Amine-Functionalized Triblock Diene Elastomer for Tire Tread Hysteresis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubber compositions for tire treads face challenges in achieving a balance between reduced hysteresis and maintained rigidity, with previous solutions either compromising on mechanical properties or being complex to produce.
Innovation Solution
A triblock diene elastomer with a polyether central block and chain ends functionalized by at least 70 molar% amine functions, which improves the hysteresis/rigidity compromise and maintains acceptable raw processing characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If polyether blocks are grafted to diene elastomer chains to reduce hysteresis, then hysteresis is reduced, but stiffness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by functionalizing only the chain ends of the diene elastomer with amine groups, rather than modifying the entire polymer chain. This localized modification at the chain ends enables specific interaction with polyether blocks and reinforcing fillers, achieving hysteresis reduction while preserving the bulk mechanical properties and stiffness of the elastomer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining diene elastomer chains with grafted polyether blocks at the chain ends. This composite architecture allows the polyether blocks to interact with reinforcing fillers and reduce hysteresis, while the diene elastomer backbone maintains the fundamental mechanical strength and stiffness requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex multi-step grafting processes are used to attach polyether blocks, then grafting yield improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first functionalizing the diene elastomer chain ends with amine groups before attaching the polyether blocks. This pre-functionalization step creates reactive sites that enable subsequent efficient coupling with polyether blocks, achieving high grafting yield while simplifying the overall process compared to attempting direct grafting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the modification process into distinct steps: first functionalizing the chain ends with amine groups, then separately attaching the polyether blocks. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, improving overall grafting yield while making the complex process more manageable and controllable.
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 triblock diene elastomer significantly enhances the hysteresis/rigidity balance and processing ease, making it suitable for tire tread applications while maintaining satisfactory mechanical properties.
Implementation Method 1
the chain ends are functionalized by an amine function... good interaction between the polymer thus modified and the filler, whether it is carbon black or a reinforcing inorganic filler
Implementation Method 2
it has been proposed to use diene copolymers with a polyether block... The copolymer is intended to interact with the reinforcing inorganic filler so as to reduce the hysteresis of the mixture
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a triblock diene elastomer where the central block is a polyether block with a number average molecular mass of between 150 and 5000 g/mol and is connected to each of the side blocks by a silicon atom, and at least 70 molar % of the chain ends, in relation to the number of moles at the end of the chain, is functionalised by an amino function.