Amine-Functionalized Diene Elastomer for Tire Tread Hysteresis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rubber compositions for tire treads face challenges in reducing hysteresis while maintaining acceptable raw processing properties, as previous modifications with functionalization agents or fillers do not adequately address the hysteresis/implementation compromise for tire applications.

Innovation Solution

A diene elastomer modified by coupling with an agent carrying epoxy and alkoxysilane functions, where at least 70% of the chain ends are functionalized with amine groups, improving hysteresis and raw implementation compromise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If diene elastomers are functionalized with silanol groups or aminoalkoxysilane compounds to reduce hysteresis, then hysteresis is reduced, but raw processing properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehysteresisVSAvoidraw processing properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the functionalization location: silanol groups are placed at chain ends while aminoalkoxysilane compounds are placed in the middle of chains. This spatial differentiation allows each functional group to perform its optimal function - silanol for hysteresis reduction at chain ends and aminoalkoxysilane for maintaining raw processing properties in the chain middle, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy loss reduction and manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If diene copolymers are functionalized with silanol groups at chain ends or mid-chain to improve filler interaction, then filler interaction is improved, but the hysteresis/implementation compromise becomes unsatisfactory for pneumatic applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiller interactionVSAvoidhysteresis/implementation compromise

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining two different functionalized elastomer species within a single composition: one species functionalized with silanol groups for enhanced filler interaction, and another species functionalized with aminoalkoxysilane compounds for optimized hysteresis performance. This composite approach allows the composition to simultaneously achieve strong filler interaction and satisfactory hysteresis/implementation compromise for pneumatic applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 modified diene elastomer significantly reduces hysteresis in rubber compositions while maintaining acceptable raw processing properties, making it suitable for tire tread applications.

Implementation Method 1

a diene elastomer functionalized in the middle of the chain by an alkoxysilane group, optionally hydrolyzed, bearing an epoxide function

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

functionalized at the chain end by an amine function

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3063179B1Modified diene elastomer mostly comprising a diene elastomer coupled by an alkoxysilane compound bearing an amine-functionalised epoxide group at the end of the chain

Publication Date: 2019.12.04 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

Figure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a modified diene elastomer predominantly comprising the species functionalised in the middle of the chain by an alkoxysilane group, optionally partially or completely hydrolysed to silanol, having an epoxide function and whereof the silicon atom bonds the two pieces of the chain, the chain ends of the modified diene elastomer being functionalised at least at 70 mol%, relative to the number of moles at the end of the chain, by an amine function.