Tires with RFID encapsulated in different rubber layers and related methods

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a tire having an electronic communication module including a wireless device, the wireless device disposed between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer, the second rubber layer having a T50 cure time at 160° C. that is longer than the T50 cure time of the first rubber layer. Also disclosed is a related method for curing a tire having an electronic communication module including a wireless device disposed between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer, the second rubber layer having a T50 cure time at 160° C. that is longer than the T50 cure time of the first rubber layer.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application relates to tires that include an RFID or electronic communication module with an encapsulated wireless device between layers of different rubber compositions, and related methods for curing tires with encapsulated RFID. [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic devices (often referred to as radio frequency information devices or RFID) may be incorporated into tires to provide functions such as identification and tracking during tire manufacture, distribution, and use. Such devices may also serve to monitor physical parameters such as pressure and temperature while the tire is in use.

[0003] Given the wide variety of identification and monitoring devices available, there are also a wide variety of mounting configurations for these devices. Exemplary known mounting configurations include mounting the monitoring device to the tire sidewall, mounting the monitoring device to a bead filler, attaching the device to the tire sidewall with an adhesive or glue, attaching the device directly to the innerliner with an adhesive or glue, bonding the device to the rim that supports the tire, and attaching the device to the valve stem of the wheel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Disclosed herein is a tire having an electronic communication module including a wireless device, the wireless device disposed between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer, the second rubber layer having a T50 cure time at 160° C. that is longer than the T50 cure time of the first rubber layer. Also disclosed is a related method for curing a tire having an electronic communication module including a wireless device disposed between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer, the second rubber layer having a T50 cure time at 160° C. that is longer than the T50 cure time of the first rubber layer.

[0005] In a first embodiment, a tire having an electronic communication module including a wireless device is disclosed, and the wireless device is disposed between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer. The first rubber layer is composed of 100 parts of at least one diene rubber, at least one filler, and a curing package, and the first rubber layer has a T50 cure time T50-1 at 160°C of about 1.5 to about 3.5 minutes, preferably about 2 to about 3 minutes. The second rubber layer is composed of at least one diene rubber, at least one filler, and a curing package, and the second rubber layer has a T50 cure time T50-2 at 160°C that is longer than T50-1, which is about 2.5 to about 5 minutes, preferably about 3 to about 4 minutes. According to the first embodiment, the first rubber layer and the second rubber layer each independently have a thickness of about 0.4 to about 3 mm, preferably about 0.5 to about 2 mm.

[0006] In a second embodiment, a process for curing a tire with an electronic communication module is provided. According to the process of the second embodiment, an uncured tire carcass and an electronic communication module including an encapsulated wireless device disposed between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer are provided. The first rubber layer is composed of 100 parts of at least one diene rubber, at least one filler, and a curing package, and the first rubber layer has a T50 cure time T50-1 at 160°C of about 1.5 to about 3.5 minutes, preferably about 2 to about 3 minutes. The second rubber layer is composed of at least one diene rubber, at least one filler, and a curing package, and the second rubber layer has a T50 cure time T50-2 at 160°C that is longer than T50-1, about 2.5 to about 5 minutes, preferably about 3 to about 4 minutes. According to the second embodiment, the first rubber layer and the second rubber layer each independently have a thickness of about 0.4 to about 3 mm, preferably about 0.5 to about 2 mm. Further, according to the process of the second embodiment, an encapsulated wireless device (i.e., a wireless device disposed between the first rubber layer and the second rubber layer) is disposed against at least one component of the uncured tire carcass, and then the uncured tire carcass is cured along with the encapsulated wireless device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Disclosed herein is a tire having an electronic communication module including a wireless device, the wireless device disposed between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer, the second rubber layer having a T50 cure time at 160° C. that is longer than the T50 cure time of the first rubber layer. Also disclosed is a related method for curing a tire having an electronic communication module including a wireless device disposed between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer, the second rubber layer having a T50 cure time at 160° C. that is longer than the T50 cure time of the first rubber layer.

[0008] In a first embodiment, a tire having an electronic communication module including a wireless device is disclosed, and the wireless device is disposed between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer. The first rubber layer is composed of 100 parts of at least one diene rubber, at least one filler, and a curing package, and the first rubber layer has a T50 cure time T50-1 at 160°C of about 1.5 to about 3.5 minutes, preferably about 2 to about 3 minutes. The second rubber layer is composed of at least one diene rubber, at least one filler, and a curing package, and the second rubber layer has a T50 cure time T50-2 at 160°C that is longer than T50-1, which is about 2.5 to about 5 minutes, preferably about 3 to about 4 minutes. According to the first embodiment, the first rubber layer and the second rubber layer each independently have a thickness of about 0.4 to about 3 mm, preferably about 0.5 to about 2 mm.

[0009] In a second embodiment, a process for curing a tire with an electronic communication module is provided. According to the process of the second embodiment, an uncured tire carcass and an electronic communication module including an encapsulated wireless device disposed between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer are provided. The first rubber layer is composed of 100 parts of at least one diene rubber, at least one filler, and a curing package, and the first rubber layer has a T50 cure time T50-1 at 160°C of about 1.5 to about 3.5 minutes, preferably about 2 to about 3 minutes. The second rubber layer is composed of at least one diene rubber, at least one filler, and a curing package, and the second rubber layer has a T50 cure time T50-2 at 160°C that is longer than T50-1, about 2.5 to about 5 minutes, preferably about 3 to about 4 minutes. According to the second embodiment, the first rubber layer and the second rubber layer each independently have a thickness of about 0.4 to about 3 mm, preferably about 0.5 to about 2 mm. Further, according to the process of the second embodiment, an encapsulated wireless device (i.e., a wireless device disposed between the first rubber layer and the second rubber layer) is disposed against at least one component of the uncured tire carcass, and then the uncured tire carcass is cured along with the encapsulated wireless device.

[0010] definition The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the embodiments only and is not to be construed as limiting the invention as a whole.

[0011] As used herein, the term "major portion" by weight refers to greater than 50% by weight.

[0012] Unless otherwise specified herein, the term "Mooney viscosity" refers to Mooney viscosity, ML 1+4 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the Mooney viscosity of a rubber composition is measured prior to vulcanization or curing.

[0013] As used herein, the term "natural rubber" means naturally occurring rubber, such as that which can be harvested from sources such as Hevea rubber trees, and from non-Hevea sources (e.g., guayule and dandelion, such as TKS). In other words, the term "natural rubber" should be interpreted to exclude synthetic polyisoprene.

[0014] As used herein, "nitrogen surface area" refers to the nitrogen absorption specific surface area (N 2 Nitrogen surface area (SA) can be measured according to a variety of standard methods, including those described below.

[0015] As used herein, the term "phr" means parts per hundred of rubber. One hundred parts of rubber refers to one hundred parts of at least one diene based elastomer.

[0016] As used herein, the term "polyisoprene" refers to synthetic polyisoprene. In other words, the term is used to indicate a polymer made from isoprene monomers and should not be construed to include naturally occurring rubber (e.g., Hevea natural rubber, natural rubber of guayule origin, or natural rubber of dandelion origin). However, the term "polyisoprene" should be construed to include polyisoprene made from natural sources of isoprene monomers.

[0017] Electronic Communication Module As mentioned above, the present disclosure generally relates to a tire including an RFID or electronic communication module that includes an encapsulated wireless device between layers of different rubber compositions, and an associated method for curing a tire having an encapsulated RFID. According to the first and second embodiments disclosed herein, the electronic communication module includes a wireless device, which may be generally understood as including at least a body and an antenna. As described in more detail below, the wireless device is disposed between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer prior to being cured with other components of the tire (e.g., an innerliner, one or more body plies, a sidewall, etc.). Stated that the wireless device is disposed between the two rubber layers means that the wireless device is encapsulated between and / or completely surrounded by the two layers. The first and second rubber layers are referred to herein as different because they have different compositions and, as a result of the different compositions, have different T50 cure times (measured at 160° C.), with the T50 cure time of the second rubber layer (referred to herein as T50-2) being longer than the T50 cure time of the first rubber layer (referred to herein as T50-1). The use of two different rubber layers (as described herein) provides the advantage of ensuring that the wireless device is properly positioned within the tire by minimizing or eliminating movement of the wireless device during curing. Thus, according to the first and second embodiments disclosed herein, an electronic communication module having an encapsulated wireless device in the first and second rubber layers remains encapsulated between the first and second rubber layers even after curing, thereby reducing the possibility of the wireless device migrating through or into one of the rubber layers during curing. Otherwise, by migrating through or into the rubber layer during cure, the wireless device could become exposed through the surface of the rubber layer (visible within the tire) where it would be susceptible to damage, or could sink into the innerliner and cause damage to one or more body plies.

[0018] First Rubber Layer As described above, according to the first and second embodiments, the wireless device is disposed between the first and second rubber layers. The T50 cure time (T50-1) of the first rubber layer is less than the T50 cure time (T50-2) of the second rubber layer. The first rubber layer is composed of (including) 100 parts of at least one diene-based rubber, at least one filler, and a curing package. As used herein, the phrase diene-based rubber is intended to refer to a polymer or copolymer made from at least one conjugated diene monomer. In general, non-limiting examples of diene-based rubber include natural rubber, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene rubber, and polybutadiene. The particular components used in the at least one diene based rubber, at least one filler, and cure package of the first rubber layer may vary, but are selected to provide a T50-1 cure time of about 1.5 to about 3.5 minutes or 1.5 to 3.5 minutes (e.g., 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, or 3.5 minutes), preferably about 2 to about 3 minutes or 2 to 3 minutes (e.g., 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, or 3 minutes).

[0019] In certain embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the first rubber layer has (a) an elongation at break at 23° C. of less than 150% (e.g., 149%, 145%, 140%, 135%, 130%, 125%, 120%, 115%, 110%, 105%, 100%, 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, etc.), preferably about 100% to about 70% or 100% to 70% (e.g., 100%, 95%, 90% , 85%, 80%, 75%, or 70%); (b) a 50% modulus at 23° C. of at least 3.5 MPa (e.g., 3.5 MPa, 4 MPa, 4.5 MPa, 5 MPa, 5.5 MPa, 6 MPa, 6.5 MPa, 7 MPa, 7.5 MPa, 8 MPa, etc.), preferably about 4 to about 6 MPa or 4 to 6 MPa (e.g., 4 MPa, 4.5 MPa, 5 MPa, 5.5 MPa, or 6 MPa); (c) a modulus at break at 23° C. of at least 9 MPa. Tensile strength at break (e.g., 9 MPa, 9.5 MPa, 10 MPa, 10.5 MPa, 11 MPa, 11.5 MPa, 12 MPa, 12.5 MPa, 13 MPa, 13.5 MPa, 14 MPa, 14.5 MPa, 15 MPa, 15.5 MPa, 16 MPa, 17 MPa, 18 MPa, etc.), preferably about 10 to about 15 MPa or 10 to 15 MPa (e.g., 10 MPa, 10.5 MPa, 11 MPa, 11.5 MPa, 12 MPa, 12.5 M Pa, 13 MPa, 13.5 MPa, 14 MPa, 14.5 MPa, or 15 MPa), or (d) a Mooney viscosity ML1+4 at 130° C. of about 43 to about 57 or 43 to 57 (e.g., 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, or 57, preferably about 45 to about 50 or 45 to 50 (e.g., 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50).

[0020] The elongation at break measurement (in terms of % elongation), also called Eb, provides an indication of the tear resistance of the rubber composition. The tension at break measurement (in MPa), also called Tb, provides an indication of the strength of the rubber composition by measuring the maximum stress it can withstand before breaking. The elongation at break and tension at break can be measured using dumbbell-shaped specimens with cross-sectional dimensions of 4 mm width and 1.9 mm thickness at the center, following the guidelines of standard procedures described in, but not limited to, ASTM D-412. During the measurement, the specimen can be strained at a constant rate (20% per second) and the resulting force can be recorded as a function of extension (strain). Eb and Tb measured at 23°C are sometimes referred to as room temperature measurements. The 50% modulus measurement (in MPa), also called M50, measures the tensile stress of a sample of the rubber composition at 50% elongation. The 50% modulus measurement is not a true modulus measurement and can be measured using the same method described for Eb and Tb. Mooney viscosity ML1+4 at 130°C can be measured using an Alpha Technologies Mooney Viscometer with a large rotor, a one minute warm-up time, and a four minute run time, and is therefore referred to as Mooney 1+4 or ML1+4. More specifically, such Mooney viscosity is measured by pre-heating uncured samples to 130°C for one minute before the rotor starts, and the Mooney viscosity is recorded for each sample as the torque four minutes after the rotor starts.

[0021] In certain of the first and second embodiments, the first layer has a Shore A hardness at 23° C. of at least 70 (e.g., 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100), preferably 70 to 90 (e.g., 70, 72, 74, 75, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 88, or 90), and more preferably 74 to 84 (e.g., 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, or 84). Shore A hardness can be measured according to ASTM D2240, using a sample size with a minimum of 0.25 inch gauge and 1 inch width, and cure conditions of 150° C. for 40 minutes.

[0022] In preferred embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the first rubber layer satisfies each of the above (a)-(d), preferably each of (a)-(d) in their preferred ranges. In certain such embodiments, the first rubber layer also satisfies a Shore A hardness range, preferably a preferred range, more preferably a more preferred range.

