Degradable Tire Foam Composition for End-of-Life Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The disposal of polyurethane foam-filled tires at the end of their life is challenging due to the difficulty in separating the foam from the wheel, which hinders recycling and waste management.
Innovation Solution
A kit and method for adding degradable foam to tires using a combination of di- or polyisocyanates, polysiloxane diols, and polysiloxane diamines, which can be degraded into a pourable liquid upon contact with a fluoride anion or acidic solution, facilitating separation from the tire carcass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polyurethane foam is added to pneumatic tires, then tread wear is improved and flat tires from punctures are eliminated, but the foam cannot be separated from the wheel when the tire reaches end of life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition of the foam to include degradable polymers (polycarbonate polyol, polyester polyol, or polyether polyol) that change their properties under specific conditions. These polymers allow the foam to transition from a stable, durable state during tire operation to a degradable state when exposed to moisture or heat, enabling separation from the wheel while maintaining the original benefits of improved tread wear and puncture resistance.
2Reliability
If polyurethane foam is added to pneumatic tires, then tread wear is improved and flat tires from punctures are eliminated, but recycling and waste management are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by incorporating degradable polymers that respond to environmental conditions (moisture, heat) to enable recycling. The foam maintains its functional properties during tire use but can be degraded into separable components under controlled conditions, thus improving adaptability for recycling and waste management while preserving the original reliability benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through degradable polymers that act as a mediator between the foam and the wheel. These polymers allow the foam to remain stable during normal operation but facilitate separation when exposed to moisture or heat, enabling recycling processes. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing a controlled transition state that enables waste management while maintaining operational reliability.
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
Enables the effective degradation of the foam, allowing for easier separation from the tire, thus improving recycling and waste management by converting the foam into a pourable liquid, thereby simplifying the disposal process.
Implementation Method 1
foam that is capable of degradation upon contact with a source of fluoride anion
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are kits for use in adding degradable foam to a tire, methods for preparing a degradable foam-containing tire, tires containing degradable foam, and methods for degrading the degradable foam in tires containing degradable foam. The degradable foam comprises a combination of (i) at least one di- or polyisocyanate, (ii) at least one polysiloxane diol, at least one polysiloxane diamine, or a combination thereof, and (iii) optionally at least one polyol.