Base Tread Rubber Composition for Fuel Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubber compositions for tire components other than the cap tread do not adequately address the need for improved fuel efficiency, braking performance, and abrasion resistance, which are essential for enhancing overall tire performance.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition for the base tread is developed, characterized by specific dynamic elastic modulus and loss tangent values at 70°C, combined with strength and elongation at break criteria, incorporating carbon black and silica to achieve excellent fuel efficiency, durability, and compatibility with other tire components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If rubber composition is optimized for cap tread fuel efficiency, then rolling resistance and braking performance improve, but base tread performance remains unaddressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by developing a rubber composition specifically tailored for the base tread region, recognizing that different tire components require different property optimizations. The composition uses specific filler combinations (silica with carbon black), plasticizer content (5-30 parts by mass), and curing agent ratios that are optimized for base tread conditions rather than cap tread conditions, allowing fuel efficiency improvements to be applied locally where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tire into different functional zones (cap tread and base tread) with distinct rubber compositions. By dividing the tire application into separate compositional systems, the invention allows each zone to be optimized independently - the base tread receives a composition formulated for its specific mechanical and thermal conditions while the cap tread can maintain its own optimized formulation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If dynamic elastic modulus E* is reduced to improve fuel efficiency, then rolling resistance decreases, but strength and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining silica and carbon black fillers in specific proportions, along with plasticizers and curing agents, to create a rubber composition that achieves both low rolling resistance and high strength. The synergistic interaction between these components allows the base tread to simultaneously exhibit reduced energy loss (improved fuel efficiency) and maintained or enhanced mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the dynamic elastic modulus E* within the range of 2.0-8.0 MPa and the loss tangent tan δ within 0.06-0.08 at 70°C. By optimizing these physical parameters within specific ranges rather than minimizing them indefinitely, the invention achieves the balance between fuel efficiency and strength requirements for base tread application.
3Use of energy by moving object
If loss tangent tan δ is reduced to improve fuel efficiency, then energy dissipation decreases, but abrasion resistance and braking performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of silica and carbon black fillers in specific ratios, combined with plasticizers and curing agents, to achieve a loss tangent tan δ of 0.06-0.08 that simultaneously provides low energy dissipation (good fuel efficiency) and maintains abrasion resistance and braking performance through the synergistic reinforcement of the composite structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the loss tangent parameter within a specific range (0.06-0.08 at 70°C) rather than minimizing it without limit. This parameter optimization, combined with controlled dynamic elastic modulus and specific filler compositions, achieves the balance between reducing energy dissipation for fuel efficiency and maintaining sufficient friction and durability for reliable braking and abrasion resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a rubber composition for a base tread being excellent in fuel efficiency. In the rubber composition for a base tread, a dynamic elastic modulus E* (MPa) and a loss tangent tan δ which are measured at a temperature of 70° C., an initial strain of 10% and a dynamic strain of 2% satisfy the following general formulae (1) to (3), and a strength at break TB (MPa) and an elongation at break EB (%) which are measured according to JIS K6251 satisfy the following general formulae (4) and (5).E*/tan δ≥25 General formula (1)2.0≤E*≤8.0 General formula (2)tan δ≤0.08 General formula (3)EB≥350 General formula (4)TB×EB≥8500 General formula (5)