[0023] According to the first and second embodiments disclosed herein, the rubber(s) used to constitute 100 parts of at least one diene-based rubber in the first rubber layer can be various. In total, 100 parts of rubber are present in the first rubber layer. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, since 100 parts of rubber are used, other components of the rubber layer can be described in terms of parts per 100 parts of rubber, i.e., phr. In preferred embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the at least one diene-based rubber of the first rubber layer comprises a majority by weight (e.g., 51%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 855, 90%, 95%, or even 100%) of polybutadiene, polyisoprene, natural rubber, or mixtures thereof, and preferably comprises a total of 10 parts or less (e.g., 10 parts, 5 parts, 4 parts, 3 parts, 2 parts, 1 part, or even 0 parts) of EPDM, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, or nitrile rubber. In the aforementioned more preferred embodiments, the at least one diene-based rubber of the first layer comprises at least 60% by weight, at least 70% by weight, at least 80% by weight, at least 90% by weight, or even 100% by weight of polybutadiene, polyisoprene, natural rubber, or mixtures thereof. In certain of the first and second embodiments, any polybutadiene used in the first layer is a high cis polybutadiene, which can be considered to be a polybutadiene having a cis bond content of at least 90%, more preferably at least 92%. High cis polybutadiene generally has a relatively low Tg, e.g., less than -100°C. In other embodiments of the first and second embodiments, any polybutadiene used in the first layer has a lower cis bond content, e.g., less than 90%, and a higher Tg, e.g., in the range of about -85 to about -55°C or -85 to -55°C (e.g., -85, -80, -75, -70, -65, -60, or -55°C), preferably about -80 to about -60°C or -80 to -60°C (e.g., -60, -65, -70, -75, or -80°C). In certain of the first and second embodiments, any polybutadiene rubber used in the first layer is not functionalized.In other embodiments of the first and second embodiments, any polybutadiene rubber used in the first layer is functionalized (e.g., by the use of a terminal functional compound and / or a coupling agent). In yet other embodiments of the first and second embodiments, a combination of functionalized and non-functionalized polybutadiene rubber is used in the first rubber layer.

[0024] According to the first and second embodiments disclosed herein, the at least one filler of the first rubber layer may vary. In a preferred embodiment of the first and second embodiments, the at least one filler of the first rubber layer comprises carbon black, preferably in an amount of about 30 to about 50 phr or 30 to 50 phr (e.g., 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 phr). When carbon black is used in one of the aforementioned amounts, for example, in the first rubber layer, the carbon black is preferably selected from the N300 series, N500 series, or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of N300 series carbon blacks include N330 and N351. Non-limiting examples of N500 series carbon blacks include N550 carbon black as designated by ASTM D-1765-82a. Any carbon black used in the first rubber layer preferably has a viscosity of at least about 20 m. 2 / g (at least 20m 2 / g), more preferably at least about 35 m 2 / g to about 200m 2 / g or more (35m 2 / g to 200m 2The reinforcing carbon blacks are those having a surface area of ​​up to and including 1000 nm / g. Surface area values ​​used herein for carbon blacks are determined by ASTM D-1765 using the cetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide (CTAB) technique. In preferred embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the first rubber layer contains limited amounts of silica (e.g., less than 5 phr, 4 phr, 3 phr, 2 phr, 1 phr), and even more preferably no silica (i.e., 0 phr silica).

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the first and second embodiments, the curing package of the first rubber layer comprises sulfur as a vulcanizing agent and at least one vulcanization accelerator, with a weight ratio of vulcanization accelerator to sulfur of at least 0.7:1 (e.g., 0.7:1, 0.8:1, 0.9:1, 1:1, 1.1:1, 1.2:1, 1.3:1, 1.4:1, 1.5:1, 1.6:1, 1.7:1, etc.), preferably at least 0.9:1 or from 0.9:1 to 1.5:1 (e.g., 0.9:1, 1:1, 1.1:1, 1.2:1, 1.3:1, 1.4:1, or 1.5:1). Examples of specific suitable sulfur vulcanizing agents include "rubbermaker" soluble sulfur, sulfur donor curatives such as amine disulfide, polymeric polysulfide, or sulfur olefin adducts, and insoluble polymeric sulfur. Preferably, the sulfur vulcanizing agent is soluble sulfur or a mixture of soluble and insoluble sulfur polymers. The particular vulcanization accelerator(s) used in the curing package of the first rubber layer may vary. In general, the sulfur vulcanizing agent(s) may be used in a total amount ranging from 1 to 12 phr (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 phr), including 3 to 10 phr (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 phr), and 5 to 8 phr (e.g., 5, 6, 7, or 8 phr) in certain embodiments of the first and second embodiments, and the at least one vulcanization accelerator is It may be used in a total amount ranging from 0.7 to 10 phr (e.g., 0.7, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, or 10 phr), including 1 or 8 phr (e.g., 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, or 10 phr), with the weight ratio of vulcanization accelerator to sulfur being as described above. In a preferred embodiment of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the at least one vulcanization accelerator used in the first rubber layer includes or is an ultrafast vulcanization accelerator. In general, the following classes of vulcanization accelerators can be considered to be ultrafast vulcanization accelerators: thiophosphates, thioureas, thiurams, dithiocarbamates, and xanthates.Non-limiting examples of suitable thiophosphates include zinc-O,O-di-N-phosphorodithioate (ZBDP). Non-limiting examples of suitable thioureas include ethylenethiourea (ETU), di-pentamethylenethiourea (DPTU), and dibutylthiourea (DBTU). Non-limiting examples of suitable thiurams include thiuram monosulfides and polysulfides (e.g., TMTM (tetramethylthiuram monosulfide), TMTD (tetramethylthiuram disulfide), DPTT (dipentamethylenethiuram tetrasulfide), TETD (tetraethylthiuram disulfide), TiBTD (tetraisobutylthiuram disulfide), TBzTD (tetrabenzylthiuram disulfide), and the like. Non-limiting examples of dithiocarbamates include zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate (ZDMC), zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC), zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate (ZDBC), and zinc dibenzyldithiocarbamate (ZDBC). Non-limiting examples of suitable xanthates include zinc-isopropylxanthate (ZIX).

[0026] The first rubber layer may also include one or more additional components, including but not limited to one or more plasticizers (e.g., liquid plasticizers such as oils, or more solid plasticizers such as hydrocarbon resins), one or more antioxidants, one or more vulcanization activators (e.g., zinc oxide, stearic acid, etc.), one or more vulcanization inhibitors, and one or more scorch inhibitors. According to the first and second embodiments disclosed herein, the first rubber layer may include any or all of the aforementioned additional components.

