Vulcanizable rubber compositions including a solid eutectic mixture

Abstract

A method of preparing a sidewall support, the method comprising the steps of (i) providing a vulcanizable composition including an elastomer, a filler, a curative, and a eutectic composition, where the eutectic composition is a solid; (ii) fabricating the vulcanizable composition into a green sidewall support; and (iii) subjecting the green sidewall support to curing conditions.

Description

VULCANIZABLE RUBBER COMPOSITIONS INCLUDING A SOLID EUTECTIC MIXTUREFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the invention are directed toward vulcanizable compositions, and vulcanizates produced therefrom, that are prepared by using a solid eutectic composition.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The art of making tires, zinc oxide, together with stearic acid, has played an important role in vulcanization. It is believed that the zinc oxide, or perhaps a salt formed by the combination of zinc oxide and stearic acid, interacts with sulfur to provide a desired crosslink density of the rubber matrix. It is also known that the addition of eutectic compositions can reduce the required amount of zinc oxide. For example, WO 2019 / 089788 teaches vulcanizable rubber compositions that include reduced levels of zinc oxide due to the presence of a eutectic solvent. In the presence of a eutectic solvent, particularly a deep eutectic solvent such as reline, vulcanizable compositions with as little as 0.05 parts zinc oxide, per 100 parts of rubber, were found to be useful for preparing tire components.

[0003] The skilled person understands that vulcanizable compositions are often prepared by mixing, in the solid state, the various ingredients used in making vulcanizable compositions such as, but not limited to, a vulcanizable rubber, filler, and curative. Most of these ingredients are solids at standard conditions of temperature of pressure, which is useful in light of the solid-state mixing techniques that are used. In other words, the skilled person understands that it is advantageous, for one or more reasons, to introduce and mix solid ingredients, as opposed to liquid ingredients, into a vulcanizable composition.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a method of preparing a sidewall support, the method comprising the steps of (ij providing a vulcanizable composition including an elastomer, a filler, a curative, and a eutectic composition, where the eutectic composition is a solid; (ii) fabricating the vulcanizable composition into a green sidewall support; and (iii) subjecting the green sidewall support to curing conditions.

[0005] Other embodiments of the present invention provide a method of forming a pneumatic tire, the method including placing the sidewall support formed by a method of preparing into a green tire.

[0006] Still other embodiments of the present invention provide a method of forming a pneumatic tire, the method including placing the sidewall support formed by a method of preparing into a cured tire.

[0007] Yet other embodiments of the present invention provide a pneumatic tire comprising [i] a tread; [ii] a carcass; (iii) an optional innerliner layer; and (iv) a pair of sidewall supports disposed on the carcass or on an optional innerliner layer, if present, where said sidewall supports are prepared from a vulcanizable composition including an elastomer, a filler, a curative, and a eutectic composition.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Embodiments of the invention are based, at least in part, on the discovery of a process for preparing a vulcanizable composition by combining a vulcanizable rubber, a curative, and a solid eutectic composition. While the prior art contemplates curing a rubber composition in the presence a eutectic composition, particularly a deep eutectic solvent, the present invention provides an advantage over the prior art because the use of a solid eutectic composition offers several advantages over the use of liquid eutectic compositions. For example, solid eutectic compositions are easier to handle and are believed to better disperse into the rubber compositions. In one or more embodiments, the eutectic compositions employed in the practice of the present invention are solid, deep eutectics, which are eutectic at or proximate their lowest melting point.VULCANIZABLE COMPOSITIONS

[0009] As indicated above, the vulcanizable compositions of this invention include a vulcanizable rubber, a curative, and a solid eutectic composition. The compositions may also include other ingredients such as those common in the art of making vulcanizable rubber compositions such as, but not limited to, reinforcing fillers, antidegradants, cure activators, cure accelerators, oils, resins, plasticizers, pigments, fatty acids, zinc oxide, and peptizing agents.VULCANIZABLE RUBBER

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable rubber, which may also be referred to as an elastomeric polymer, rubber polymer, vulcanizable polymer, or simply an elastomer, may include those polymers that can be vulcanized to form compositions possessing rubbery or elastomeric properties. These elastomers may include natural and synthetic rubbers. The synthetic rubbers typically derive from the polymerization of conjugated diene monomer, the copolymerization of conjugated diene monomer with other monomer such as vinyl-substituted aromatic monomer, or the copolymerization of ethylene with one or more oc-olefins and optionally one or more diene monomers.

[0011] Exemplary elastomers include natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene-co-isoprene, neoprene, poly(ethylene-co-propylene), poly(styrene-co-butadiene), poly(styrene-co-isoprenej), poly(styrene-co-isoprene-co- butadiene], poly(isoprene-co-butadiene), poly(ethylene-co-propylene-co-diene), polysulfide rubber, acrylic rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, and mixtures thereof. These elastomers can have a myriad of macromolecular structures including linear, branched, and star-shaped structures. These elastomers may also include one or more functional units, which typically include heteroatoms. In particular embodiments, a vulcanizable composition includes a blend of natural rubber and synthetic diene rubber such as polybutadiene. In other embodiments, a vulcanizable composition includes olefinic rubber such ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM).

[0012] The elastomers may be characterized by their number average molecular weight [Mn], which may be measured by using gel permeation chromatography using polystyrene standards and adjusted with Mark-Houwink parameters. According to embodiments of the present invention, the elastomers may have a Mn of greater than 120, in other embodiments greater than 150, and in other embodiments greater than 180 kg / mol. In these or other embodiments, the elastomers may have a Mn of less than 800, in other embodiments less than 600, and in other embodiments less than 400 kg / mol. In one or more embodiments, the elastomers have a Mn of from about 120 to about 800, in other embodiments from about 150 to about 600, and in other embodiments from about 180 to about 400 kg / mol.CURATIVE

[0013] A multitude of rubber curing agents (also called vulcanizing agents) may be employed, including sulfur or peroxide-based curing systems. Curing agents are described in Kirk-Othmer, ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY, Vol. 20, pgs. 365-468, (3rdEd. 1982), particularly Vulcanization Agents and Auxiliary Materials, pgs. 390-402, and A.Y. Coran, Vulcanization, ENCYCLOPEDIA OF POLYMER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, (2ndEd. 1989), which are incorporated herein by reference. In one or more embodiments, the curative is a sulfur- containing vulcanizing agent. Examples of suitable sulfur-containing vulcanizing agents include “rubbermaker's" soluble sulfur; sulfur donating vulcanizing agents, such as an amine disulfide, polymeric polysulfide or sulfur olefin adducts; and insoluble polymeric sulfur. Vulcanizing agents may be used alone or in combination. The skilled person will be able to readily select the amount of vulcanizing agents to achieve the level of desired cure.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the curative is employed in combination with a cure accelerator. In one or more embodiments, accelerators are used to control the time and / or temperature required for vulcanization and to improve properties of the vulcanizate. Examples of accelerators include thiazol vulcanization accelerators, such as 2- mercaptobenzothiazol, dibenzothiazyl disulfide, N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazyl-sulfenamide (CBS), and the like, and guanidine vulcanization accelerators, such as diphenylguanidine (DPG) and the like.SOLID EUTECTIC COMPOSITION

