Cellulose Fiber Rubber Composition for Low Rolling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubber compositions incorporating microfibrillated cellulose fibers face challenges in dispersibility, leading to deteriorated tensile properties and fuel economy due to self-aggregation and poor compatibility with rubber, and previous methods either limit the form of rubber used or do not provide sufficient reinforcing properties and cost advantages.
Innovation Solution
A modified cellulose fiber-containing rubber composition is developed by adding a C15 or higher cyclic polybasic acid anhydride with a hydrophobic group to cellulose fibers, followed by kneading with a dispersing polymer having a softening point of 135°C or lower, to enhance dispersibility and compatibility, resulting in improved tensile properties and reduced energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If microfibrillated plant fibers are incorporated into rubber compositions to reinforce them, then the modulus (complex elastic modulus) is improved, but the tensile properties and fuel economy deteriorate due to poor dispersibility and self-aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of cellulose fibers by introducing specific functional groups (carboxyl groups via oxidation, and hydrophobic groups via grafting with vinyl-containing compounds). This modifies the surface properties and compatibility of cellulose fibers with rubber, enabling better dispersibility while maintaining reinforcement effects, thus resolving the contradiction between improved modulus and maintained tensile properties
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses vinyl-containing compounds (such as vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, or styrene) as intermediary substances that graft onto cellulose fibers. These grafts act as compatibilizers that bridge the hydrophilic cellulose and hydrophobic rubber matrix, improving interfacial adhesion and dispersibility, thereby preventing aggregation while maintaining reinforcement benefits
2Ease of operation
If cellulose fibers are dispersed in water and dried to improve dispersibility, then the fibers become aggregated, making it difficult to achieve nano-level dispersion and improve tensile strength
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of cellulose fibers by introducing specific functional groups (carboxyl groups via oxidation, and hydrophobic groups via grafting with vinyl-containing compounds). This modifies the surface properties and compatibility of cellulose fibers with rubber, enabling better dispersibility while maintaining reinforcement effects, thus resolving the contradiction between improved modulus and maintained tensile properties
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses vinyl-containing compounds (such as vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, or styrene) as intermediary substances that graft onto cellulose fibers. These grafts act as compatibilizers that bridge the hydrophilic cellulose and hydrophobic rubber matrix, improving interfacial adhesion and dispersibility, thereby preventing aggregation while maintaining reinforcement benefits
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional fillers such as carbon black are replaced with cellulose fibers to reduce cost, then reinforcing properties are compromised, but the invention aims to maintain both cost-effectiveness and reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of cellulose fibers by introducing specific functional groups (carboxyl groups via oxidation, and hydrophobic groups via grafting with vinyl-containing compounds). This modifies the surface properties and compatibility of cellulose fibers with rubber, enabling better dispersibility while maintaining reinforcement effects, thus resolving the contradiction between improved modulus and maintained tensile properties
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses vinyl-containing compounds (such as vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, or styrene) as intermediary substances that graft onto cellulose fibers. These grafts act as compatibilizers that bridge the hydrophilic cellulose and hydrophobic rubber matrix, improving interfacial adhesion and dispersibility, thereby preventing aggregation while maintaining reinforcement benefits
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 modified composition achieves excellent rigidity, tensile properties, and low energy loss, with improved handling stability and rolling resistance properties in pneumatic tires, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and reinforcing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
adding a C15 or higher cyclic polybasic acid anhydride (a) containing a hydrophobic group to a cellulose fiber through esterification
Implementation Method 2
kneaded with a dispersing polymer (B) having a softening point of 135°C or lower so that the cellulose fiber is made finer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a modified cellulose fiber-containing rubber composition and rubber composition for tires that are allowed to simultaneously achieve excellent rigidity, excellent tensile properties, and low energy loss by improving the dispersibility of the cellulose fiber in rubber, as well as a pneumatic tire formed from the rubber composition, having excellent handling stability, excellent rolling resistance properties, and excellent durability. The present invention relates to a modified cellulose fiber-containing rubber composition containing: a modified cellulose fiber (A) obtained by adding a C15 or higher cyclic polybasic acid anhydride (a) containing a hydrophobic group to a cellulose fiber through esterification; a dispersing polymer (B) having a softening point of 135°C or lower; and a rubber component (C).