[0027] In those embodiments of the first and second embodiments in which the first rubber layer includes one or more plasticizers, the specific type(s) and amount(s) of plasticizer(s) used may vary. A variety of plasticizers are suitable for use in the first rubber layer, including, but not limited to, liquid plasticizers such as oils and more solid plasticizers such as hydrocarbon resins. Stated that a plasticizer is liquid is meant to refer to its state at room temperature of 23°C. Any liquid plasticizer or oil may be present as an extending oil (used to extend one of the diene-based rubbers) and / or may be used as a free oil (added separately during mixing). Suitable liquid plasticizers such as oils include, but are not limited to, aromatic oils, naphthenic oils, and low PCA oils. Suitable low PCA oils include those having a polycyclic aromatic content of less than 3% by weight as measured by the IP346 method. The procedure of the IP346 method can be found in Standard Methods for Analysis & Testing of Petroleum and Related Products and British Standard 2000 Parts, 2003, 62nd edition, published by the Institute of Petroleum (UK). Suitable low PCA oils include light extractive solvates (MES), treated distillate aromatic extracts (TDAE), TRAE, and heavy naphthenics. Suitable MES oils are commercially available as CATENEX SNR (SHELL), PROREX 15 and FLEXON 683 (EXXONMOBIL), VIVATEC 200 (BP), PLAXOLENE MS (TOTAL FINA ELF), TUDALEN 4160 / 4225 (DAHLEKE), MES-H (REPSOL), MES (Z8), and OLIO MES S201 (AGIP). Suitable TDAE oils are available as TYREX 20 (exchanger), VIVATEC 500, VIVATEC 180, and ENERTHENE 1849 (exchanger), and EXTENSOIL 1996 (exchanger), from REPSOL.Suitable heavy naphthenic oils are available as SHELLFELX 794, ERGON BLACK OIL, ERGON H2000, CROSS C2000, CROSS C2400, and SAN JOAQUIN 2000L. Suitable low PCA oils also include oils of various plant origins, such as those obtained from vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Non-limiting examples include, but are not limited to, soybean oil, sunflower oil (including high oleic sunflower oil), safflower oil, corn oil, linseed oil, cottonseed oil, rapeseed oil, cashew oil, sesame oil, camellia oil, jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil, coconut oil, and palm oil. The aforementioned processing oils can also be used as extending oils, i.e., for the preparation of oil-extended polymers or copolymers, or as processing oils or free oils. According to the first and second embodiments, the total amount of oil (processing oil and optional extender oil) used in the first rubber layer is about 1 to about 20 phr or 1 to 20 phr (for example, 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20 phr), preferably about 1 to about 10 phr or 1 to 10 phr (for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 phr). Suitable hydrocarbon resins for use in the first rubber layer may vary, including, but are not limited to, cyclopentadiene or dicyclopentadiene homopolymer or copolymer resins, terpene homopolymer or copolymer resins, phenol homopolymer or copolymer resins, C5 or C9 moiety homopolymer or copolymer resins, alpha-methylstyrene homopolymer or copolymer resins, and combinations thereof. According to the first and second embodiments, the total amount of hydrocarbon resin used in the first rubber layer is about 1 to about 10 phr or 1 to 10 phr (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 phr), preferably about 1 to about 5 phr or 1 to 5 phr (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 phr). In preferred embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the total amount of plasticizer is 10 phr or less (e.g., 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 phr or less), including 5 phr or less.

[0028] In the first and second embodiments in which the first rubber layer includes one or more antioxidants, the specific type(s) and amount(s) used may vary. A variety of antioxidants are known to those skilled in the art and may be utilized in the first rubber layer, including, but not limited to, certain waxes, phenolic antioxidants, amine phenolic antioxidants, hydroquinone antioxidants, alkyl diamine antioxidants, and amine compound antioxidants such as N-phenyl-N'-isopropyl-p-phenylenediamine (IPPD) or N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-phenylenediamine (6PPD). In certain embodiments, one or more types may be utilized, as well as one or more of each type. Generally, the total amount of antioxidant(s) used in the first layer is 1 to 5 phr (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 phr).

[0029] In the first and second embodiments in which the first rubber layer includes one or more vulcanization activators, the specific type(s) and amount(s) used may vary. Generally, vulcanization activators are additives used to support vulcanization and include both inorganic and organic components. Zinc oxide is the most widely used inorganic vulcanization activator. A variety of organic vulcanization activators are commonly used, including stearic acid, palmitic acid, lauric acid, and zinc salts of each of the foregoing. Generally, the total amount of vulcanization activators used ranges from 0.1 to 6 phr (e.g., 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, or 6 phr), preferably 0.5 to 4 phr (e.g., 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, or 4 phr), preferably a combination of zinc oxide and stearic acid.

[0030] In those embodiments of the first and second embodiments in which the first rubber layer includes one or more vulcanization inhibitors, the particular vulcanization inhibitor(s) and amount(s) used may vary. Generally, vulcanization inhibitors are used to control the vulcanization process and delay or inhibit vulcanization until a desired time and / or temperature is reached. Common vulcanization inhibitors include, but are not limited to, PVI (cyclohexylthiophthalmide) manufactured by Santogard. Generally, the amount of vulcanization inhibitor is 0.1-3 phr (e.g., 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 phr), preferably 0.5-2 phr (e.g., 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 phr).

[0031] In the first and second embodiments, in those embodiments in which the first rubber layer includes one or more scorch inhibitors, the specific type(s) and amount(s) used may vary. For a general disclosure of suitable scorch inhibitors (as well as other ingredients used in curing), reference may be made to Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd Edition, Wiley Interscience, NY. 1982, Vol. 20, pp. 365-468, especially Vulcanization Agents and Auxiliary Materials, pp. 390-402, or Vulcanization by AY Coran, Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, Second Edition (1989 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] Second Rubber Layer As described above, according to the first and second embodiments, the wireless device is disposed between the first and second rubber layers. The T50 cure time (T50-2) of the second rubber layer is longer than the T50 cure time (T50-1) of the first rubber layer. The second rubber layer is composed of 100 parts of at least one diene-based rubber, at least one filler, and a curing package. As used herein, the phrase diene-based rubber is intended to refer to a polymer or copolymer made from at least one conjugated diene monomer. In general, non-limiting examples of diene-based rubber include natural rubber, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene rubber, and polybutadiene. The specific components used in the at least one diene based rubber, at least one filler, and the cure package of the second rubber layer may vary, but are selected to provide a T50-2 cure time of about 2.5 to about 5 minutes or 2.5 to 5 minutes (e.g., 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, or 5 minutes), preferably about 3 to about 4 minutes or 3 to 4 minutes (e.g., 3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, or 4 minutes).

[0033] In certain embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the first rubber layer has (a) an elongation at break of at least 300% (e.g., 300%, 350%, 400%, 450%, 500%, 550%, 600%, 650%, 700%, 750%, 800%, 850%, etc.), preferably about 400% to about 700% or 400% to 700% (e.g., 400%, 450%, 500%, 550%, 600%, 650%, or 700%) at 23°C; (b) a 50% modulus at 23°C of at least 6 MPa (e.g., 6 MPa, 7 MPa, 8 MPa, 9 MPa, 10 MPa, 11 MPa, 12 MPa, etc.), preferably about 7 MPa to about 10 MPa or 7 MPa to 10 MPa (e.g., (c) a tension at break at 23°C of at least 12 MPa (e.g., 12 MPa, 14 MPa, 16 MPa, 18 MPa, 20 MPa, 22 MPa, etc.), preferably from about 14 MPa to about 20 MPa or from 14 MPa to 20 MPa (e.g., 14 MPa, 15 MPa, 16 MPa, 17 MPa, 18 MPa, 19 MPa, or 20 MPa); (d) a Mooney viscosity ML1+4 at 130°C of from about 46 to about 60 or from 46 to 60 (e.g., 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, or 60), preferably from about 50 to about 55 or from 50 to 55 (e.g., 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, or 55).

