Cellulose Tire Rubber with Silane Coupling Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
The compatibility between naturally occurring organic materials and rubber in tire compositions is poor due to low filler loading and poor dispersion and adhesion, limiting the effective use of these materials in tire rubber.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition comprising a diene-based elastomer, cellulose, and substituted polyisoprene with specific molecular weight and substituent groups, which improves the interaction and loading of organic fillers in tire rubber, enhancing the tire's mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If naturally occurring organic materials are used as fillers in tire rubber, then renewable resources are incorporated, but compatibility between the organic fillers and rubber is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silane coupling agent as an intermediary substance between the cellulose filler and the rubber matrix. This coupling agent chemically bonds to both the cellulose surface and the rubber polymer chains, creating a bridge that improves interfacial adhesion and compatibility. The silane coupling agent resolves the incompatibility by providing chemical bridges between the polar cellulose and the non-polar rubber phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties of the cellulose filler by treating it with silane compounds, changing its chemical parameters. This surface modification alters the cellulose from being incompatible with rubber to being chemically compatible, enabling strong interfacial bonding and improving the overall performance of the composite material.
2Strength
If filler loading is increased to improve mechanical properties, then strength increases, but filler dispersion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The silane coupling agent acts as a mediator that prevents filler aggregation by creating uniform chemical bonds between individual filler particles and the rubber matrix. This intermediary layer ensures that even at high filler loadings, the particles remain evenly distributed rather than clumping together, maintaining both strength and dispersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a tri-phase composite system consisting of cellulose filler, silane coupling agent, and rubber matrix. This composite structure allows for high filler loading while maintaining dispersion because the silane layer prevents direct filler-filler contact that would lead to aggregation, enabling the system to achieve both high strength and uniform composition.
3Strength
If filler loading is increased to improve mechanical properties, then modulus increases, but adhesion between rubber and filler deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The silane coupling agent serves as a chemical intermediary that forms strong bonds with both the filler surface and the rubber matrix. This dual-bonding capability ensures that adhesion is maintained even at high filler loadings where physical mixing alone would be insufficient. The intermediary layer prevents direct rubber-filler contact that would otherwise lead to poor adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the filler surface through silane treatment, transforming it from a material with poor adhesion to one with excellent bonding characteristics. This parameter change enables strong interfacial adhesion while maintaining high filler loading, resolving the contradiction between modulus improvement and adhesion maintenance.
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 cellulose and substituted polyisoprene in the rubber composition significantly increases the tire's modulus and elongation at break, demonstrating improved filler dispersion and adhesion, leading to enhanced mechanical performance.
Implementation Method 1
improved filler dispersion and adhesion between the rubber and the filler
Implementation Method 2
improved filler dispersion and adhesion between the rubber and the filler
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire comprising at least one component, the at least one component comprising a rubber composition comprising a diene based elastomer, from 1 to 30 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of diene based elastomer (phr) of cellulose fiber, and from 1 to 20 phr of a substituted polyisoprene comprising units of formula I, wherein —R comprises hydrogen and one substituent group of structure IIwherein the number of substituent groups of structure II occurring per substituted polyisoprene molecule ranges from 8 to 12, and the weight average molecular weight of the substituted polyisoprene ranges from 20000 to 30000.