Crosslinkable Elastomer Composition for Recycled Rubber Cohesion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing rubber-elastic products from elastomer-based powders or pelletized materials, such as recycled tires, result in poor material cohesion and inadequate performance properties, including mechanical properties and ageing resistance, which are insufficient for demanding applications like tennis balls.
Innovation Solution
A crosslinkable composition comprising a powder or pelletized material with at least one elastomer, combined with poly-C5-C15-alkenamer, liquid polybutadiene, and a crosslinking agent, which allows for the production of elastomer compounds with improved cohesion and mechanical properties suitable for high-rebound applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If elastomer-based powders or pelletized materials are used to produce rubber-elastic products, then sustainability is improved through recycling, but material cohesion and product quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific additives as intermediary substances that mediate between the recycled elastomer powder and the final product requirements. These additives act as binding agents and processing aids that enable the recycled material to achieve adequate cohesion and product quality while maintaining the sustainability benefit of using recycled content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the recycled elastomer material through controlled processing conditions and additive formulation. By adjusting parameters such as particle size distribution, moisture content, and chemical composition through standardized processing, the material cohesion is improved to meet product requirements while preserving the recycled nature of the material.
2Ease of manufacture
If additives are used to improve material cohesion, then processing is facilitated, but mechanical properties and ageing resistance remain inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite formulation combining recycled elastomer powder with specifically selected additives that have complementary properties. The composite material achieves both ease of processing and adequate mechanical properties through the synergistic interaction of components, where the additives provide processing benefits while the recycled elastomer matrix provides the fundamental mechanical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a formulation that replicates the performance characteristics of conventional rubber compounds using recycled materials. By carefully selecting additive packages and processing conditions, the recycled elastomer product is made to copy the key performance attributes of virgin rubber products, achieving adequate mechanical properties and ageing resistance.
3Ease of repair
If high proportions of recycled elastomer are used, then sustainability is enhanced, but rebound performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by using specific additives in controlled amounts within the recycled elastomer formulation. These additives are strategically selected to provide localized functional benefits - improving cohesion and processing while preserving the elastic recovery properties necessary for rebound performance, even at high recycled content levels.
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 crosslinkable composition enables the production of elastomer compounds with excellent rebound properties, meeting the requirements for tennis balls and other demanding applications, while utilizing high proportions of recycled materials and maintaining good ageing resistance.
Implementation Method 1
crosslinkable compositions based on an elastomer-containing powder or pelletized material... comprising specific additives... and to elastomer compounds and articles obtainable therefrom... crosslinking the crosslinkable composition
Data Source
AI summary
Crosslinkable compositions are developed based on an elastomer-containing powder or pelletized material, for instance composed of recycled material such as used tyres, including specific additives, and to elastomer compounds and articles obtainable therefrom, and to methods for the production thereof. The crosslinkable composition includes (a) a powder or pelletized material including at least one elastomer, (b) at least one poly-C5-C15-alkenamer, (c) at least one liquid poly butadiene, and (d) at least one crosslinking agent.