[0015] In one or more embodiments, a solid eutectic composition includes those compositions formed by combining two or more compounds that provide a resultant combination having a melting point lower than the respective compounds that are combined while remaining in the solid phase at normal or standard conditions of temperature and pressure. For purposes of this specification, the solid eutectic composition may be referred to as a solid eutectic mixture, a solid eutectic complex, or a solid eutectic pair. Each of the compounds that are combined may be referred to, respectively, as a eutectic ingredient, eutectic constituent, eutectic member, or compound for forming a eutectic composition (e.g. first and second compound). Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the eutectic ingredients combine or otherwise react or interact to form acomplex. Thus, any reference to solid eutectic mixture, or solid eutectic combination, solid eutectic pair, or solid eutectic complex will include combinations and reaction products or complexes between the constituents that are combined and yield a composition having a lower melting point than the respective constituents, yet solid at normal or standard conditions of temperature and pressure. For a given composition, where relative amounts of the respective ingredients are at or proximate to the lowest melting point of the eutectic mixture, then composition may be referred to as a deep eutectic solvent, which may be referred to as a deep eutectic or DES. In one or more embodiments, the eutectic mixture is a composition that is within + / - 20 molar ratio %, in other embodiments within + / - 10 molar ratio %, and in other embodiments within + / - 5 molar ratio % from the molar ratio that achieves the lowest melting point for the mixture.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the solid eutectic composition has a melting point of greater than 20 °C, in other embodiments greater than 22 °C, in other embodiments greater than 25 °C, in other embodiments greater than 30 °C, in other embodiments greater than 40 °C, in other embodiments greater than 50 °C, and in other embodiments greater than 60 °C at normal pressure (i.e. 1 atm).

[0017] In one or more embodiments, useful eutectic compositions can be defined by the formula I:where Cat+is a cation, X“ is a counter anion (e.g. Lewis Base), and z refers to the number of Y molecules that interact with the counter anion (e.g. Lewis Base). For example, Cat+can include an ammonium, phosphonium, or sulfonium cation. X“ may include, for example, a halide ion. In one or more embodiments, z is a number that achieves a deep eutectic solvent, or in other embodiments a number that otherwise achieves a complex having a melting point lower than the respective eutectic constituents.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, a useful eutectic composition includes a combination of an acid and a base, where the acid and base may include Lewis acids and bases or Bronsted acids and bases. In one or more embodiments, useful eutectic compositions include a combination of a quaternary ammonium salt with a metal halide(which are referred to as Type I eutectic composition), a combination of a quaternary ammonium salt and a metal halide hydrate (which are referred to as Type 11 eutectic composition), a combination of a quaternary ammonium salt and a hydrogen bond donor (which are referred to as Type 111 eutectic composition), or a combination of a metal halide hydrate and a hydrogen bond donor (which are referred to as Type IV eutectic composition). Analogous combinations of sulfonium or phosphonium in lieu of ammonium compounds can also be employed and can be readily envisaged by those having skill in the art.QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SALT

[0019] In one or more embodiments, useful quaternary ammonium salts, which may also be referred to as ammonium compounds, may be defined by the formula II:where each R-p R2, R3, and R4 is individually hydrogen or a monovalent organic group, or, in the alternative, two of R^, R2, R3, and R4 join to form a divalent organic group, and is a counter anion. In one or more embodiments, at least one, in other embodiments at least two, and in other embodiments at least three of R|, R2, R3, and R4 are not hydrogen.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the counter anion (e.g. <t> ) is selected from the group consisting of halide (X"), nitrate (NC^-), tetrafluoroborate (BF4~), perchlorate (CIO4"), triflate (SO3CF3-), trifluoroacetate (COOCF3"). In one or more embodiments, _is a halide ion, and in certain embodiments a chloride ion.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the monovalent organic groups include hydrocarbyl groups, and the divalent organic groups include hydrocarbylene groups. In one or more embodiments, the monovalent and divalent organic groups include a heteroatom, such as, but not limited to, oxygen and nitrogen, and / or a halogen atom. Accordingly, the monovalent organic groups may include alkoxy groups, siloxy groups, ether groups, and ester groups, as well as carbonyl or acetyl substituents. In one or more embodiments, the hydrocarbyl groups and hydrocarbylene group include from 1 (or the appropriate minimum number) to about 18 carbon atoms, in other embodiments from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, and in other embodiments from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. The hydrocarbyl andhydrocarbylene groups may be branched, cyclic, or linear. Exemplary types of hydrocarbyl groups include alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and alkylaiyl groups. Exemplary types of hydrocarbylene groups include alkylene, cycloalkylene, arylene, and alkylarylene groups. In particular embodiments, the hydrocarbyl groups are selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, octadecyl, phenyl, and benzyl groups. In certain embodiments, the hydrocarbyl groups are methyl groups, and the hydrocarbylene groups are ethylene or propylene group.

[0022] Useful types of ammonium compounds include secondary ammonium compounds, tertiary ammonium compounds, and quaternary ammonium compounds. In these or other embodiments, the ammonium compounds include ammonium halides such as, but not limited to, ammonium chloride. In particular embodiments, the ammonium compound is a quaternary ammonium chloride (e.g. choline chloride). In certain embodiments, R4, R2, R3, and R4 are hydrogen, and the ammonium compound is ammonium chloride. In one or more embodiments, the ammonium compounds are asymmetric.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the ammonium compound includes an alkoxy (hydroxy alkyl) group and can be defined by the formula III:where each R-p R2, and R3 is individually hydrogen or a monovalent organic group, or, in the alternative, two of R^, R2, and R3join to form a divalent organic group, R4 is a divalent organic group, and <t>- is a counter anion. In one or more embodiments, at least one, in other embodiments at least two, and in other embodiments at least three of R^, R2, and R3, and are not hydrogen.

[0024] Examples of ammonium compounds defined by the formula 111 include, but are not limited to, N-ethyl-2-hydroxy-N,N-dimethylethanaminium chloride, 2-hydroxy -N,N,N- trimethylethanaminium chloride (which is also known as choline chloride), and N-benzyl-2- hydroxy-N,N-dimethlethanaminium chloride.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the ammonium compound includes a halogencontaining substituent and can be defined by the formula IV:where each Rj, R2, and R3 is individually hydrogen or a monovalent organic group, or, in the alternative, two of R^, R2, and R3 join to form a divalent organic group, R4 is a divalent organic group, X is a halogen atom, and _is a counter anion. In one or more embodiments, at least one, in other embodiments at least two, and in other embodiments at least three of Rp R2, and R3, are not hydrogen. In one or more embodiments, X is chlorine.

[0026] Examples of ammonium compounds defined by the formula IV include, but are not limited to, 2-chloro-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium (which is also referred to as choline chloride), and 2-(chlorocarbonyloxy)-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium chloride.HYDROGEN-BOND DONOR COMPOUNDS

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the hydrogen-bond donor compounds, which may also be referred to as HBD compounds, include, but are not limited to, amines, amides, carboxylic acids, and alcohols. In one or more embodiments, the hydrogen-bond donor compound includes a hydrocarbon chain constituent. The hydrocarbon chain constituent may include a carbon chain length including at least 2, in other embodiments at least 3, and in other embodiments at least 5 carbon atoms. In these or other embodiments, the hydrocarbon chain constituent has a carbon chain length of less than 30, in other embodiments less than 20, and in other embodiments less than 10 carbon atoms.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, useful amines include those compounds defined by the formula:wherein R| and R2are — NH2, — NHR3, or -NR3R4, and x is an integer of at least 2. In one or more embodiments, x is from 2 to about 10, in other embodiments from about 2 to about 8, and in other embodiments from about 2 to about 6.