[0034] Elongation at break and tension at break can be measured using a dumbbell-shaped specimen with cross-sectional dimensions of 4 mm width and 1.9 mm thickness at the center, following the guidelines of standard procedures described in, but not limited to, ASTM D-412. During the measurement, the specimen can be strained at a constant rate (20% per second) and the resulting force can be recorded as a function of extension (strain). Eb and Tb measured at 23°C are sometimes referred to as room temperature measurements. The 50% modulus measurement (in MPa), also known as M50, measures the tensile stress of a sample of the rubber composition at 50% elongation. The 50% modulus measurement is not a true modulus measurement and can be measured using the same method described for Eb and Tb. Mooney viscosity ML1+4 at 130°C can be measured using an Alpha Technologies Mooney viscometer with a large rotor, a 1-minute warm-up time, and a 4-minute run time, and is therefore referred to as Mooney 1+4 or ML1+4. More specifically, such Mooney viscosities are measured by preheating uncured samples to 130°C for 1 minute before the rotor is started, and the Mooney viscosity is recorded for each sample as the torque 4 minutes after the rotor is started.

[0035] In certain of the first and second embodiments, the second layer has a Shore A hardness at 23° C. of less than 60 (e.g., 60, 59, 58, 57, 56, 55, 54, 53, 52, 51, 50, 49, 48, 47, etc.), preferably about 50 to about 55 or 50 to 55 (e.g., 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, or 55). Shore A hardness can be measured according to ASTM D2240 using a sample size with a minimum of 0.25 inch gauge and 1 inch width, and cure conditions of 150° C. and 40 minutes.

[0036] In preferred embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the second rubber layer satisfies each of the above (a)-(d), and more preferably satisfies each of (a)-(d) in their preferred ranges. In certain such embodiments, the second rubber layer also satisfies a Shore A hardness value, and preferably in the preferred ranges.

[0037] According to the first and second embodiments disclosed herein, the rubber(s) used to constitute the at least one diene-based rubber 100 parts in the second rubber layer may vary. In preferred embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the at least one diene-based rubber of the second rubber layer comprises a majority by weight (e.g., 51%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or even 100%) of polyisoprene, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, or mixtures thereof, and preferably comprises a total of 10 parts or less (e.g., 10 parts, 5 parts, or even 0 parts) of EPDM, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, or nitrile rubber. In the aforementioned more preferred embodiments, the at least one diene-based rubber of the second layer comprises at least 60% by weight, at least 70% by weight, at least 80% by weight, at least 90% by weight, or even 100% by weight of polyisoprene, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, or mixtures thereof. In certain of the first and second embodiments, any styrene-butadiene rubber used in the second layer is not functionalized. In other less preferred embodiments of the first and second embodiments, any styrene-butadiene rubber used in the second layer is functionalized (e.g., by use of a terminal functional compound and / or a coupling agent).

[0038] According to the first and second embodiments disclosed herein, the at least one filler of the second rubber layer may vary. In preferred embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the at least one filler of the first rubber layer comprises carbon black, silica, or a mixture thereof, preferably in a total amount of about 30 to about 50 phr or 30 to 50 phr (e.g., 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 phr). When carbon black is used in the second rubber layer, for example, in one of the aforementioned amounts, the carbon black is preferably at least about 20 m. 2 / g (at least 20m 2 / g), more preferably at least about 35m 2 / g to about 100m 2 / g or more (35m 2 / g to 100m 2 / g, including 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100m 2 The reinforcing carbon blacks are those having a surface area of ​​200 m2 or less, including values ​​therein such as 1000 m2 / g. Surface area values ​​used herein for carbon blacks are determined by ASTM D-1765 using the cetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide (CTAB) technique. If silica is used in the second rubber layer, the silica preferably has a surface area of ​​200 m2 or less. 2 g or less and is limited to 30% by weight or less of the total filler (e.g., 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10% or less), including 20% ​​by weight or less of the total filler and 10% by weight or less of the total filler.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the first and second embodiments, the curing package of the second rubber layer comprises sulfur as a vulcanizing agent and at least one vulcanization accelerator, with a weight ratio of vulcanization accelerator to sulfur of 0.6:1 or less (e.g., 0.6:1, 0.5:1, 0.4:1, 0.3:1 or less), preferably 0.5:1 or less (e.g., 0.5:1, 0.45:1, 0.4:1, 0.35:1, 0.3:1 or less), more preferably 0.4:1 or less (e.g., 0.4:1, 0.35:1, 0.3:1 or less). Specific weight ratios within the aforementioned range include, but are not limited to, 0.6:1, 0.55:1, 0.5:1, 0.45:1, 0.4:1, 0.35:1, 0.3:1, 0.25:1, 0.2:1, 0.15:1, and 0.1:1. Examples of specific suitable sulfur vulcanizing agents for the second rubber layer include "rubber manufacturer's" soluble sulfur. Sulfur donor curatives such as amine disulfide, polymeric polysulfide, or sulfur olefin adducts, and insoluble polymeric sulfur are included. Preferably, the sulfur vulcanizing agent is soluble sulfur or a mixture of soluble and insoluble sulfur polymers. The specific vulcanization accelerator(s) used in the curing package of the second rubber layer may vary. In certain embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the at least one vulcanization accelerator of the second rubber layer comprises a sulfenamide, a thiazole, or a combination thereof. In preferred embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the at least one vulcanization accelerator of the second rubber layer comprises a sulfenamide. Non-limiting examples of sulfenamide vulcanization accelerators include N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole-sulfenamide (CBS), N-tert-butyl-2-benzothiazole-sulfenamide (TBBS), 2-(4-morpholinothio)-benzothiazole (MBS), and N,N'-dicyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole-sulfenamide (DCBS). Non-limiting examples of suitable thiazoles include 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), 2,2'-dithiobis(benzothiazole) (MBTS), and N-tert-butyl-2-benzothiazole-sulfenamide (TBBS).In general, the sulfur vulcanizing agent(s) may be used in a total amount ranging from 0.5 to 8 phr (including 1 to 6 phr, and 2 to 5 phr) in certain embodiments of the first and second embodiments, and the at least one vulcanization accelerator may be used in a total amount ranging from 0.3 to 5 phr (including 0.6 or 4 phr), with the weight ratio of vulcanization accelerator to sulfur being as described above. In preferred embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the at least one vulcanization accelerator used in the second rubber layer does not include (i.e., excludes) any ultra-fast vulcanization accelerators. The class of ultra-fast vulcanization accelerators is described in detail above with respect to the first rubber layer.

[0040] The second rubber layer may also include one or more additional components, including, but not limited to, one or more plasticizers (e.g., liquid plasticizers such as oils, or more solid plasticizers such as hydrocarbon resins), one or more antioxidants, one or more vulcanization activators (e.g., zinc oxide, stearic acid, etc.), one or more vulcanization inhibitors, and one or more scorch inhibitors. According to the first and second embodiments disclosed herein, the second rubber layer may include any or all of the aforementioned additional components.

