Amino-Functionalized SSBR Rubber Compound for Tire Tread

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rubber mixtures for tires and technical rubber articles face challenges in optimizing rolling resistance and tear properties without compromising other essential properties like abrasion resistance and grip, as improvements in one property often lead to deterioration in others.

Innovation Solution

A rubber compound comprising 5 to 95 phr of amino-functionalized solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber with a glass transition temperature of -75 to -120°C and 5 to 95 phr of another diene rubber, along with 20 to 150 phr of carbon black, which improves tear properties and rolling resistance indicators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If 1,4-polybutadiene rubber is used to improve rolling resistance behavior, then rolling resistance is improved, but wet grip behavior deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverolling resistanceVSAvoidwet grip behavior
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the glass transition temperature range of the diene rubber components and the styrene content of SSBR to optimize the balance between rolling resistance and wet grip. By adjusting these parameters within specific ranges, the invention achieves improved rolling resistance while maintaining adequate wet grip properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials by combining multiple rubber components (polybutadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene copolymer, and solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber) with specific properties. This composite approach allows the synergistic effects of different rubber types to improve rolling resistance while compensating for individual weaknesses in wet grip through proper formulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If the glass transition temperature of the rubber compound is reduced to improve rolling resistance, then rolling resistance is improved, but abrasion properties and wet grip properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverolling resistanceVSAvoidabrasion properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the glass transition temperature of the rubber compound within a specific range and controlling the styrene content and vinyl content of the SSBR. These parameter adjustments allow the invention to achieve improved rolling resistance while maintaining adequate abrasion resistance through balanced formulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by using different rubber components with specific glass transition temperatures in different proportions. The polybutadiene rubber with very low Tg (-105°C) is used in limited amounts to improve rolling resistance locally, while other rubber components maintain the overall abrasion resistance and wet grip properties of the compound.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If styrene-butadiene copolymers with different styrene and vinyl contents are used to influence tire properties, then abrasion and wet skid behavior are improved, but rolling resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasion and wet skid behaviorVSAvoidrolling resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the styrene content (0.1 to 12 wt%) and vinyl content (1 to 30 wt%) of the solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber. By adjusting these parameters within specific ranges, the invention optimizes the balance between abrasion resistance, wet skid behavior, and rolling resistance, resolving the contradiction between these properties.

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 rubber mixture exhibits enhanced tear propagation, abrasion resistance, and rolling resistance behavior compared to prior art, allowing for improved handling and grip while maintaining or improving other tire properties.

Implementation Method 1

The invention relates to a sulphur-crosslinkable rubber mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSulfur crosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

their glass transition temperature is determined by the glass transition temperature of the polymer(s) used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGlass transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP2853557B1Sulfur crosslinkable rubber composition
Publication Date: 2016.11.09 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a sulfur-curable rubber compound, in particular for vehicle tires, belts, straps and hoses. The rubber compound contains at least the following components: - 5 to 95 phr of at least one solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber, which is amino-functionalized and whose styrene content is 0.1 to 12 wt.% and which, in the unvulcanized state, has a glass transition temperature according to DSC of -75 to -120 °C, and - 5 to 95 phr of at least one further rubber, and - 20 to 150 phr of at least one carbon black.