Conjugated Diene Polymer Modifier for Rubber Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for modifying conjugated diene-based polymers to improve filler dispersion and physical properties in rubber compositions, such as using organolithium or tin-based compounds, are insufficient in enhancing mixing properties and maintaining exothermic properties.
Innovation Solution
A modifier with a functional group derived from specific compounds (Formulae 2-1 to 2-3) is used to modify the polymerization active terminal of a conjugated diene-based polymer, improving its affinity with fillers and molecular weight distribution, resulting in enhanced mixing properties and physical properties of the rubber composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If inorganic filler such as silica and carbon black is used in rubber composition, then exothermic properties of tires are decreased, but dispersion of the inorganic filler in the rubber composition is not easy and physical properties such as abrasion resistance, cracking resistance and processability are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
A modifier compound with specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups) is introduced as an intermediary substance. This modifier is grafted onto the conjugated diene-based polymer chain, creating a bridge between the polymer and inorganic filler particles. The functional groups on the modifier interact with the inorganic filler surface, improving dispersion while the polymer backbone maintains rubber elasticity and mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure where the modifier compound forms a hybrid interface between organic polymer and inorganic filler. The modified polymer contains both the original diene-based polymer chains and grafted modifier molecules with dual functionality: one end anchored to polymer and the other interacting with filler, forming a composite material system that combines benefits of both components.
2Reliability
If conventional modification methods using organolithium or tin-based compounds are used, then filler dispersion is improved, but mixing properties and physical properties such as abrasion resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical structure parameters of the modifier by specifying functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine) with particular molecular weight ranges (100-10,000). This parameter optimization allows the modifier to achieve both good filler dispersion and mixing properties by balancing polarity for filler interaction and molecular size for polymer compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If living polymer obtained via coordination polymerization using lanthanide series rare earth element catalyst is used, then modification is possible, but activity of living terminal is weak and modification rate is low
Solution Approach 1:
The modifier compound is prepared in advance with pre-formed functional groups ready for grafting. The coordination polymerization is also performed beforehand to create living polymer chains with active terminals. When these pre-prepared components are combined, the modification reaction proceeds efficiently without requiring high terminal activity during the polymerization process itself.
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 polymer exhibits improved mixing properties, tensile strength, viscoelasticity, and processability, leading to better mechanical properties and balance of physical properties in rubber compositions, including improved abrasion resistance and crack resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a method for modifying a polymerization active part of a conjugated diene-based polymer which is obtained by anionic polymerization using an organolithium with a functional group which is capable of interacting with an inorganic filler
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a modifier, a modified and conjugated diene-based polymer which is modified using the same, and a rubber composition including the modified and conjugated diene-based polymer, and more particularly, a modifier which includes a compound represented by Formula 1 and is capable of improving the mixing properties between a conjugated diene-based polymer and a filler, a modified and conjugated diene-based polymer which is modified using the same, and a rubber composition including the modified and conjugated diene-based polymer.