[0029] Specific examples of useful amines include, but are not limited to, aliphatic amines, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, aminoethylpiperazine, triethylenetetramine, tris(2-aminoethyl)amine, N,N’-bis-(2aminoethyle)piperazine, piperazinoethylethylenediamine, and tetraethylenepentaamine, propyleneamine, aniline, substituted aniline, and combinations thereof.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, useful amides include those compounds defined by the formula:wherein R is

[0031] Specific examples of useful amides include, but are not limited to, urea, 1-methyl urea, 1,1-dimethyl urea, 1,3-dimethylurea, thiourea, urea, benzamide, acetamide, and combinations thereof.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, useful carboxylic acids include mono-functional, di-functional, and tri-functional organic acids. These organic acids may include alkyl acids, aryl acids, and mixed alkyl-aryl acids.

[0033] Specific examples of useful mono-functional carboxylic acids include, but are not limited to, aliphatic acids, phenylpropionic acid, phenylacetic acid, benzoic acid, and combinations thereof. Specific examples of di-functional carboxylic acids include, but are not limited to, oxalic acid, malonic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, and combinations thereof. Specific examples of tri-functional carboxylic acids include citric acid, tricarballylic acid, and combinations thereof.

[0034] Types of alcohols include, but are not limited to, monools, diols, and triols. Specific examples of monools include aliphatic alcohols, phenol, substituted phenol, and mixtures thereof. Specific examples of diols include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, resorcinol, substituted resorcinol, and mixtures thereof. Specific examples of triols include, but are not limited to, glycerol, benzene triol, and mixtures thereof.METAL HALIDES

[0035] Types of metal halides include, but are not limited to, chlorides, bromides, iodides and fluorides. In one or more embodiments, these metal halides include, but are notlimited to, transition metal halides. The skilled person can readily envisage the corresponding metal halide hydrates.

[0036] Specific examples of useful metal halides include, but are not limited to, aluminum chloride, aluminum bromide, aluminum iodide, zinc chloride, zinc bromide, zinc iodide, tin chloride, tin bromide, tin iodide, iron chloride, iron bromide, iron iodide, and combinations thereof. The skilled person can readily envisage the corresponding metal halide hydrates. For example, aluminum chloride hexahydrate and copper chloride dihydrate correspond to the halides mentioned above.FORMATION OF EUTECTIC COMPLEX

[0037] The skilled person can select the appropriate eutectic members at the appropriate molar ratio to provide the desired eutectic composition. The skilled person appreciates that the molar ratio of the first compound (e.g. Lewis base] of the pair to the second compound (e.g. Lewis acid) of the pair will vary based upon the compounds selected. As the skilled person will also appreciate, the melting point suppression of a eutectic solvent includes the eutectic point, which is the molar ratio of the first compound to the second compound that yields the maximum melting point suppression (i.e. deep eutectic solvent). The molar ratio of the first compound to the second compound can, however, be varied to nonetheless produce a suppression in the melting point of a eutectic solvent relative to the individual melting points of the first and second compounds that is not the minimum melting point (i.e. not the point of maximum suppression). Practice of one or more embodiments of the present invention therefore includes the formation a eutectic solvent at molar ratios outside of the eutectic point.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the compounds of the eutectic pair, as well as the molar ratio of the first compound to the second compound of the pair, are selected to maintain the eutectic composition as a solid at temperatures of up to at least 20 °C, in other embodiments up to at least 22 °C, in other embodiments up to at least 25 °C, in other embodiments up to at least 30 °C, in other embodiments up to at least 40 °C, in other embodiments up to at least 50 °C, and in other embodiments up to at least 60 °C at normal or standard pressure (i.e. 1 atm). In one or more embodiments, the compounds of the eutectic pair, as well as the molar ratio of the first compound to the second compound of thepair, are selected to yield a mixture having a melting point below 130 °C, in other embodiments below 110 °C, in other embodiments below 100 °C, in other embodiments below 80 °C, in other embodiments below 60 °C, in other embodiments below 40 °C, and in other embodiments below 30 °C. In these or other embodiments, the compounds of the eutectic pair, as well as the molar ratio of the compounds, are selected to yield a mixture having a melting point above 20 °C, in other embodiments above 22 °C, in other embodiments above 25 °C, in other embodiments above 30 °C, in other embodiments above 35 °C, in other embodiments above 40 °C, in other embodiments above 50 °C, and in other embodiments above 60 °C.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the compounds of the eutectic pair, as well as the molar ratio of the first compound to the second compound of the pair, are selected to yield a eutectic solvent having an ability or capacity to dissolve desired metal compounds, which may be referred to as solubility or solubility power. As the skilled person will appreciate, this solubility can be quantified based upon the weight of metal compound dissolved in a given weight of eutectic solvent over a specified time at a specified temperature and pressure when saturated solutions are prepared. In one or more embodiments, the eutectic solvents of the present invention are selected to achieve a solubility for zinc oxide, over 24 hours at 50 °C under atmospheric pressure, of greater than 100 ppm, in other embodiments greater than 500 ppm, in other embodiments greater than 1000 ppm, in other embodiments greater than 1200 ppm, in other embodiments greater than 1400 ppm, and in other embodiments greater than 1600 ppm, where ppm is measured on a weight solute to weight solvent basis.FILLER

[0040] As suggested above, the sidewall supports can be prepared using a vulcanizable composition that includes a filler. The filler may include one or more conventional reinforcing or non-reinforcing fillers. For example, useful fillers include carbon black, silica, alumina, and silicates such as calcium, aluminum, and magnesium silicates.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, carbon blacks include furnace blacks, channel blacks, and lamp blacks. More specific examples of carbon blacks include super abrasion furnace (SAF) blacks, intermediate super abrasion furnace (1SAF) blacks, high abrasion furnace (HAF) blacks, fast extrusion furnace (FEF) blacks, fine furnace (FF) blacks, semi--lireinforcing furnace (SRF) blacks, medium processing channel blacks, hard processing channel blacks, conducting channel blacks, and acetylene blacks. Representative carbon blacks useful in one or more embodiments may include those designated by ASTM D1765 as N326, N330, N339, N343, N347, N351, N358, N550, N650, N660, N762, N772, and N774.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the carbon blacks may have a surface area of at least 20 m2 / g, in other embodiments at least 35 m2 / g, in other embodiments at least 50 m2 / g, and in other embodiments at least 60 m2 / g. In these or other embodiments, the carbon blacks have a surface area of from about 20 to about 110 m2 / g, in other embodiments from about 25 to about 80 m2 / g, in other embodiments from about 30 to about 60 m2 / g, in other embodiments from about 60 to about 110 m2 / g, and in other embodiments from about 40 to about 50 m2 / g. For purposes of this specification, and unless otherwise specified, carbon black surface area values are determined by ASTM D-1765 using the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) technique. The carbon blacks may be in a pelletized form or an unpelletized flocculent form. The preferred form of carbon black may depend upon the type of mixing equipment used to mix the rubber compound.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the filler may include silica. When silica is used as a filler, the silica may be employed in conjunction with a coupling agent. In these or other embodiments, the silica may be used in conjunction with a silica dispersing agent.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, useful silicas include, but are not limited to, precipitated amorphous silica, wet silica (hydrated silicic acid], dry silica (anhydrous silicic acid), fumed silica, calcium silicate, and the like. Other suitable fillers include aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, and the like. In particular embodiments, the silica is a precipitated amorphous wet-processed hydrated silica. In one or more embodiments, these silicas are produced by a chemical reaction in water, from which they are precipitated as ultra-fine, spherical particles. These primary particles are believed to strongly associate into aggregates, which in turn combine less strongly into agglomerates.