[0041] In those embodiments of the first and second embodiments in which the second rubber layer includes one or more plasticizers, the specific type(s) and amount(s) used may vary. A variety of plasticizers are suitable for use in the second rubber layer, including, but not limited to, liquid plasticizers such as oils and more solid plasticizers such as hydrocarbon resins. Stated that a plasticizer is liquid is meant to refer to its state at room temperature of 23°C. Any liquid plasticizer or oil may be present as an extending oil (used to extend one of the diene-based rubbers) and / or may be used as a free oil (added separately during mixing). Suitable liquid plasticizers such as oils include, but are not limited to, aromatic oils, naphthenic oils, and low PCA oils. Suitable low PCA oils include those having a polycyclic aromatic content of less than 3% by weight as measured by the IP346 method. The procedure of the IP346 method can be found in Standard Methods for Analysis & Testing of Petroleum and Related Products and British Standard 2000 Parts, 2003, 62nd edition, published by the Institute of Petroleum (UK). Suitable low PCA oils include light extractive solvates (MES), treated distillate aromatic extracts (TDAE), TRAE, and heavy naphthenics. Suitable MES oils are commercially available as CATENEX SNR (SHELL), PROREX 15 and FLEXON 683 (EXXONMOBIL), VIVATEC 200 (BP), PLAXOLENE MS (TOTAL FINA ELF), TUDALEN 4160 / 4225 (DAHLEKE), MES-H (REPSOL), MES (Z8), and OLIO MES S201 (AGIP). Suitable TDAE oils are available as TYREX 20 (exchanger), VIVATEC 500, VIVATEC 180, and ENERTHENE 1849 (exchanger), and EXTENSOIL 1996 (exchanger), from REPSOL.Suitable heavy naphthenic oils are available as SHELLFELX 794, ERGON BLACK OIL, ERGON H2000, CROSS C2000, CROSS C2400, and SAN JOAQUIN 2000L. Suitable low PCA oils also include oils of various plant origins, such as those obtained from vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Non-limiting examples include, but are not limited to, soybean oil, sunflower oil (including high oleic sunflower oil), safflower oil, corn oil, linseed oil, cottonseed oil, rapeseed oil, cashew oil, sesame oil, camellia oil, jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil, coconut oil, and palm oil. The aforementioned processing oils can also be used as extending oils, i.e., for the preparation of oil-extended polymers or copolymers, or as processing oils or free oils. According to the first and second embodiments, the total amount of oil (processing oil and optional extender oil) used in the second rubber layer is about 1 to about 30 phr or 1 to 30 phr (e.g., 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 phr), preferably about 5 to about 20 phr or 5 to 20 phr (e.g., 5, 10, 5, or 20 phr). Hydrocarbon resins suitable for use in the second rubber layer may vary, including, but are not limited to, cyclopentadiene or dicyclopentadiene homopolymer or copolymer resins, terpene homopolymer or copolymer resins, phenol homopolymer or copolymer resins, C5 or C9 moiety homopolymer or copolymer resins, alpha-methylstyrene homopolymer or copolymer resins, and combinations thereof. According to the first and second embodiments, the total amount of hydrocarbon resin used in the first and second layers is about 1 to about 10 phr or 1 to 10 phr (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 phr), preferably about 1 to about 5 phr or 1 to 5 phr (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 phr), more preferably about 1 to about 3 phr or 1 to 3 phr (e.g., 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 phr). In preferred embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the total amount of plasticizer is 25 phr or less (e.g., 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, or even 0 phr), including 20 phr or less, such as 15 phr or less.

[0042] In those embodiments of the first and second embodiments in which the second rubber layer includes one or more antioxidants, the specific type(s) and amount(s) used may vary. A variety of antioxidants are known to those skilled in the art and may be utilized in the second rubber layer, including, but not limited to, certain waxes, phenolic antioxidants, amine phenolic antioxidants, hydroquinone antioxidants, alkyl diamine antioxidants, and amine compound antioxidants such as N-phenyl-N'-isopropyl-p-phenylenediamine (IPPD) or N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-phenylenediamine (6PPD). In certain embodiments, one or more types may be utilized, as well as one or more of each type. Generally, the total amount of antioxidant(s) used is 1 to 5 phr (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 phr).

[0043] In those embodiments of the first and second embodiments in which the second rubber layer includes one or more vulcanization activators, the specific vulcanization activator(s) and amount(s) used may vary. In general, vulcanization activators are additives used to support vulcanization and include both inorganic and organic components. Zinc oxide is the most widely used inorganic vulcanization activator. A variety of organic vulcanization activators are commonly used, including stearic acid, palmitic acid, lauric acid, and zinc salts of each of the foregoing. Generally, the total amount of vulcanization activator used in the second rubber layer ranges from 0.1 to 8 phr (e.g., 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, or 8 phr), preferably from 1 to 6 phr (e.g., 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, or 6 phr), preferably from a combination of zinc oxide and stearic acid.

[0044] In those embodiments of the first and second embodiments in which the second rubber layer includes one or more vulcanization inhibitors, the particular vulcanization inhibitor(s) and amount(s) used may vary. Generally, vulcanization inhibitors are used to control the vulcanization process and delay or inhibit vulcanization until a desired time and / or temperature is reached. Common vulcanization inhibitors include, but are not limited to, PVI (cyclohexylthiophthalmide) manufactured by Santogard. Generally, the amount of vulcanization inhibitor is 0.1-3 phr (e.g., 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 phr), preferably 0.5-2 phr (e.g., 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 phr).

[0045] In those embodiments of the first and second embodiments in which the second rubber layer includes one or more scorch inhibitors, the specific type(s) and amount(s) used may vary. For a general disclosure of suitable scorch inhibitors (as well as other ingredients used in curing), reference may be made to Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd Edition, Wiley Interscience, NY. 1982, Vol. 20, pp. 365-468, especially Vulcanization Agents and Auxiliary Materials, pp. 390-402, or Vulcanization by AY Coran, Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, Second Edition (1989 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0046] Formation of rubber layer Each of the rubber layers (i.e., the first and second rubber layers) is generally prepared according to a conventionally practiced method, which includes mixing the components in at least one non-productive masterbatch stage and a final productive mix stage. In certain embodiments of the first and second embodiments, each rubber layer is prepared by mixing the components of its applicable rubber composition (disclosed above) by methods known in the art, such as, for example, kneading the components together in a Banbury mixer or mill grinding rolls. Such methods generally include at least one non-productive masterbatch mix stage and a final productive mix stage. The term non-productive masterbatch stage is known to those skilled in the art and is generally understood to be a mix stage (or stages) in which no vulcanizing agents or vulcanization accelerators are added. The term final productive mix stage is also known to those skilled in the art and is generally understood to be a mix stage in which vulcanizing agents and vulcanization accelerators are added in the rubber composition. In certain embodiments of the first and second embodiments, one or both of the rubber layers is prepared from a rubber composition prepared by a process that includes multiple non-production masterbatch mixing stages.

[0047] Generally, the rubber (or polymer) and fillers are added in one or more non-productive or masterbatch mix stages. Generally, at least the vulcanizing agent and vulcanization accelerator components of the cure package are added in the final or productive mix stage.

[0048] In certain embodiments of the first and second embodiments, one or both of the rubber layers are prepared from a rubber composition prepared using a process in which at least one non-productive masterbatch mix stage is carried out at a temperature of about 130°C to about 200°C. In certain embodiments of the first and second embodiments, one or both of the rubber layers are prepared from a rubber composition prepared using a final productive mix stage carried out at a temperature below the vulcanization temperature to avoid undesirable pre-curing of the rubber composition. Thus, the temperature of the productive or final mix stage should not exceed about 120°C, and is typically about 40°C to about 120°C, or about 60°C to about 110°C, especially about 75°C to about 100°C. In certain embodiments of the first and second embodiments, one or both of the rubber layers are prepared from a rubber composition prepared according to a process including at least one non-productive mix stage and at least one productive mix stage.

