture was masticated for 6 minutes, and discharged when the temperature reached 125℃. After discharge, the mixture was passed through a two-roll mill three times to obtain graphene masterbatch granules.
[0044] Preparation of the tread:
[0045] Weigh out 113 kg of graphene masterbatch, 40 kg of N234 carbon black, 3.5 kg of zinc oxide, 2 kg of stearic acid, 1.5 kg of antioxidant 4020, 1.5 kg of antioxidant RD, 1 kg of protective wax, 1.3 kg of 1% oil-extended sulfur powder, 1.2 kg of accelerator NS, and 0.2 kg of scorching inhibitor CTP, and add them sequentially to an internal mixer. Set the initial temperature of the internal mixer to 110℃ and the rotor speed to 90 rpm.
[0046] Start the internal mixer and maintain the temperature at 110℃ for the first 2.5 minutes. Then raise the temperature to 145℃ and continue mixing for 9 minutes to remove the adhesive.
[0047] The discharged rubber compound is fed into an open mill, the roll gap is adjusted to 1.2 mm, and it is passed through a thin mill 6 times. Then the roll gap is increased to 2.5 mm and the sheet is produced to obtain the tread rubber compound.
[0048] The tread compound is put into a molding machine, the temperature is set to 165℃, the pressure is 18MPa, the holding time is 12 minutes, and the tire tread is removed after molding.
[0049] Example 2
[0050] Preparation of graphene masterbatch:
[0051] Weigh out 10 kg of graphene, 100 kg of natural rubber and 3 kg of dispersant FS-97.
[0052] Natural rubber is fed into an open mill, the roller gap is adjusted to 1 mm, and it is passed through three times. Then, graphene and dispersant FS-97 are sprinkled onto the natural rubber sheet, the roller gap is reduced to 0.5 mm, and it is mixed at 40°C for 15 minutes. The sheet is then cut into blocks.
[0053] The rubber block was fed into an internal mixer, with an initial temperature of 80℃ and a rotor speed of 60 rpm. The mixture was masticated for 5 minutes, and then discharged when the temperature reached 120℃. After discharge, the mixture was passed through a two-roll mill twice to obtain graphene masterbatch granules.
[0054] Preparation of the tread:
[0055] Weigh out 113 kg of graphene masterbatch, 40 kg of N234 carbon black, 3.5 kg of zinc oxide, 2 kg of stearic acid, 1.5 kg of antioxidant 4020, 1.5 kg of antioxidant RD, 1 kg of protective wax, 1.3 kg of 1% oil-extended sulfur powder, 1.2 kg of accelerator NS, and 0.2 kg of scorching inhibitor CTP, and add them sequentially to an internal mixer. Set the initial temperature of the internal mixer to 100℃ and the rotor speed to 80 rpm.
[0056] Start the internal mixer and keep the temperature at 100°C for the first 2 minutes. Then raise the temperature to 140°C and continue mixing for 8 minutes to remove the glue.
[0057] The discharged rubber compound is fed into the open mill, the roller gap is adjusted to 1mm, and it is passed through 5 times. Then the roller gap is increased to 2mm to produce the tread rubber compound.
[0058] The tread compound is put into a molding machine, the temperature is set to 160℃, the pressure is 15MPa, the holding time is 10 minutes, and the tire tread is removed after molding.
[0059] Example 3
[0060] Preparation of graphene masterbatch:
[0061] Weigh out 10 kg of graphene, 100 kg of natural rubber and 3 kg of dispersant FS-97.
[0062] Natural rubber is fed into an open mill, the roller gap is adjusted to 2 mm, and it is passed through 5 times. Then, graphene and dispersant FS-97 are sprinkled onto the natural rubber sheet, the roller gap is reduced to 1 mm, and it is mixed at 60°C for 20 minutes. The sheet is then cut into blocks.
[0063] The rubber block was fed into an internal mixer, with an initial temperature set at 100℃ and a rotor speed of 80 rpm. The mixture was masticated for 8 minutes, and then discharged when the temperature reached 130℃. After discharge, the mixture was passed through a two-roll mill three times to obtain graphene masterbatch granules.
[0064] Preparation of the tread:
[0065] Weigh out 113 kg of graphene masterbatch, 40 kg of N234 carbon black, 3.5 kg of zinc oxide, 2 kg of stearic acid, 1.5 kg of antioxidant 4020, 1.5 kg of antioxidant RD, 1 kg of protective wax, 1.3 kg of 1% oil-extended sulfur powder, 1.2 kg of accelerator NS, and 0.2 kg of scorching inhibitor CTP, and add them sequentially to an internal mixer. Set the initial temperature of the internal mixer to 120℃ and the rotor speed to 100 rpm.
