Fiber-Reinforced Elastomer Plasticizer for Lower Hysteresis Fatigue

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plasticizers like Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) do not adequately improve dynamic fatigue properties of fiber-reinforced rubbers, leading to increased hysteresis, internal heat generation, and reduced performance in applications such as PDM stators due to fiber reinforcement effects.

Innovation Solution

Employing high-molecular weight plasticizers, such as Tris(2-Ethylhexyl) Trimellitate (TOTM), which provide improved lubricity and lower agglomeration, reducing hysteresis and hysteretic heating in fiber-reinforced rubber compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If fiber reinforcement is added to rubber to improve strength and crack resistance, then tensile strength and crack resistance are improved, but hysteresis and internal heat generation increase leading to reduced dynamic fatigue life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile strength and crack resistanceVSAvoidhysteresis and internal heat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces plasticizers as intermediary substances between the fiber reinforcement and rubber matrix. These plasticizers (such as TOTM, DOA, DINCH) act as mediators that reduce the interfacial friction and hysteresis between fibers and rubber, thereby decreasing internal heat generation while preserving the strength-enhancing effect of fiber reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the rubber compound by incorporating specific plasticizers with particular molecular weights and chemical structures. This parameter change modifies the viscoelastic properties of the rubber-fiber interface, reducing energy loss through hysteresis while maintaining the reinforcing effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional plasticizers like DIDP are used in fiber-reinforced rubber, then processing is facilitated, but dynamic fatigue properties are not adequately improved due to increased hysteresis

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprocessingVSAvoiddynamic fatigue properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for plasticizers including molecular weight (200-1000 g/mol), chemical structure (ester groups), and concentration (5-50 phr). These parameter changes distinguish the new plasticizers from conventional ones like DIDP, achieving both ease of processing and improved dynamic fatigue resistance by optimizing the balance between lubricity and hysteresis reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If fiber reinforcement is added to improve mechanical properties, then Modulus and crack resistance increase, but tan delta increases leading to premature breakdown under cyclic loads

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveModulus and crack resistanceVSAvoidresistance to premature breakdown under cyclic loads

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of fiber-rubber interfacial friction into a beneficial effect. By using plasticizers as lubricants at the interface, the friction that previously caused hysteresis and heat generation is transformed into controlled slip that reduces energy loss. This allows the fiber reinforcement to maintain its strength-benhancing effect while eliminating the source of premature breakdown under cyclic loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

TOTM significantly extends the dynamic fatigue life of fiber-reinforced rubbers by lowering tan delta and maintaining mechanical integrity under cyclic loads, resulting in longer operational run times and reduced maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

Employing high-molecular weight plasticizers, such as Tris(2-Ethylhexyl) Trimellitate (TOTM), which provide improved lubricity and lower agglomeration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Data Source

PatentUS20250376581A1Plasticizer extending dynamic fatigue life in fiber reinforced elastomers

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 ABACO DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

The dynamic fatigue and hysteresis performances of fiber reinforced rubber compounds are compared using different plasticizers. Polymer-based fiber reinforced rubber compounds including a non-linear functionalized fatty acid ester, preferably a trimellitate, and more preferably Tris (2-Ethylhexyl) Trimellitate (TOTM) are shown to demonstrate greatly improved dynamic fatigue and hysteretic performance as compared to reference fiber reinforced rubber compounds including conventional reference plasticizers such as Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP).