End-Functionalized Conjugated Diene Polymer for Tire Tread
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire treads face issues with high hysteresis loss and low dispersibility when using conjugated diene-based rubber with inorganic fillers, which affects their mechanical strength, heat build-up, and wet skid resistance.
Innovation Solution
A modified conjugated diene-based polymer is developed, represented by specific chemical formulas, which is synthesized by polymerizing conjugated diene monomers with vinyl aromatic monomers in the presence of organometallic compounds, followed by end-capping and modification with specific compounds to enhance compatibility and properties like tensile strength and wet skid resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional conjugated diene-based rubber is mixed with inorganic filler to enhance tire properties, then mechanical strength and durability are improved, but hysteresis loss increases and dispersibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of conjugated diene-based rubber by introducing specific functional groups (vinyl groups, aromatic rings, and polar groups) to change its physical and chemical parameters. This enables better interaction with inorganic fillers, reducing hysteresis loss while maintaining mechanical strength. The modified rubber shows improved compatibility with silica and other inorganic fillers, leading to lower energy loss during deformation cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system by combining modified conjugated diene-based rubber with inorganic fillers (silica, carbon black). The modification process introduces functional groups that enhance the interfacial bonding between the rubber matrix and inorganic filler particles, creating a synergistic composite that achieves both high mechanical strength and low hysteresis loss.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional conjugated diene-based rubber is mixed with inorganic filler, then tire durability is improved, but dispersibility of filler decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the rubber by introducing polar functional groups (such as carboxylic acid groups, hydroxyl groups, and amine groups) that enhance the compatibility and dispersibility of inorganic fillers within the rubber matrix. This modification ensures uniform distribution of filler particles, improving both durability and compositional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modified rubber acts as an intermediary that facilitates better interaction between inorganic fillers and the polymer matrix. The functional groups on the rubber chains serve as bridging elements that improve the wetting and dispersion of filler particles, preventing aggregation and ensuring homogeneous distribution throughout the tire compound.
3Stability of the object's composition
If modified conjugated diene-based polymer is synthesized with specific functional groups, then compatibility with inorganic filler improves, but processability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the degree of modification and the types of functional groups introduced to optimize the balance between compatibility and processability. By adjusting parameters such as the amount of modifier, molecular weight, and functional group density, the patent achieves improved filler compatibility while maintaining adequate processability for tire manufacturing operations.
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 modified polymer exhibits superior compatibility with inorganic fillers, improved processability, and enhanced properties such as heat build-up, tensile strength, wear resistance, fuel economy, and wet skid resistance, leading to improved tire performance.
Implementation Method 1
polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer or a conjugated diene monomer and a vinyl aromatic monomer with an organometallic compound in the presence of a solvent, thus forming an active polymer having a metal end
Implementation Method 2
end-capping the active polymer having an alkali metal end with one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of 4,4'-vinylidenebis(n,n-dimethylaniline), 3-(2-pyrrolidino ethyl)styrene, 4-(2-pyrrolidino ethyl)styrene, and (3-(2-pyrrolidino-1-methylethyl)-α-methylstyrene
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Disclosed are a modified conjugated diene-based polymer represented by Chemical Formula 1, a method of preparing the same, and a rubber composition including the same.