Alditol Acetals for Polymer Cold Flow Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polymers such as polydiene elastomers exhibit cold flow at standard conditions, leading to transportation and storage challenges, and existing solutions like coupling agents often compromise tire properties when attempting to improve cold flow resistance.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating acetals or ketals of alditols into polymer compositions to enhance cold flow resistance without affecting the polymer's properties or processing capabilities, specifically using dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS) to improve the cold flow characteristics of elastomers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If coupling agents are used to improve cold flow resistance, then cold flow resistance is improved, but tire properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecold flow resistanceVSAvoidtire properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces acetals and ketals of alditols as intermediary compounds that mediate between the polymer chains and functionalizing agents. These intermediaries form crosslinks that improve cold flow resistance while being compatible with functionalizing agents, thus resolving the contradiction between cold flow resistance and tire properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite system combining polymers with acetals/ketals of alditols and functionalizing agents. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of improved cold flow resistance (through crosslinking) and desired tire properties (through functional groups), eliminating the need to choose between the two.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If functionalizing agents are used to improve tire properties, then tire properties are improved, but cold flow resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetire propertiesVSAvoidcold flow resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of functionalizing agents and cold flow improvement agents by using acetals/ketals of alditols that can simultaneously provide crosslinking (for cold flow resistance) and functional groups (for tire properties). This combining approach eliminates the trade-off between the two functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The acetals and ketals of alditols serve multiple functions: they act as crosslinking agents to improve cold flow resistance, provide functional groups for tire performance, and remain compatible with both polymer types and functionalizing agents. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single additive accomplish multiple objectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If coupling agents are used to improve cold flow resistance, then cold flow resistance is improved, but compatibility with functionalizing agents deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecold flow resistanceVSAvoidcompatibility with functionalizing agents

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The acetals and ketals of alditols serve as intermediary compounds that are chemically compatible with both polymer chains and functionalizing agents. They form crosslinks without interfering with functionalizing agents, thus improving cold flow resistance while maintaining compatibility with functionalizing agents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the crosslinking system by using acetals/ketals of alditols instead of traditional coupling agents. This parameter change results in a crosslinking mechanism that is compatible with functionalizing agents, resolving the contradiction between cold flow resistance and compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The addition of acetals or ketals of alditols significantly improves cold flow resistance, as demonstrated by increased dynamic viscosity and reduced gravitational cold flow, while maintaining similar cure characteristics and dynamic properties compared to untreated polymers.

Implementation Method 1

The addition of acetals or ketals of alditols significantly improves cold flow resistance, as demonstrated by increased dynamic viscosity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscosity enhancement:

Implementation Method 2

introducing an acetal or ketal of an alditol with the polymer cement, and isolating at least a portion of the polymer and the acetal or ketal of an alditol from the solvent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical incorporation:

Data Source

PatentUS8138248B2Method to improve cold flow resistance of polymers

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 BRIDGESTONE CORP

AI summary

A method for preparing a polymeric composition, the method comprising providing a polymer cement including a polymer and a solvent, introducing an acetal or ketal of an alditol with the polymer cement, and isolating at least a portion of the polymer and the acetal or ketal of an alditol from the solvent to provide a polymeric composition including the polymer and the acetal or ketal of an alditol.