Diene Polypropylene Thermoplastic Elastomer Reactive Extrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current materials with thermoplastic elastomer properties, particularly those based on low-cost monomers, face challenges in being produced by continuous, flexible, and cost-effective processes, such as reactive extrusion, which is typically suited for polymers with high glass transition temperatures or melting points.
Innovation Solution
A diene/polypropylene thermoplastic elastomer copolymer is developed, featuring a diene elastomer backbone and semicrystalline polypropylene blocks, where the polypropylene blocks are grafted onto the diene elastomer chain, providing both elastomeric and thermoplastic properties, and can be produced through reactive extrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reactive extrusion is used to produce thermoplastic elastomer copolymer, then production continuity and flexibility are improved, but process feasibility deteriorates due to low glass transition temperature of diene elastomer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the diene elastomer by maintaining it in a solid form at low temperature during the extrusion process. This allows the elastomer to be processed through reactive extrusion despite its low glass transition temperature, enabling continuous production while maintaining process feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where solid diene elastomer particles are dispersed and grafted with polypropylene chains during extrusion. This composite approach allows the elastomer to be incorporated into the thermoplastic matrix through reactive extrusion, resolving the contradiction between production continuity and process feasibility
2Temperature
If polypropylene blocks are grafted onto diene elastomer chain, then thermoplastic properties are improved, but elastomeric properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions within the copolymer: polypropylene blocks provide thermoplastic properties at specific locations (pendant blocks), while the diene elastomer backbone maintains elastomeric properties in other regions. This spatial differentiation allows both property types to coexist without mutual degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the copolymer structure into a continuous elastomeric backbone and discrete polypropylene pendant blocks. This segmentation ensures that the thermoplastic functionality is localized to specific segments while the overall elastomeric network remains intact, preserving both property sets
3Adaptability or versatility
If copolymer is used as material as is, then application versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal copolymer material that can serve multiple functions: it acts as both the elastomeric matrix and the thermoplastic component in a single substance. This multi-functionality allows the material to be used directly in various applications without requiring separate processing steps or additional components, thereby increasing versatility while managing manufacturing 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 resulting copolymer exhibits high elongation at break, maintaining mechanical strength and thermoplastic properties, making it suitable for applications like tire treads with a good balance of grip and rolling resistance performance.
Implementation Method 1
the polypropylene blocks are grafted onto the diene elastomer chain
Implementation Method 2
the thermoplastic nature, namely the ability to reversibly soften and harden under the action of heat
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to comb block copolymers, combining an elastomeric backbone and rigid pendent blocks and thus having thermoplastic elastomer properties. The invention targets in particular comb block copolymers which may be used as a material as is.According to the invention, the comb block copolymer is a diene/polypropylene thermoplastic elastomer copolymer, characterized in that it consists of a backbone, said backbone being derived from a diene elastomer, and in that it comprises from 5% to 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the copolymer, of pendent semicrystalline polypropylene groups distributed along the backbone.Another subject of the invention is the process for preparing same, and the compositions comprising same.Finally, a subject of the invention is a tire, one of the constituent elements of which comprises such a composition.