[0045] Some commercially available silicas that may be used include H i- SiK™) 215, Hi- Sii(™l 233, and Hi-SiK™) 190 (PPG Industries, Inc.; Pittsburgh, PA). Other suppliers of commercially available silica include Grace Davison (Baltimore, MD), Degussa Corp. (Parsippany, NJ), Rhodia Silica Systems (Cranbury, NJ), and J.M. Huber Corp. (Edison, NJ).

[0046] In one or more embodiments, silicas may be characterized by their surface areas, which give a measure of their reinforcing character. The Brunauer, Emmet and Teller (“BET”] method (described in J. Am. Chem. Soc., vol. 60, p. 309 et seq.] is a recognized method for determining the surface area. The BET surface area of silica is generally less than 450 m2 / g. Useful ranges of surface area include from about 32 to about 400 m2 / g, about 100 to about 250 m2 / g, and about 150 to about 220 m2 / g.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the pH of silica may be from about 5 to about 7 or slightly over 7, or in other embodiments from about 5.5 to about 6.8.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, useful silica coupling agents include sulfur- containing silica coupling agents. Examples of sulfur-containing silica coupling agents include bis(trialkoxysilylorgano]polysulfides or mercapto-organoalkoxysilanes. Types of bis(trialkoxysilylorgano]polysulfides include bis(trialkoxysilylorgano]disulfide and bis(trialkoxysilylorgano]tetrasulfides. Exemplary silica dispersing aids include, but are not limited to an alkyl alkoxysilane, a fatty acid ester of a hydrogenated or nonhydrogenated C5 or Cg sugar, a polyoxyethylene derivative of a fatty acid ester of a hydrogenated or non-hydrogenated C5 or Cg sugar, and mixtures thereof, or a mineral or non-mineral additional filler.PROCESSING / EXTENDER OILS

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions of this invention include processing oils, which may also be referred to as extender oils. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions are devoid or substantially devoid of processing oils.

[0050] In particular embodiments, the oils that are employed include those conventionally used as extender oils. Useful oils or extenders that may be employed include, but are not limited to, aromatic oils, paraffinic oils, naphthenic oils, vegetable oils other than castor oils, low PCA oils including MES, TDAE, and SRAE, and heavy naphthenic oils. Suitable low PCA oils also include various plant-sourced oils such as can be harvested from vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Non-limiting examples include, but are not limited to, soy or soybean oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, corn oil, linseed oil, cotton seed oil, rapeseed oil, cashew oil, sesame oil, camellia oil, jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil, coconut oil, and palm oil.As is generally understood in the art, oils refer to those compounds that have a viscosity that is relatively compared to other constituents of the vulcanizable composition, such as the resins.REINFORCING RESINS

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions of this invention include a reinforcing resin, which may also be referred to as a thermosetting resin. Exemplary reinforcing resins include acrylic resins, alkyd resins, amine resins, amide resins, maleimide resins, maleic resins, epoxy resins, furan resins, phenolic resins, phenol formaldehyde resins, polyamide resins, polyester resins, urethane resins, vinyl resins, vinyl ester resins, cyanoacrylic resins, silicone resins, siloxane resins, melamine resins, ureaformaldehyde resins and fumaric resins. Examples of phenol resins suitable as reinforcing resins include novolac-type phenol resins, novolac-type cresol resins, novolac-type xylenol resins, novolac-type resorcinol resins, and an oil-modified resins therefrom.PLASTICIZING RESINS

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions of the invention may include one or more plasticizing resins. These resins generally include hydrocarbon resins such as cycloaliphatic resins, aliphatic resins, aromatic resins, terpene resins, and combinations thereof.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, hydrocarbon resins may be characterized by a glass transition temperature (Tg) of from about 30 to about 160 °C, in other embodiments from about 35 to about 60 °C, and in other embodiments from about 70 to about 110 °C. In one or more embodiments, hydrocarbon resins may also be characterized by its softening point being higher than its Tg. In certain embodiments, hydrocarbon resins have a softening point of from about 70 to about 160 °C, in other embodiments from about 75 to about 120 °C, and in other embodiments from about 120 to about 160 °C.METAL ACTIVATOR AND ORGANIC ACID

[0054] In one or more embodiments, , the vulcanizable compositions of the present invention include a metal compound. In one or more embodiments, the metal compound is an activator (i.e. assists in the vulcanization or cure of the rubber). In other embodiments, the metal activator is a metal oxide. In particular embodiments, the metal activator is a zincspecies that is formed in situ through a reaction or interaction between zinc oxide and organic acid (e.g. stearic acid). In other embodiments, the metal compound is a magnesium compound such as magnesium hydroxide. In other embodiments, the metal compound is an iron compound such as an iron oxide. In other embodiments, the metal compound is a cobalt compound such as a cobalt carboxylate.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the zinc oxide is an unfunctionalized zinc oxide characterized by a BET surface area of less than 10 m2 / g, in other embodiments less than 9 m2 / g, and in other embodiments less than 8 m2 / g. In other embodiments, nano zinc oxide is employed, which includes those zinc oxide particles that are characterized by a BET surface area of greater than 10 m2 / g.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the organic acid is a carboxylic acid. In particular embodiments, the carboxylic acid is a fatty acid including saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. In particular embodiments, saturated fatty acids, such as stearic acid, are employed. Other useful acids include, but are not limited to, palmitic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and arachidonic acid.Low MOLECULAR WEIGHT, HIGH VINYL ADDITIVE

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include a low molecular weight, high vinyl polydienes. The polydienes derive from the polymerization of conjugated diene monomer or the copolymerization of conjugated diene monomer with other monomer such as vinyl-substituted aromatic monomer. Exemplary low molecular weight, high vinyl polydienes include polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene-co- isoprene, poly(styrene-co-butadiene), poly(styrene-co-isoprene), poly(styrene-co-isoprene- co-butadiene), and poly(isoprene-co-butadiene), and mixtures thereof.

[0058] The low molecular weight, high vinyl polydienes may be characterized by their number average molecular weight [Mn], which may be measured by using gel permeation chromatography using polystyrene standards and adjusted with Mark-Houwink parameters. According to embodiments of the present invention, the low molecular weight, high vinyl polydienes may have a Mn of greater than 30, in other embodiments greater than 40, and in other embodiments greater than 50 kg / mol. In these or other embodiments, the low molecular weight, high vinyl polydienes may have a Mn of less than 120, in otherembodiments less than 100, and in other embodiments less than 80 kg / mol. In one or more embodiments, the low molecular weight, high vinyl polydienes have a Mn of from about 30 to about 115, in other embodiments from about 40 to about 100, and in other embodiments from about 50 to about 80 kg / mol.

