Azo-silane coupling agent for rubber tyre silica reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The implementation of rubber compositions containing inorganic fillers like silica is more difficult than those with carbon black, requiring effective coupling agents to establish a strong connection between the filler and the elastomer, especially in heavy-duty tire applications where an efficient bond is challenging to achieve.
Innovation Solution
A new azosilane compound is introduced as a coupling agent, specifically designed to enhance the coupling performance between diene elastomers and inorganic fillers such as silica, improving the bonding and dispersion within the elastomeric matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If inorganic fillers like silica are used to reduce rolling resistance and improve grip, then fuel consumption is reduced and tire performance is improved, but the implementation becomes more difficult and requires effective coupling agents to ensure proper bonding and dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a coupling agent as an intermediary substance that mediates between the inorganic filler (silica) and the elastomer matrix. This coupling agent contains both inorganic-binding groups (such as silane groups that bond to silica surface hydroxyls) and organic-binding groups (that interact with the elastomer), thereby resolving the incompatibility and bonding difficulty between these two phases
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite coupling structure that combines inorganic and organic components in a single molecule. The coupling agent itself is a composite material with dual functionality: one end anchors to the inorganic filler while the other integrates with the elastomer, enabling effective stress transfer and improving overall composite performance
2Strength
If conventional coupling agents are used to bond inorganic fillers to elastomers, then some connection is established, but effective bonding is much more difficult to achieve in heavy-duty tire applications compared to carbon black
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the coupling agent to optimize bonding. Specifically, it adjusts the molecular structure, functional groups, and chemical composition of the coupling agent to enhance its reactivity with both silica and elastomer, thereby improving bond strength and reliability for heavy-duty applications
3Loss of energy
If inorganic fillers are used to replace carbon black, then rolling resistance is reduced, but the dispersion of filler within the elastomeric matrix becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling agent acts as a mediator that facilitates uniform dispersion of inorganic filler particles within the elastomer matrix. By providing compatible interaction surfaces and reducing agglomeration tendencies, the coupling agent ensures stable and homogeneous distribution of silica particles, preventing phase separation and maintaining composition stability
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 use of the azosilane compound significantly improves the coupling performance, leading to enhanced reinforcement, reduced hysteresis, and improved processability of the rubber compositions, as demonstrated by improved mechanical properties and reduced tan(δ) max values.
Implementation Method 1
an azosilane compound as a coupling agent ensuring the connection between the inorganic filler and the diene elastomer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a rubber tyre composition made from at least one diene elastomer, an inorganic filler as a reinforcing filler, a coupling agent linking the inorganic filler and the diene elastomer, characterised in that the coupling agent is an azo-silane compound of the following formula (I): (G1)3-a(G2)aSi-Z-NH-C(O)-N=N-G4 (I) in which: - G1, identical or different, each represent a monovalent hydrocarbon group chosen from the linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyls having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, the substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyls or aryls having from 5 to 18 carbon atoms, - G2, identical or different, each represent a hydroxyl group or a monovalent group in the form (G3)n-OG1, in which G3 is a divalent linking group comprising 1 to 18 carbon atoms and containing one or more heteroatoms chosen from O, S, Si and N, and n is a number greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 18, - G4 represents an aromatic or heteroaromatic, substituted or unsubstituted group, or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, - Z represents a divalent linking group comprising 1 to 18 carbon atoms, - a is equal to 1, 2 or 3.