[0049] Once the ingredients for the rubber layer have been prepared, such as according to the mixing procedure described above, a layer can then be formed. Various methods are suitable for forming the rubber layer, including, but not limited to, a calendaring or extrusion process. In a preferred embodiment of the first and second embodiments, both the first and second rubber layers are formed by calendaring. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, calendaring is a process in which rubber is moved through a series of rolls, some of which may be heated, including rolls arranged in pairs to produce a rubber layer, such as the first and / or second rubber layers described herein. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various forms of extrusion may be suitable for use in forming the first and / or second rubber layers described herein, including, but not limited to, roller die extrusion.

[0050] As described above, according to the first and second embodiments, the first rubber layer and the second rubber layer each independently have a thickness of about 0.4 to about 3 mm or 0.4 to 3 mm (e.g., 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 mm), preferably about 0.5 to about 2 mm or 0.5 to 2 mm (e.g., 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.5, or 2 mm).

[0051] Positioning of wireless devices in tires As mentioned above, when an electronic communication module including a wireless device is incorporated into a tire, the specific location or mounting configuration may vary. In general, the wireless device is placed in an uncured tire only after it is placed between the first and second rubber layers, both of which are uncured. The curing of the first and second rubber layers occurs during the curing of the entire tire. In the uncured state, a tire including any of the components such as an innerliner, one or more body plies, carcass plies, beads, and bead fillers can be considered to be an uncured tire carcass. When described as being placed in a cured tire, both the first and second rubber layers between which the wireless device is placed are also cured.

[0052] In preferred embodiments of the first and second embodiments, the encapsulated wireless device (i.e., the wireless device disposed between the first and second rubber layers) is disposed relative to a tire innerliner. According to such embodiments, a tire includes an innerliner, the wireless device (disposed between the first and second rubber layers) is disposed radially inward of the innerliner, the second rubber layer is in contact with the innerliner, and the first rubber layer faces radially inward or is not in contact with the innerliner.

[0053] Alternative positioning of the encapsulated wireless device within the tire is also possible. For example, in certain embodiments, the tire includes at least one body ply and beads and bead fillers (in addition to an innerliner), and the encapsulated wireless device is positioned such that the first rubber layer is in contact with the body ply and the second rubber layer faces radially outward. According to such embodiments, the encapsulated wireless device positioned relative to the body ply may be positioned along a portion of the body ply that covers the bead filler or along a portion of the body ply that is above the bead filler.

[0054] Tire hardening According to a second embodiment provided herein, a method for curing a tire with an electronic communication module is provided. The method of the second embodiment can also be understood as a method for providing a tire with an electronic communication module according to the first embodiment, or a method for curing a tire according to the first embodiment. (The first embodiment disclosed herein, i.e., a tire having an electronic communication module including a wireless device disposed between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer, is intended to encompass tires in uncured form as well as tires in cured form.) According to the process of the second embodiment, an uncured tire carcass and an electronic communication module including an encapsulated wireless device disposed between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer are provided. The first rubber layer is composed of 100 parts of at least one diene-based rubber, at least one filler, and a curing package, and the first rubber layer has a T50 cure time T50-1 of about 1.5 to about 3.5 minutes, preferably about 2 to about 3 minutes, at 160°C. The second rubber layer is composed of at least one diene rubber, at least one filler, and a curing package, and the second rubber layer has a T50 cure time T50-2 at 160°C that is longer than T50-1, which is about 2.5 to about 5 minutes, preferably about 3 to about 4 minutes. According to the second embodiment, the first rubber layer and the second rubber layer each independently have a thickness of about 0.4 to about 3 mm or 0.4 to 3 mm (e.g., 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 mm), preferably about 0.5 to about 2 mm or 0.5 to 2 mm (e.g., 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.5, or 2 mm). Further, according to the process of the second embodiment, the encapsulated wireless device (i.e., the wireless device disposed between the first and second rubber layers) is disposed against at least one component of the uncured tire carcass, and the uncured tire carcass is then cured with the encapsulated wireless device. As described in more detail below, the at least one component of the uncured tire carcass on which the encapsulated wireless device is disposed can be selected from a variety of components including an innerliner or a body ply, preferably an innerliner.

[0055] As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the specific details of the curing of the uncured tire carcass and the encapsulated radio device disposed thereon may vary depending on factors such as the weight and thickness of the uncured tire carcass. In certain embodiments of the second embodiment, the curing process is conducted at a temperature sufficient to raise the internal temperature of the tire to about 135 to about 165° C. or 135 to 165° C. (e.g., 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160 or 165° C.), particularly in embodiments where the uncured tire carcass is for a radial truck or bus tire. In other embodiments of the second embodiment, the curing process is conducted at a temperature sufficient to raise the internal temperature of the tire to about 160 to about 180° C. or 160 to 180° C. (e.g., 160, 165, 170, 175, or 180° C.), particularly where the uncured tire carcass is for a passenger tire. The internal tire temperature may be achieved by the use of various services (e.g., steam or hot water) used in the curing process. In certain embodiments of the second embodiment, the internal temperature of the service is about 190 to 210° C. or 190 to 210° C. (e.g., 190, 195, 200, 205, or 210° C.) and / or the external temperature of the service is about 140 to about 165° C. or 140 to 165° C. (e.g., 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, or 165° C.). In certain embodiments of the second embodiment, the curing process is also carried out under pressure with exemplary pressures including about 1.6 to about 2.7 MPa (e.g., 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, or 2.7 MPa).

[0056] In certain embodiments of the second embodiment, the curing process utilizes a pebble surfaced rubber curing bladder. In general, the overall process of curing an uncured tire carcass involves the use of a tire curing device (e.g., a tire press) that cures or vulcanizes the uncured tire carcass by applying both internal and external heat and pressure. Tire presses generally use a heated outer metal mold that serves to shape and vulcanize the outside of the tire, and are often used with a rubber curing bladder that is inflated on the inside of the tire carcass and heated to vulcanize the inside of the tire. The use of a pebble surfaced rubber curing bladder in the process of the second embodiment can be useful in preventing cracking due to the pebble surface allowing air to escape from between the inside surface of the green (uncured tire carcass) and the curing bladder. Trapped air could otherwise result in cracking along the edges of the wireless device or RFID during curing, which could create stress concentration areas that could adversely affect durability. According to such an embodiment, the pebble surface is present on the outer surface of the curing bladder, which is the surface that contacts the tire during inflation and curing.

