Elastomer Composition for Tire Layer Adhesion and Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The difference in composition between tire treads and sidewalls leads to reduced adhesion at the interfaces, affecting the performance of tires, necessitating compositions that maintain specific properties while ensuring good adhesion to adjacent layers.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition comprising a copolymer of ethylene and 1,3-dienes, along with a plasticizing system and reinforcing filler, is developed to enhance adhesion and maintain properties suitable for tire treads and sidewalls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different rubber compositions are used for tread and sidewall to optimize their specific properties, then the performance of each component is improved, but the adhesion between adjacent layers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate layer with a specific rubber composition between the tread and sidewall components. This intermediate layer acts as a mediator that is chemically or physically compatible with both adjacent layers, thereby maintaining strong adhesion while allowing each component to retain its optimized composition and performance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material strategies by combining different rubber compositions in a layered structure. Each layer is designed with specific material properties suitable for its function, while the overall composite structure ensures interlayer adhesion through careful selection of material combinations and interfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single rubber composition is used for all tire components to simplify manufacturing, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the specific performance requirements of different tire parts cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tire structure into distinct segments or layers, each with its own optimized rubber composition. The tread, sidewall, and intermediate layers are segmented as separate functional units, allowing each to be tailored for its specific performance requirements while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility through standardized layering processes.
3Ease of operation
If highly unsaturated diene elastomer is used in adjacent layers to ensure flexibility, then the flexibility is improved, but the adhesion between layers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by giving different rubber compositions to different locations or layers within the tire structure. The intermediate layer has a specific composition designed for adhesion, while the tread and sidewall layers have compositions optimized for their respective functions including flexibility. This localized optimization allows each region to have the quality it needs without compromising overall performance.
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 composition improves adhesion between tire components, maintaining grip, flexibility, and resistance to deformation and chemical attacks, enhancing overall tire performance.
Implementation Method 1
the use of a copolymer of ethylene and of two specific 1,3-dienes makes it possible to further improve the adhesion of the composition to a diene composition
Implementation Method 2
a crosslinking system
Implementation Method 3
10 to 100 phr of a plasticizing system comprising at least one plasticizer that is liquid at 23° C. and/or at least one plasticizing resin having a glass transition temperature above 20° C.
Data Source
AI summary
A rubber composition is based on 20 to 100 phr of a copolymer of ethylene, of a first 1,3-diene which is 1,3-butadiene, isoprene or a mixture thereof, and of a second 1,3-diene of formula CH2═CR-CH═CH2, the symbol R representing a hydrocarbon chain having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, the ethylene units in the copolymer representing more than 50 mol % of the monomer units of the copolymer; 0 to 80 phr of at least one diene elastomer having a weight content of diene units of greater than 50%; 10 to 100 phr of a plasticizing system comprising at least one plasticizing resin having a glass transition temperature above 20° C. and/or at least one plasticizer that is liquid at 23° C.; a reinforcing filler; and a crosslinking system. Also disclosed is an elastomer laminate and a rubber article, in particular a pneumatic or non-pneumatic tire.