[0066] Start the internal mixer and keep the temperature at 120°C for the first 3 minutes. Then raise the temperature to 150°C and continue mixing for 10 minutes to remove the glue.
[0067] The discharged rubber compound is fed into an open mill, the roll gap is adjusted to 1.5 mm, and it is passed through a thin mill 7 times. Then the roll gap is increased to 3 mm to produce the tread rubber compound.
[0068] The tread compound is put into a molding machine, the temperature is set to 170℃, the pressure is 20MPa, the holding time is 15 minutes, and the tire tread is removed after molding.
[0069] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.
[0070] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A high-wear-resistant tire tread based on graphene, characterized in that, Includes the following ingredients by weight: 113 parts graphene masterbatch, 40 parts carbon black, 3.5 parts zinc oxide, 2 parts stearic acid, 3 parts antioxidant, 1 part protective wax, 1.3 parts 1% oil-extended sulfur powder, 1.2 parts accelerator, and 0.2 parts scorch inhibitor.
2. The graphene-based high-wear-resistant tire tread according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carbon black is N234 carbon black.
3. The graphene-based high-wear-resistant tire tread according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antioxidant includes antioxidant 4020 and antioxidant RD, with a mass ratio of 1:
1.
4. The graphene-based high-wear-resistant tire tread according to claim 1, characterized in that, The accelerator is accelerator NS.
5. The graphene-based high-wear-resistant tire tread according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-scorching agent is CTP.
6. A method for preparing a graphene-based high-wear-resistant tire tread as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) Preparation of graphene masterbatch Graphene and natural rubber are mixed and plasticized, and a dispersant is added during the mixing process. After plasticizing, graphene masterbatch particles are obtained. (2) Preparation of tread Graphene masterbatch, carbon black, zinc oxide, stearic acid, antioxidant, protective wax, 1% oil-extended sulfur powder, accelerator, and anti-scorching agent are mixed and processed in an internal mixer and a two-roll mill to obtain tread compound. The tread compound is then put into a molding machine to form the tire tread.
7. The method for preparing a graphene-based high-wear-resistant tire tread according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mass ratio of graphene, natural rubber and dispersant in step (1) is 10:100:3; the dispersant is dispersant FS-97.
8. The method for preparing a graphene-based high-wear-resistant tire tread according to claim 6, characterized in that, The plasticizing process described in step (1) includes: Mixing and Plasticizing: Natural rubber is fed into a two-roll mill. The roll gap is adjusted to 1-2 mm, and the mill is passed through 3-5 times to allow the natural rubber to wrap around the rolls, forming a smooth sheet. Then, graphene and dispersant FS-97 are evenly sprinkled onto the natural rubber sheet. The roll gap is gradually reduced to 0.5-1 mm for mixing. During mixing, the temperature of the two-roll mill is controlled at 40-60℃, and the mixing time is 15-20 minutes to ensure that the graphene and dispersant are fully mixed with the natural rubber. After mixing, the rubber compound is sheeted and cut into appropriately sized blocks. Further plasticizing: The cut rubber blocks are put into an internal mixer. The initial temperature of the internal mixer is set to 80-100℃ and the rotor speed is 60-80 rpm. The internal mixer is started and plasticizing is carried out for 5-8 minutes. During the plasticizing process, the temperature and state of the rubber compound inside the internal mixer are closely observed. When the temperature rises to 120-130℃, the rubber is discharged. After discharge, the rubber compound is put back into the open mill for thin passing 2-3 times to further improve the uniformity of the rubber compound and finally obtain graphene masterbatch.
9. The method for preparing a graphene-based high-wear-resistant tire tread according to claim 6, characterized in that, Step (2) of the mixing process in the internal mixer includes: starting the internal mixer and beginning mixing. For the first 2-3 minutes of mixing, maintain the internal mixer temperature at 100-120℃ to allow the raw materials to mix initially. Then, gradually increase the internal mixer temperature to 140-150℃ and continue mixing for 8-10 minutes. During the mixing process, closely observe the pressure and temperature changes of the rubber compound inside the internal mixer and adjust the parameters of the internal mixer as needed to ensure that the rubber compound is mixed evenly. When the rubber compound in the internal mixer reaches the appropriate viscosity and elasticity, discharge the rubber.
10. The method for preparing a graphene-based high-wear-resistant tire tread according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mixing process in the open mill includes: feeding the discharged rubber compound into the open mill, adjusting the mill roll gap to 1-1.5mm, and performing a thin pass 5-7 times. During the thin pass, the rubber compound is continuously cut and tumbled to further mix it evenly and remove air bubbles. After the thin pass, the roll gap is appropriately increased to 2-3mm, and the rubber compound is sheeted to obtain the tread compound.