[0057] During the process of curing the uncured tire carcass, a release treatment can be applied to the surface of the innerliner (or to the radially innermost component of the uncured tire carcass) prior to curing to avoid sticking or co-curing of the innerliner to the curing bladder during the curing process. Various release treatments are known to be useful for such purposes, including but not limited to silicone lubricants and polysiloxane-containing release treatments. In certain of the first and second embodiments disclosed herein, the area of ​​the tire component (e.g., innerliner or body ply) where the encapsulated wireless device is located is not release treated. Not applying a release treatment to this area of ​​the tire component (prior to positioning the encapsulated wireless device) can be useful to prevent undesirable bonding with the tire component (e.g., innerliner). The presence of a release treatment in the area of ​​the tire component where the encapsulated wireless device is located and the resulting bonding (e.g., to the innerliner) can result in cracking along the edges of the wireless device or RFID, adversely affecting durability.

[0058] The present application discloses several numerical range limits that support any range within the disclosed numerical ranges, even if an explicit range limit cannot be literally stated in the specification, since the compositions and methods disclosed herein can be practiced throughout the disclosed numerical ranges. With respect to the use of virtually any plural or singular term herein, one of ordinary skill in the art can substitute plural for singular or singular for plural as appropriate to the situation or application. Various singular or plural substitutions may be explicitly stated herein for the sake of brevity.

[0059] In general, those skilled in the art will understand that the terms used in this specification, and particularly in the appended claims, are generally intended to be "open" terms. For example, the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," and the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to." Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that if a specific number is intended in a prefaced claim recitation, such intent shall be expressly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent exists. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may include the use of the preface terms "at least one" and "one or more" to preface the claim recitation. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as meaning that the preface of a claim recitation with the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim that includes the claim recitation so prefaced to an invention that contains only one such recitation, even if the same claim includes the prefaced phrase "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" or "an" should typically be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more"), and the same is true for the use of definite articles used to preface a claim recitation. In addition, even if a particular number is explicitly recited in a prefaced claim recitation, those skilled in the art will understand that such a recitation should typically be construed to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the explicit recitation "two recitations" without any other modifier typically means at least two recitations, or more than two recitations).Furthermore, when a conventional expression similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, such a configuration is generally intended in the sense that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the conventional expression (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" may include, but is not limited to, a system having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that virtually any disjunctive word or phrase indicating two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of those terms, either of those terms, or both of those terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B." All references, including but not limited to patents, patent applications, and non-patent literature, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. While various aspects and embodiments of the compositions and methods have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the true scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A tire having electronic communication including a wireless device disposed between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer, the first rubber layer is comprised of 100 parts of at least one diene based rubber, at least one filler, and a curing package, the first rubber layer having a T50 cure time T50-1 at 160° C. of 1.5 to 3.5 minutes; the second rubber layer is composed of at least one diene-based rubber, at least one filler, and a curing package, the second rubber layer has a T50 cure time T50-2 greater than T50-1, the T50 cure time being 2.5 to 5 minutes at 160° C., the first rubber layer and the second rubber layer each independently having a thickness of 0.4 to 3 mm; 100 parts of the at least one diene-based rubber of the first rubber layer comprises a majority by weight of polybutadiene, polyisoprene, natural rubber, or mixtures thereof, and a total of 10 parts or less of EPDM, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, or nitrile rubber; and 100 parts of the at least one diene-based rubber of the second rubber layer comprises a majority by weight of polyisoprene, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, or mixtures thereof, and a total of 10 parts or less of EPDM, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, or nitrile rubber; The at least one filler of the first rubber layer comprises 30 to 50 phr of carbon black, and the at least one filler of the second rubber layer comprises 30 to 50 phr of at least one filler selected from carbon black, silica, and mixtures thereof; The curing package of the first rubber layer includes sulfur as a vulcanizing agent and at least one vulcanization accelerator in a weight ratio of vulcanization accelerator to sulfur of 0.7:1 to 1.5:1, and the curing package of the second rubber layer includes sulfur as a vulcanizing agent and at least one vulcanization accelerator in a weight ratio of vulcanization accelerator to sulfur of 0.6:1 or less.

2. The first rubber layer is a. an elongation at break at 23° C. of less than 150%; b. 50% modulus at 23° C. from 3.5 MPa to 6 MPa; c. A tension at break at 23°C between 9 MPa and 15 MPa; or d. Meets at least one of the following Mooney viscosity ML1+4 at 130° C.: 43 to 57; The second rubber layer is a. an elongation at break at 23° C. of 300% to 700%; b. 50% modulus at 23° C. of 6 MPa to 10 MPa; c. A tension at break at 23°C between 12 MPa and 20 MPa; or d. The tire of claim 1, having at least one of the following characteristics: Mooney viscosity ML1+4 at 130° C. of 46 to 60.

3. The tire of claim 1 or 2, wherein the tire includes an innerliner, the wireless device being disposed radially inward of the innerliner.

4. 1. A method of curing a tire using an electronic communication module, comprising: and an electronic communication module including an encapsulated wireless device disposed between a first rubber layer and a second rubber layer, the electronic communication module comprising: the first rubber layer is comprised of 100 parts of at least one diene-containing rubber, at least one filler, and a curing package, the first rubber layer having a T50 cure time T50-1 at 160° C. of 1.5 to 3.5 minutes; the second rubber layer is composed of at least one diene-containing rubber, at least one filler, and a curing package, the second rubber layer having a T50 cure time T50-2 at 160°C longer than T50-1, the T50 cure time being 2.5 to 5 minutes; the first rubber layer and the second rubber layer each independently have a thickness of 0.4 to 3 mm; positioning the encapsulated wireless device against at least one component of the uncured tire carcass and then curing the uncured tire carcass with the encapsulated wireless device, 100 parts of the at least one diene-based rubber of the first rubber layer comprises a majority by weight of polybutadiene, polyisoprene, natural rubber, or a mixture thereof, and a total of 10 parts or less of EPDM, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, or nitrile rubber; and 100 parts of the at least one diene-based rubber of the second rubber layer comprises a majority by weight of polyisoprene, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, or a mixture thereof, and a total of 10 parts or less of EPDM, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, or nitrile rubber; The at least one filler of the first rubber layer comprises 30 to 50 phr of carbon black, and the at least one filler of the second rubber layer comprises 30 to 50 phr of at least one filler selected from carbon black, silica, and mixtures thereof; and vulcanizing the first rubber layer, wherein the curing package comprises sulfur as a vulcanizing agent and at least one vulcanization accelerator in a weight ratio of vulcanization accelerator to sulfur of 0.7:1 to 1.5:1, and the curing package of the second rubber layer comprises sulfur as a vulcanizing agent and at least one vulcanization accelerator in a weight ratio of vulcanization accelerator to sulfur of 0.6:1 or less.

5. The first rubber layer is a. an elongation at break at 23° C. of less than 150%; b. 50% modulus at 23° C. from 3.5 MPa to 6 MPa; c. A tension at break at 23°C between 9 MPa and 15 MPa; or d. Meets at least one of the following Mooney viscosity ML1+4 at 130° C.: 43 to 57; The second rubber layer is a. an elongation at break at 23° C. of at least 300%; b. 50% modulus at 23° C. of 6 MPa to 10 MPa; c. A tension at break at 23°C between 12 MPa and 20 MPa; or d. The method of claim 4, wherein the composition satisfies at least one of the following: Mooney viscosity ML1+4 at 130° C. of 46 to 60.