Dual-Functionalized Diene Polymer for Low-Resistance Tire Rubber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubber compositions for tire components, such as tire treads, face challenges in achieving optimal filler dispersion and interaction, which affects the properties of the resulting rubber, particularly in terms of rolling resistance and bound rubber content.
Innovation Solution
A functionalized diene monomer-containing polymer with specific functionalizing groups is developed, prepared through a process involving polymerization of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic monomers, followed by reaction with functionalizing compounds to create polymers with controlled trans-bond content and dual functionalization, which are then incorporated into rubber compositions with carbon black and silica fillers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rubber compositions are used with carbon black and silica fillers, then the basic rubber properties are maintained, but the filler dispersion and filler-polymer interaction are insufficient, leading to suboptimal rolling resistance and bound rubber content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing functional groups (such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, or amino groups) onto the polymer chains through chemical modification. This changes the chemical parameters of the polymer to enhance its interaction with fillers like carbon black and silica, thereby improving filler dispersion and bound rubber content without compromising the ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by combining functionalized polymer chains with multiple fillers (carbon black and silica). The functional groups on the polymer act as coupling agents that bridge the polymer matrix and filler particles, creating a synergistic composite material that achieves superior filler dispersion and interaction compared to conventional rubber compositions
2Reliability
If functionalized polymers are introduced to improve filler dispersion and interaction, then rolling resistance and bound rubber content are improved, but the polymer synthesis process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating functional groups during the polymerization step itself rather than adding them separately afterward. The functionalizing agents are introduced as initiators or additives during the rubber polymerization process, allowing the functional groups to be built into the polymer chains from the outset. This integrates the functionalization step into the existing polymer synthesis workflow, improving rolling resistance and bound rubber content while minimizing additional process complexity
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 functionalized polymer improves the dispersion of fillers and enhances the properties of the rubber composition, leading to reduced rolling resistance and increased bound rubber content, resulting in improved tire performance.
Implementation Method 1
reacting the living end polymer chains from (a) with a first functionalizing compound selected from structure I or structure II, thereby producing an intermediary product including polymer chains end functionalized with the first functionalizing compound
Implementation Method 2
coupling the intermediary product from (b) with a second functionalizing compound selected from structure V, thereby forming a final product including functionalized diene monomer-containing polymers
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a functionalized diene monomer-containing polymer containing first and second functionalizing groups, processes for preparing the functionalized polymer, and rubber compositions containing the functionalized polymer. The functionalized polymer contains polymer chains comprises of at least one conjugated diene monomer optionally in combination with at least one vinyl aromatic monomer wherein each polymer chain is functionalized at its chain end with at least the first functionalizing group and is coupled via the first functionalizing group to the second functionalizing group.