[0059] The low-molecular weight, high-vinyl polydienes may be characterized by their molecular weight distribution, which may also be referred to as polydispersity, and is represented by the ratio of the weight-average molecular weight (Mwj to the numberaverage molecular weight (Mn), which may be measured by using gel permeation chromatography using polystyrene standards and adjusted with Mark-Houwinkparameters. According to embodiments of the present invention, the low-molecular weight, high-vinyl polydienes may have a polydispersity (Mw / Mnj of less than 2.0, in other embodiments less than 1.7, in other embodiments less than 1.4, in other embodiments less than 1.3, in other embodiments less than 1.2, and in other embodiments less than 1.1.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the low molecular weight, high vinyl polydienes may be characterized by vinyl content, which may be described as the number of unsaturations in the 1,2 microstructure relative to the total unsaturations within the polymer chain. As the skilled person will appreciate, vinyl content can be determined by FTIR analysis. In one or more embodiments, the low molecular weight, high vinyl poly dienes include greater than 40%, in other embodiments greater than 50%, and in other embodiments greater than 60% vinyl. In these or other embodiments, the low molecular weight, high vinyl polydienes include less than 95%, in other embodiments less than 90%, and in other embodiments less than 88%. In one or more embodiments, the low molecular weight, high vinyl polydienes include from about 40 to about 95%, in other embodiments from about 50 to about 90%, and in other embodiments from about 60 to about 88% vinyl.

[0061] Useful a low molecular weight, high vinyl polydienes are described in U.S. Publication No. 2011 / 0190440, which is incorporated herein by reference.OTHER INGREDIENTS

[0062] Other ingredients that are typically employed in rubber compounding may also be added to the vulcanizable compositions employed for fabricating the sidewall supports of the invention. These include waxes, scorch inhibiting agents, processing aids, peptizers,stearic acid, and antidegradants such as antioxidants and antiozonants. In one or more embodiments, the one or more additional ingredients can be excluded from the vulcanizable compositions of this invention.INGREDIENT AMOUNTSRUBBER

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include greater than 20, in other embodiments greater than 30, and in other embodiments greater than 40 percent by weight of the rubber component, based upon the entire weight of the composition. In these or other embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include less than 90, in other embodiments less than 70, and in other embodiments less than 60 percent by weight of the rubber component based on the entire weight of the composition. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include from about 20 to about 90, in other embodiments from about 30 to about 70, and in other embodiments from about 40 to about 60 percent by weight of the rubber component based upon the entire weight of the composition.EUTECTIC COMPOSITION

[0064] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include greater than 0.005, in other embodiments greater than 0.01, and in other embodiments greater than 0.02 parts by weight [pbw] of the eutectic composition per 100 parts by weight rubber [phr]. In these or other embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include less than 3, in other embodiments less than 1, and in other embodiments less than 0.1 pbw of the eutectic composition phr. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include from about 0.005 to about 3, in other embodiments from about 0.01 to about 1, and in other embodiments from about 0.02 to about 0.1 pbw of the eutectic composition phr.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the amount of eutectic solvent can be described with reference to the loading of metal activator (such as zinc oxide]. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include greater than 2, in other embodiments greater than 3, and in other embodiments greater than 5 wt % eutectic solvent based upon the total weight of the eutectic solvent and the metal activator (e.g. zinc oxide] present within the vulcanizable composition. In these or other embodiments, the vulcanizablecompositions include less than 15, in other embodiments less than 12, and in other embodiments less than 10 wt % eutectic solvent based upon the total weight of the eutectic solvent and the metal activator (e.g. zinc oxide) present within the vulcanizable composition. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include from about 2 to about 15, in other embodiments from about 3 to about 12, and in other embodiments from about 5 to about 10 wt % eutectic solvent based upon the total weight of the eutectic solvent and the metal activator (e.g. zinc oxide) present within the vulcanizable composition.METAL COMPOUND

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include greater than 1.5, in other embodiments greater than 2.0, and in other embodiments greater than 2.5 parts by weight (pbw) of metal activator (e.g. zinc oxide) per 100 parts by weight rubber (phr). In these or other embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes less than 8, in other embodiments less than 7, and in other embodiments less than 6 pbw of metal activator (e.g. zinc oxide) phr. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes from about 1.5 to about 8.0, in other embodiments from about 2.0 to about 7, and in other embodiments from about 2.5 to about 6 pbw of metal activator (e.g. zinc oxide) phr. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions are devoid or substantially devoid of a metal activator such as zinc oxide.ORGANIC ACID

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include greater than 0.5, in other embodiments greater than 0.7, and in other embodiments greater than 1.0 parts by weight (pbw) of organic acid (e.g. stearic acid) per 100 parts by weight rubber (phr). In these or other embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes less than 5, in other embodiments less than 3, and in other embodiments less than 2 pbw of organic acid (e.g. stearic acid) phr. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes from about 0.5 to about 5, in other embodiments from about 0.7 to about 3, and in other embodiments from about 1.0 to about 2 pbw of organic acid (e.g. stearic acid) phr. FILLER

[0068] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include greater than 0, in other embodiments greater than 10, in other embodiments greater than 25, inother embodiments greater than 35, in other embodiments greater than 45, in other embodiments greater than 55, and in other embodiments greater than 65 parts by weight (pbw) of filler per 100 parts by weight rubber (phr). In these or other embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes less than 200, in other embodiments less than 150, in other embodiments less than 120, in other embodiments less than 100, and in other embodiments less than 80 pbw of filler phr. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes from about 0 to about 200, in other embodiments from about 35 to about 120, and in other embodiments from about 45 to about 100 pbw of filler phr.CARBON BLACK

[0069] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include greater than 0, in other embodiments greater than 10, in other embodiments greater than 25, in other embodiments greater than 45, in other embodiments greater than 55, in other embodiments greater than 60, in other embodiments greater than 65, and in other embodiments greater than 75 parts by weight (pbw) of a carbon black per 100 parts by weight rubber (phr). In these or other embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes less than 200, in other embodiments less than 150, and in other embodiments less than 100 pbw of a carbon black phr. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes from about 10 to about 200, in other embodiments from about 40 to about 150, and in other embodiments from about 50 to about 100 pbw of a carbon black phr.SILICA

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include greater than 0.1, in other embodiments greater than 2.5, and in other embodiments greater than 5.0 parts by weight (pbw) silica per 100 parts by weight rubber (phr). In these or other embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes less than 50, in other embodiments less than 30, in other embodiments less than 25, in other embodiments less than 20, in other embodiments less than 18, in other embodiments less than 15, in other embodiments less than 10, in other embodiments less than 5, in other embodiments less than 3, and in other embodiments less than 1 pbw of silica phr. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes from about 0.1 to about 50, in other embodiments from about 2.5 to about 30, and in other embodiments from about 3 to about 20 pbw of silica phr. In one ormore embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions are devoid or substantially devoid of silica.FILLER RATIO

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions can be characterized by the ratio of carbon black to other filler compounds such as silica. In one or more embodiments, carbon black is used in excess relative to the other fillers such as silica. In one or more embodiments, the ratio of the amount of carbon black to silica, based upon a weight ratio, is greater than 2:1, in other embodiments greater than 3:1, in other embodiments greater than 5:1, in other embodiments greater than 7:1, in other embodiments greater than 10:1, in other embodiments greater than 15:1, and in other embodiments greater than 20:1.SILICA COUPLING AGENT

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include greater than 1, in other embodiments greater than 2, and in other embodiments greater than 5 parts by weight (pbw) silica coupling agent per 100 parts by weight silica. In these or other embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes less than 20, in other embodiments less than 15, and in other embodiments less than 10 pbw of the silica coupling agent per 100 parts by weight silica. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes from about 1 to about 20, in other embodiments from about 2 to about 15, and in other embodiments from about 5 to about 10 pbw of silica coupling agent per 100 parts by weight silica. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions are devoid or substantially devoid of silica coupling agents.RESIN

