Cured Rubber Bonding for Low-Temperature Tire Retreading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retreading processes using ambient or low-temperature cure systems face environmental benefits but have several shortcomings, particularly in the bonding of vulcanized rubber components.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a primer composition with a halogenating agent and solvent is applied to tire casing and pre-cured tread, followed by a urethane-based adhesive, allowing the adhesive to cure at low temperatures to bond the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If ambient or low-temperature cure systems are used to adhere pre-cured tread to tire casing, then environmental sustainability is improved and energy consumption is reduced, but bonding strength and process reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cured rubber surface is treated with a halogenating agent (such as N-chlorosuccinimide or sodium dichloroisocyanurate) before applying the urethane adhesive. This preliminary chemical treatment activates the surface by introducing reactive halogen groups, enabling strong bonding at ambient temperatures without requiring high energy input. The treatment creates a chemically active surface that enhances adhesive bonding strength while maintaining low energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the rubber surface by introducing halogen-containing functional groups through the treating agent. This chemical modification allows the urethane adhesive to form strong covalent bonds with the cured rubber at ambient temperatures, resolving the contradiction between low energy consumption and adequate bonding strength.
2Strength
If high heat and pressure are applied to vulcanize cushion gum for bonding, then bonding strength is achieved, but energy consumption increases and environmental sustainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the thermal-mechanical bonding system (heat and pressure applied to cushion gum) with a chemical bonding system using urethane adhesive. The urethane adhesive cures at ambient temperatures through chemical reaction with the halogen-treated rubber surface, eliminating the need for high heat and pressure while maintaining bonding strength and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding process transitions from thermal parameters (high temperature and pressure) to chemical parameters (halogen surface treatment and urethane adhesive curing). This parameter change enables bonding at ambient temperatures, resolving the contradiction between achieving strong bonds and minimizing energy consumption.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional cushion gum is used for bonding pre-cured tread to casing, then the process is simple, but bonding strength at ambient temperature is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the bonding mechanism from thermal vulcanization of cushion gum to chemical curing of urethane adhesive at ambient temperatures. The halogenating agent treatment and urethane adhesive system provide sufficient bonding strength at ambient temperatures while maintaining relative process simplicity, resolving the contradiction between process ease and bonding strength.
4Reliability
If halogen-containing oxidants are applied as treating agents, then surface activation is achieved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The halogenating agent acts as an intermediary between the cured rubber surface and the urethane adhesive. It creates a chemically active surface layer that facilitates strong bonding without requiring complex equipment or processes. The treating agent is applied as a simple liquid or solution, and the halogenation reaction occurs naturally, minimizing process complexity while ensuring reliable surface activation.
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 method achieves effective bonding of vulcanized rubber components at low temperatures, enhancing the retreading process while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
applying a primer composition to the tire casing, the pre-cured tread, or both the tire casing and the pre-cured tread therefore form at least one primer layer, where the primer composition includes a halogenating agent and a solvent
Implementation Method 2
applying a urethane-based adhesive composition to at least one of the tire casing, an adhesive layer, the pre-cured tread, or the at least one primer layer... allowing the adhesive layer of the pre-cured composite to cure and thereby form a retreaded tire
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a retreaded tire, the method comprising (a) providing a tire casing; (b) providing a pre-cured tire tread; (c) applying a primer composition to the tire casing, the pre-cured tread, or both the tire casing and the pre-cured tread therefore form at least one primer layer, where the primer composition includes a halogenating agent and a solvent; (d) applying a urethane-based adhesive composition to at least one of the tire casing, an adhesive layer, the pre-cured tread, or the at least one primer layer; (e) mating the pre-cured tread to the tire casing to thereby sandwich the adhesive layer between the pre-cured tread and the tire casing and form a pre-cured composite: and (f) allowing the adhesive layer of the pre-cured composite to cure and thereby form a retreaded tire.