Polymer Composition Kneading With Basic Compounds for Low Hysteresis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of modified conjugated diene-based polymers in tire tread materials results in poor processability due to strong interactions with fillers like silica, leading to inadequate kneading and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the kneading of a conjugated diene-based polymer with a basic compound having an acid dissociation constant of 8.0 or more, followed by the addition of a crosslinking agent, which includes steps like kneading silica and a silane coupling agent to enhance dispersibility and processability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a modified conjugated diene-based polymer is used as a tread material to achieve low heat build-up and excellent wear resistance, then the polymer composition shows improved low hysteresis loss property, but the strong interaction with filler leads to poor processability and inadequate kneading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silane coupling agent as an intermediary substance between the modified conjugated diene-based polymer and silica filler. This coupling agent mediates the interaction between the polymer and filler, reducing the strong interaction that causes poor processability while maintaining the low hysteresis loss property. The coupling agent acts as a bridge that allows both the polymer's low heat build-up characteristics and the filler's reinforcing effects to coexist without causing processing difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polymer composition by introducing specific compounds (silane coupling agents, sulfur compounds, metal oxides) that modify the interaction characteristics between the polymer and filler. By adjusting these chemical parameters, the patent achieves a balance where the polymer maintains its low hysteresis loss property while the filler interaction becomes manageable during processing, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture.
2Reliability
If the amount of filler such as carbon black or silica is reduced to achieve low heat build-up, then the polymer composition shows improved low hysteresis loss property, but the reinforcing property and wet grip property are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system combining modified conjugated diene-based polymer with specifically treated silica filler. The silane coupling agent and other additives create a synergistic composite where the filler maintains its reinforcing properties even at reduced concentrations. The composite structure allows the polymer to achieve low hysteresis loss while the filler provides necessary reinforcement and wet grip, resolving the contradiction between low heat build-up and mechanical strength.
3Reliability
If carbon black having large particle diameter is used to achieve low heat build-up, then the polymer composition shows improved low hysteresis loss property, but the reinforcing property and wet grip property are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameters and surface chemistry parameters of the silica filler through the use of silane coupling agents and sulfur compounds. By modifying these parameters, the patent achieves a situation where silica can replace carbon black with large particles, providing similar low hysteresis loss properties while maintaining or improving wear resistance through the enhanced surface treatment and composite formation.
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 resulting polymer composition exhibits improved processability and filler dispersibility, producing crosslinked polymers with excellent low hysteresis loss properties.
Implementation Method 1
a first step of kneading (A) a conjugated diene-based polymer that is a polymer of a conjugated diene compound or a copolymer of a conjugated diene compound and an aromatic vinyl compound, and is a reaction product of an active polymerization end and a compound represented by any one of the following general formulae (1) to (3), and (B) a basic compound having an acid dissociation constant of 8.0 or more
Implementation Method 2
a second step of kneading a kneaded product obtained in the first step and a crosslinking agent
Implementation Method 3
kneading silica and a silane coupling agent to enhance dispersibility and processability
Data Source
AI summary
A method of producing a polymer composition is provided, including: kneading (A) a conjugated diene-based polymer that is a polymer of a conjugated diene compound or a copolymer of a conjugated diene compound and an aromatic vinyl compound, and is a reaction product between an active polymerization end and a compound represented by any one of the general formulae (1) to (3), and (B) a basic compound having an acid dissociation constant of 8.0 or more; and kneading a kneaded product from (A) and a crosslinking agent.