[0073] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include greater than 1, in other embodiments greater than 15, and in other embodiments greater than 25 parts by weight (pbw) of resin (e.g. hydrocarbon resin) per 100 parts by weight rubber (phr). In these or other embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes less than 150, in other embodiments less than 120, in other embodiments less than 90, in other embodiments less than 80, in other embodiments less than 60, and in other embodiments less than 45 pbw of resin (e.g. hydrocarbon resin) phr. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizablecomposition includes from about 1 to about 150, in other embodiments from about 15 to about 100, and in other embodiments from about 25 to about 80 pbw of resin (e.g. hydrocarbon resin] phr. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions are devoid or substantially devoid of resin.PROCESSING / EXTENDER OILS

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include greater than 0.1, in other embodiments greater than 1, and in other embodiments greater than 2 parts by weight (pbw) of a processing oil (e.g. naphthenic oil) per 100 parts by weight rubber (phr). In these or other embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes less than 20, in other embodiments less than 18, in other embodiments less than 15, in other embodiments less than 12, in other embodiments less than 10, and in other embodiments less than 8 pbw of a processing oil phr. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes from about 0.1 to about 20, in other embodiments from about 0.5 to about 18, in other embodiments from about 1 to about 15, and in other embodiments from about 2 to about 12 pbw of oil phr. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions are devoid or substantially devoid of oils.PLASTICIZING ADDITIVES

[0075] In one or more embodiments, the plasticizing resin and processing oils may be collectively referred to as plasticizing additives, ingredients, or constituents. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions of this invention include greater than 0.1, in other embodiments greater than 1, and in other embodiments greater than 2 parts by weight (pbw) of plasticizing additives per 100 parts by weight rubber (phr). In these or other embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes less than 15, in other embodiments less than 12, in other embodiments less than 10, in other embodiments less than 7, in other embodiments less than 5, and in other embodiments less than 3 pbw of plasticizing additives phr. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes from about 0.1 to about 15, in other embodiments from about 0.5 to about 10, in other embodiments from about 1 to about 7, and in other embodiments from about 2 to about 5 pbw of plasticizing additives phr.REINFORCING RESINS

[0076] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include greater than 0.1, in other embodiments greater than 1, and in other embodiments greater than 2 parts by weight (pbw) of a reinforcing resin (e.g. novolac resin] per 100 parts by weight rubber (phr). In these or other embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes less than 8, in other embodiments less than 6, in other embodiments less than 5, and in other embodiments less than 4 pbw reinforcing resin phr. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes from about 0.1 to about 8, in other embodiments from about 0.5 to about 6, and in other embodiments from about 2 to about 4 pbw reinforcing resin phr. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions are devoid or substantially reinforcing resins.Low MOLECULAR WEIGHT, HIGH VINYL ADDITIVE

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions include greater than 0.5, in other embodiments greater than 1.5, and in other embodiments greater than 1.7 parts by weight [pbw] of a low molecular weight, high vinyl polydienes per 100 parts by weight rubber (phr). In these or other embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes less than 5.0, in other embodiments less than 4.0, in other embodiments less than 3.0 pbw of a low molecular weight, high vinyl polydienes phr. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable composition includes from about 0.5 to about 5.0, in other embodiments from about 1.5 to about 4.0, in other embodiments from about 1.7 to about 3.0 pbw of low molecular weight, high vinyl polydienes phr. In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions are devoid or substantially devoid of low molecular weight, high vinyl polydienes.METHOD OF PREPARING SIDEWALL SUPPORTS

[0078] The sidewall supports of the present invention may be prepared by employing conventional rubber processing and curing techniques. For example, the ingredients may be solid-state mixed to form the vulcanizable composition of matter. This composition may then be fabricated into a desired shape to form a green sidewall support. The green sidewall support can then be cured.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the vulcanizable compositions are prepared by mixing a vulcanizable rubber and the eutectic solvent to form a masterbatch, and then subsequently adding a curative to the masterbatch. The preparation of the masterbatch may take place using one or more sub-mixing steps where, for example, one or more ingredients may be added to the composition sequentially after an initial mixture is prepared by mixing two or more ingredients. Also, using conventional technology, additional ingredients can be added in the preparation of the vulcanizable compositions such as, but not limited to, carbon black, additional fillers, chemically-treated inorganic oxide, silica, silica coupling agent, silica dispersing agent, processing oils, processing aids such as zinc oxide and fatty acid, and antidegradants such as antioxidants or antiozonants.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, the eutectic composition is prepared prior to introducing the eutectic composition to the vulcanizable rubber. In other words, the first constituent of the mixture is pre-combined with the second constituent of the mixture prior to introducing the mixture to the vulcanizable composition. In one or more embodiments, the combined constituents of the mixture are mixed until a homogeneous liquid composition is observed.

[0081] In one or more embodiments, the eutectic composition is pre-combined with one or more ingredients of the rubber formulation prior to introducing the eutectic mixture to the vulcanizable composition. In other words, in one or more embodiments, a constituent of the vulcanizable composition (e.g. a metal compound such as zinc oxide) is combined with the eutectic mixture to form a pre-combination or masterbatch prior to introducing the precombination to the mixer in which the rubber is mixed. For example, zinc oxide may be dissolved in the eutectic solvent prior to introduction to the rubber within the mixer. In other embodiments, the eutectic composition is the minor component of the precombination, and therefore the constituent that is pre-mixed with the eutectic composition acts as a carrier for the eutectic composition. For example, the eutectic composition can be combined with a larger volume of zinc oxide, and the zinc oxide will act as a carrier for delivery the combination of zinc oxide and eutectic composition as a solid to the rubber within the mixer. In yet other embodiments, one of the members of the eutectic pair acts as a solid carrier for the eutectic composition, and therefore the combination of the first andsecond ingredients of the eutectic composition form a pre-combination that can be added as a solid to the rubber within the mixer. The skilled person will appreciate that mixtures of this nature can be formed by combining an excess of the first or second eutectic members is excess, relative to the other eutectic member, to maintain a solid composition at the desired temperature.

[0082] In one or more embodiments, the eutectic solvent is introduced to the vulcanizable rubber as an initial ingredient in the formation of a rubber masterbatch. As a result, the eutectic solvent undergoes high shear, high temperature mixing with the rubber. In one or more embodiments, the eutectic solvent undergoes mixing with the rubber at minimum temperatures in excess of 110 °C, in other embodiments in excess of 130 °C, and in other embodiments in excess of 150 °C. In one or more embodiments, high shear, high temperature mixing takes place at a temperature from about 110 °C to about 170 °C.

[0083] In other embodiments, the eutectic solvent is introduced to the vulcanizable rubber, either sequentially or simultaneously, with the sulfur-based curative. As a result, the eutectic solvent undergoes mixing with the vulcanizable rubber at a maximum temperature below 110 °C, in other embodiments below 105 °C, and in other embodiments below 100 °C. In one or more embodiments, mixing with the curative takes place at a temperature from about 70 °C to about 110 °C.

