Silica-Reinforced Elastomer Composition for Tire Tread Wear and Wet Grip
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy-duty vehicle tires face challenges in achieving a balance between wear resistance, crack resistance, and wet grip performance, with existing solutions often compromising one property for the improvement of another.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric composition comprising specific diene elastomers, silica, and a coupling agent, which includes a first isoprene elastomer, a functionalized butadiene-vinylaromatic copolymer with alkoxysilane and nitrogen groups, and an unfunctionalized butadiene-vinylaromatic copolymer, optimized to enhance wear resistance, crack resistance, and wet grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional elastomer compositions are used, then processing and manufacturing are straightforward, but the mechanical properties and durability are insufficient for demanding applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite elastomer formulation combining polybutadiene rubber (providing tensile strength and elasticity) with polyisoprene rubber (providing abrasion resistance and durability). This composite approach allows the material to achieve superior mechanical properties by leveraging the complementary strengths of different elastomer types while maintaining processability through established mixing and curing techniques.
2Reliability
If elastomers are exposed to ozone and UV light, then they perform their function in outdoor environments, but oxidative degradation causes cracking and loss of mechanical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates antioxidant packages including hindered phenols and amine-based stabilizers that convert the harmful oxidative environment into a controlled process. These additives scavenge free radicals generated by ozone and UV exposure, transforming the degradation pathway into a controlled aging process that maintains mechanical properties. The composition also includes UV absorbers that convert harmful UV radiation into harmless thermal energy, protecting the elastomer matrix from photodegradation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional elastomer formulations are used, then manufacturing is simple, but resistance to cracking and environmental stress cracking is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by incorporating specific ratios of polybutadiene (70-90 parts) and polyisoprene (10-30 parts), along with controlled amounts of processing aids and stabilizers. This parameter optimization enhances resistance to cracking and environmental stress cracking while maintaining compatibility with standard extrusion and molding processes. The formulation achieves ESCR improvement through synergistic interactions between the elastomer blend and antioxidant package without requiring complex multi-step manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an elastomer composition based on: a. 7 to 45 phr of a first diene elastomer, the first diene elastomer being an isoprene elastomer; b. 10 to 45 phr d'un second diene elastomer, the second diene elastomer being a copolymer of butadiene and of vinyl aromatic monomers, which copolymer comprises, within its structure, at least one alkoxysilane group bonded to the elastomer via the silicon atom and at least one function comprising a nitrogen atom, and which copolymer has a glass transition temperature strictly below -70°C; c. 10 to 55 phr of a third, non-functionalised diene elastomer, the third, non-functionalised diene elastomer being a copolymer of butadiene and of vinyl aromatic monomers having a glass transition temperature strictly above -65°C and below or equal to -30°C; d. 0 to 5 phr of a fourth diene elastomer, the fourth diene elastomer being a polybutadiene; e. 40 to 85 phr of silica as a reinforcing filler; f. at least one agent for coupling the silica to at least one of the diene elastomers; g. 0 to 9 phr of at least one plasticiser; h. at least one crosslinking system. The invention also relates to a tyre tread comprising a composition as claimed above and to a tyre comprising at least one such composition or one such tyre tread.