Functionalized Elastomer Copolymer via Boron Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a reliable way to functionalize stereoregular diene polymers, which are essential for improving tire performance, due to catalyst poisoning by polar functionalities, limiting the types of compatible monomers to simple hydrocarbons.
Innovation Solution
A copolymer is produced by polymerizing a nonfunctionalized monomer, such as 1,3-butadiene or isoprene, with a functionalized diene monomer using a nickel coordination catalyst, resulting in a high stereoregularity copolymer with a significant cis 1,4 microstructure content, suitable for tire compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If coordination polymerization catalysts are used to produce stereoregular diene polymers, then high stereoregularity is achieved, but the catalysts are easily poisoned by polar functionalities, limiting monomer compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a boron-containing functionalizing agent as an intermediary that reacts with the polymer after coordination polymerization. This mediator approach allows the coordination catalyst to produce stereoregular polymer without direct exposure to polar functionalities, while the boron agent subsequently adds the desired polar groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl, or amine functionalities) to the polymer chain, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining stereoregularity and achieving monomer versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary coordination polymerization to establish the stereoregular backbone structure before introducing polar functionalities through boron-containing agents. This sequential approach ensures that the stereoregularity is established first under catalyst-compatible conditions, then functionalization is added in a subsequent step without interfering with the coordination catalyst's stereoselectivity
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 copolymer enhances tire performance by incorporating functional groups, improving compatibility with fillers and achieving superior properties compared to unfunctionalized polymers, while maintaining high stereoregularity and tolerance to polar substances.
Implementation Method 1
Diene polymers with high levels of stereoregularity are almost exclusively prepared with coordination polymerization catalysts
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a copolymer of a first monomer and a second monomer, wherein the first monomer is selected from the group consisting of 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, and styrene; and the second monomer is of formula I or Vwherein R1 is a covalent bond, phenylene, a linear or branched alkane diyl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a combination of one or more phenylene groups and one or more linear or branched alkane diyl groups containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R2 and R3 are independently linear or branched alkyl groups containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R4 is hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and R5 is a linear or branched alkane diyl group containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a bridging aromatic group. The invention is further directed to a rubber composition including the copolymer, and a pneumatic tire containing the rubber composition. The invention is further directed to a method of making such a copolymer.