[0084] As with the eutectic solvent, the zinc oxide and the stearic acid can be added as initial ingredients to the rubber masterbatch, and therefore these ingredients will undergo high temperature, high shear mixing. Alternatively, the zinc oxide and the stearic acid can be added along with the sulfur-based curative and thereby only undergo low-temperature mixing.

[0085] In one or more embodiments, the zinc oxide is introduced to the vulcanizable rubber separately and individually from the eutectic solvent. In other embodiments, the zinc oxide and the eutectic solvent are pre-combined to form a zinc oxide masterbatch, which may include a solution in which the zinc oxide is dissolved or otherwise dispersed in the eutectic solvent. The zinc oxide masterbatch can then be introduced to the vulcanizable rubber.

[0086] In one or more embodiments, the polyisoprene rubber (e.g. natural rubber) is first masticated in order to achieve desired properties of viscosity and processability. After mixing the polyisoprene rubber, the other ingredients, such as the eutectic solvent, are introduced to the pre-processed polyisoprene rubber according to one or more embodiments of this invention.MIXING CONDITIONS

[0087] In one or more embodiments, a vulcanizable composition is prepared by first mixing a vulcanizable rubber and the eutectic solvent at a temperature of from about 140 to about 180 °C, or in other embodiments from about 150 to about 170 °C. In certain embodiments, following the initial mixing, the composition (i.e. masterbatch) is cooled to a temperature of less than 100 °C, or in other embodiments less than 80 °C, and a curative is added. In certain embodiments, mixing is continued at a temperature of from about 90 to about 110 °C, or in other embodiments from about 95 to about 105 °C, to prepare the final vulcanizable composition.

[0088] In one or more embodiments, the masterbatch mixing step, or one or more substeps of the masterbatch mixing step, may be characterized by the peak temperature obtained by the composition during the mixing. This peak temperature may also be referred to as a drop temperature. In one or more embodiments, the peak temperature of the composition during the masterbatch mixing step may be at least 140 °C, in other embodiments at least 150 °C, and in other embodiments at least 160 °C. In these or other embodiments, the peak temperature of the composition during the masterbatch mixing step may be from about 140 to about 200 °C, in other embodiments from about 150 to about 190 °C, and in other embodiments from about 160 to about 180 °C.FINAL MIXING STEP

[0089] Following the masterbatch mixing step, a curative or curative system is introduced to the composition and mixing is continued to ultimately form the vulcanizable composition of matter. This mixing step may be referred to as the final mixing step, the curative mixing step, or the productive mixing step. The resultant product from this mixing step may be referred to as the vulcanizable composition.

[0090] In one or more embodiments, the final mixing step may be characterized by the peak temperature obtained by the composition during final mixing. As the skilled person will recognize, this temperature may also be referred to as the final drop temperature. In one or more embodiments, the peak temperature of the composition during final mixing may be at most 130 °C, in other embodiments at most 110 °C, and in other embodiments at most 100 °C. In these or other embodiments, the peak temperature of the composition during final mixing may be from about 80 to about 130 °C, in other embodiments from about 90 to about 115 °C, and in other embodiments from about 95 to about 105 °C.MIXING EQUIPMENT

[0091] All ingredients of the vulcanizable compositions can be mixed with standard mixing equipment such as internal mixers (e.g. Banbury or Brabender mixers), extruders, kneaders, and two-rolled mills. Mixing can take place singularly or in tandem. As suggested above, the ingredients can be mixed in a single stage, or in other embodiments in two or more stages. For example, in a first stage (i.e. mixing stage), which typically includes the rubber component and filler, a masterbatch is prepared. Once the masterbatch is prepared, the vulcanizing agents may be introduced and mixed into the masterbatch in a final mixing stage, which is typically conducted at relatively low temperatures so as to reduce the chances of premature vulcanization. Additional mixing stages, sometimes called remills, can be employed between the masterbatch mixing stage and the final mixing stage.INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITYPREPARATION OF TIRE

[0092] The vulcanizable compositions can be processed into tire components according to ordinary tire manufacturing techniques including standard rubber shaping, molding and curing techniques. Typically, vulcanization is effected by heating the vulcanizable composition in a mold; e.g., it may be heated to about 140 °C to about 180 °C. Cured or crosslinked rubber compositions may be referred to as vulcanizates, which generally contain three-dimensional polymeric networks that are thermoset. The other ingredients, such as fillers and processing aids, may be evenly dispersed throughout the crosslinked network. Pneumatic tires can be made as discussed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,866,171, 5,876,527, 5,931,211, and 5,971,046, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0093] As indicated above, the vulcanizable compositions of the present invention can be cured to prepare various tire components. These tire components include, without limitation, tire treads, tire sidewalls, belt skims, innerliners, and bead apex.EXPERIMENTALFORMATION OF LIQUID EUTECTIC COMPOSITION

[0094] A liquid eutectic composition of choline chloride and urea was prepared by mixing one mole of choline chloride with two moles of urea at 100 °C in an oil bath with magnetic rod stirring at 60 rpm. The composition, which will be referred to as reline, was a liquid at standard conditions of temperature and pressure.FORMATION OF SOLID EUTECTIC COMPOSITION

[0095] A solid eutectic composition of choline chloride and thiourea was prepared by mixing one mole of choline chloride with two moles of thiourea at 100 °C in an oil bath with magnetic rod stirring at 60 rpm. The composition, which will be referred to as ChCkthiourea, was determined to have a melt temperature of 67 °C (DSC measurement).FORMATION OF VULCANIZABLE COMPOSITIONS

[0096] Vulcanizable compositions were prepared using the rubber formulation and mixing order provided in Table I. This rubber formulation was indicative of a rubber formulation that is useful in the manufacture of tire treads. The mix procedure was a three- step mix procedure including a masterbatch mix step, a "remill mix step,” and a final mix step. The various mixing steps were performed within a 65-gram Banbury-style mixer. During preparation of the masterbatch, the mixer was operated at 60 rpm for five minute or until a peak compositional temperature of 170 °C was attained. At that point in time, the composition was dropped from the mixer and allowed to cool to below about 85 °C. At this point in time, the composition was then reintroduced to the mixer along with the additional ingredients for the “remill stage,” and mixing was continued at 60 rpm for five minute or until a peak compositional temperature of about 170 °C was achieved. The composition was again dropped from the mixer and allowed to cool to below about 50 °C. Then, the composition was again reintroduced to the mixer along with the ingredients identified for the “final mix stage.” Included among these ingredients was the reline or ChCkthiourea, asprovided in Table II. Mixing was continued at 40 rpm for two- and one-half minutes or until a peak compositional temperature of about 100 °C was attained. The composition was then dropped from the mixer and samples were obtained from the composition for purposes of the analytical testing. As noted in Table II, the ingredients introduced in the final mix stage were varied as reported in Table 11, which also provides the results of the analytical testing.Table I

[0097] Rheometer measurements were taken using an MDR 2000 operating at temperatures as specified in the Tables. The tensile mechanical properties (Max Stress, Modulus, Elongation, and Toughness) of the vulcanizates were measured by using the standard procedure described in ASTM-D412.Table II

[0098] The data in Table II shows that a eutectic mixture based upon choline chloride and thiourea performs as well as reline while offering the benefit of being in the solid state at standard conditions of temperature and pressure.

[0099] Various modifications and alterations that do not depart from the scope and spirit of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. This invention is not to be duly limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of preparing a sidewall support, the method comprising the steps of:(i) providing a vulcanizable composition including an elastomer, a filler, a curative, and a eutectic composition, where the eutectic composition is a solid;(ii) fabricating the vulcanizable composition into a green sidewall support; and(iii) subjecting the green sidewall support to curing conditions.

2. The method of claim 1, where the eutectic composition is a deep eutectic composition.

3. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the eutectic composition is a deep eutectic composition that is formed by combining eutectic members into a eutectic pair, and where the respective members of the pair are at a molar ratio within + / - 20 % of the lowest melting point for the eutectic pair.

4. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the eutectic composition is a solid at temperatures of up to at least 20 °C at normal pressure (i.e. 1 atm).

5. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the eutectic composition is a solid at temperatures of up to at least 40 °C at normal pressure (i.e. 1 atm).

6. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the eutectic composition is a deep eutectic composition that is formed by combining eutectic members into a eutectic pair, and where the respective members of the pair are at a molar ratio selected to yield a mixture having a melting point above 20 °C.

7. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the eutectic composition is a deep eutectic composition that is formed by combining eutectic members into a eutectic pair, and where the respective members of the pair are at a molar ratio selected to yield a mixture having a melting point above 40 °C.

8. The method of any of the preceding claims, where eutectic composition is defined by the formula Cat+X‘zY, where Cat+is a cation, X" is a counter anion (e.g. Lewis Base), and z refers to the number of Y molecules that interact with the counter anion (e.g. Lewis Base).

9. The method of any of the preceding claims, where Cat+is an ammonium, phosphonium, or sulfonium cation and X" is a halide ion.

10. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the eutectic composition is selected from the group consisting of Type 1, Type 11, Type 111, and Type IV eutectic compositions.

11. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the eutectic composition is formed by combining an ammonium compound with a metal halide, a metal halide hydrate, or a hydrogen bond donor.

12. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the ammonium compound ammonium compounds, may be defined by the formula II:(RiWCRsW - N+— 0- where each R-p R2, R3, and R4 is individually hydrogen or a monovalent organic group, or, in the alternative, two of Rj, R2, R3, and R4 join to form a divalent organic group, and 0“ is a counter anion.

13. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the ammonium compound is selected from the group consisting of N-ethyl-2-hydroxy-N,N-dimethylethanaminium chloride, 2-hydroxy -N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium chloride (which is also known as choline chloride), and N-benzyl-2-hydroxy-N,N-dimethlethanaminium chloride.

14. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the ammonium compound is selected from the group consisting of and 2-chloro-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium [which is also referred to as chlorcholine chloride), and 2-(chlorocarbonyloxy)- N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium chloride.

15. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the hydrogen bond donor is selected from the group consisting of amines, amides, carboxylic acids, and alcohols.

16. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the hydrogen bond donor is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic amines, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, aminoethylpiperazine, triethylenetetramine, tris(2- aminoethyljamine, N,N'-bis-(2aminoethyle)piperazine, piperazinoethylethylenediamine, and tetraethylenepentaamine, propyleneamine, aniline, substituted aniline, and combinations thereof.

17. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the hydrogen bond donor is selected from the group consisting of urea, 1-methyl urea, 1,1-dimethyl urea, 1,3- dimethylurea, thiourea, urea, benzamide, acetamide, and combinations thereof.

18. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the hydrogen bond donor is selected from the group consisting of phenylpropionic acid, phenylacetic acid, benzoic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, adipic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, tricarballylic acid, and combinations thereof.

19. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the hydrogen bond donor is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic alcohols, phenol, substituted phenol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, resorcinol, substituted resorcinol, glycerol, benzene triol, and mixtures thereof.

20. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the metal halide is selected from the group consisting of aluminum chloride, aluminum bromide, aluminum iodide, zinc chloride, zinc bromide, zinc iodide, tin chloride, tin bromide, tin iodide, iron chloride, iron bromide, iron iodide, and combinations thereof.

21. The method of matter of any of the preceding claims, where said vulcanizable composition includes greater than 1.5 pbw zinc oxide per 100 pbw rubber.

22. The method of matter of any of the preceding claims, where said vulcanizable composition includes greater than 2.0 pbw zinc oxide per 100 pbw rubber.

23. The method of matter of any of the preceding claims, where the vulcanizable composition includes from about 0.005 to about 3 pbw of the eutectic composition per 100 pbw rubber.

24. The method of matter of any of the preceding claims, where the vulcanizable composition includes from about 0.01 to about 1 pbw of the eutectic composition per 100 pbw rubber.

25. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the vulcanizable composition includes a low molecular weight, high vinyl polydiene.

26. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the eutectic composition is the combination of a quaternary salt and thiourea.

27. The method of any of the preceding claims, where the eutectic composition is the combination a choline chloride and thiourea.

28. A method of forming a pneumatic tire, the method including placing the sidewall support formed by the method of any of the preceding claims into a green tire.

29. A method of forming a pneumatic tire, the method including placing the sidewall support formed by the method of any of the preceding claims into a cured tire.

30. A pneumatic tire comprising:(i) a tread;(ii) a carcass;(iii) an optional innerliner layer; and(iv) a pair of sidewall supports disposed on the carcass or on the optional innerliner layer, if present, where said sidewall supports are prepared from a vulcanizable composition including an elastomer, a filler, a curative, and a eutectic composition.

31. The tire of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sidewall supports are substantially capable of supporting the tire in a run flat condition.

32. The tire of any of the preceding claims, the tread having a first edge and a second edge, and the tire including a first bead and a second bead, where a first reinforcing member of the pair of sidewall supports extends generally from the first edge of the tread to the first bead, and where a second reinforcing member of the pair of sidewall supports extends generally from the second edge of the tread to the second bead.

33. The tire of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sidewall supports are crescent shaped.

34. The tire of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sidewall supports are elastomeric.

35. The tire of any of the preceding claims, where the sidewall support is characterized by a Shore A hardness at 100 °C of more than 60, a tan delta at 100 °C at 10 Hz of less than 0.20, a storage modulus at 10 °C, 52 Hz, and 1 % strain, of more than 6 MPa, and an elastic modulus of more than 10 kg / cm2.

36. The tire of any of the preceding claims, where the sidewall support is characterized by a thickness of greater than 6 mm.

37. The tire of any of the preceding claims, where the sidewall support is characterized by a degree of cure where in less than 5 wt % is extractable by boiling cyclohexane.

38. The tire of any of the preceding claims, where the eutectic composition is the combination of a quaternary salt and thiourea.

39. The tire of any of the preceding claims, where the eutectic composition is the combination a choline chloride and thiourea.

40. The tire of any of the preceding claims, where the eutectic composition is a deep eutectic composition.

41. The tire of any of the preceding claims, where the eutectic composition is a deep eutectic composition that is formed by combining eutectic members into a eutectic pair, and where the respective members of the pair are at a molar ratio within + / - 20 % of the lowest melting point for the eutectic pair.

42. The tire of any of the preceding claims, where the eutectic composition is a solid at temperatures of up to at least 20 °C at normal pressure (i.e. 1 atm).

43. The tire of any of the preceding claims, where the eutectic composition is a solid at temperatures of up to at least 40 °C at normal pressure (i.e. 1 atm).

44. The tire of any of the preceding claims, where the eutectic composition is a deep eutectic composition that is formed by combining eutectic members into a eutectic pair, and where the respective members of the pair are at a molar ratio selected to yield a mixture having a melting point above 20 °C.

Images