Epoxidized Diene Rubber Crosslinking for Faster Tire Curing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tire manufacturing processes face challenges in reducing the residence time of tires in baking presses due to complex vulcanization systems, which can be simplified and improved with alternative crosslinking systems that provide faster crosslinking kinetics without increasing the complexity of rubber compositions.
Innovation Solution
A crosslinking system comprising organopolyphosphorus compounds, polysulfonic acids, and polyphenol compounds, which can crosslink epoxidized diene elastomers with improved kinetics, reducing the cooking time of tires without the need for imidazole and other vulcanization agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional vulcanization systems with multiple components (sulfur, accelerators, activators, retarders) are used, then crosslinking efficiency is improved, but composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vulcanization functions into a single organopolyphosphorus compound that simultaneously acts as crosslinking agent, accelerator, and activator, eliminating the need for separate sulfur, accelerators, and activators while maintaining effective crosslinking
Solution Approach 2:
The organopolyphosphorus compound performs multiple functions: it serves as crosslinking agent, vulcanization accelerator, and activator all in one substance, reducing the number of components needed while maintaining comprehensive vulcanization performance
2Speed
If polycarboxylic acid with imidazole and phenolic compound is used, then crosslinking kinetics are improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of polycarboxylic acid, imidazole, and phenolic compound into a single organopolyphosphorus compound that provides equivalent or superior crosslinking kinetics without requiring multiple separate components
3Productivity
If residence time in curing press is reduced, then productivity is improved, but crosslinking completeness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The organopolyphosphorus compound changes the kinetic parameters of the crosslinking reaction, enabling faster reaction rates at lower temperatures or shorter times while maintaining complete crosslinking, thus reducing curing press residence time without compromising cure quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the crosslinking reaction to proceed rapidly through the critical phase in a shortened time frame, achieving complete vulcanization faster than conventional systems while maintaining product quality
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 proposed crosslinking system simplifies the tire manufacturing process by achieving faster crosslinking kinetics, reducing the residence time in baking presses, and improving the cooking efficiency of rubber compositions compared to traditional systems based on polycarboxylic acids and imidazoles.
Implementation Method 1
a crosslinking system for said epoxidized diene elastomer comprising at least one organopolyphosphorus compound, a polysulfonic acid and a polyphenol compound
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a crosslinking system for a rubber composition comprising an epoxidized elastomer, said crosslinking system comprising at least (a) a polyacid compound selected from among organo-polyphosphorus compounds of general formula (I) and sulfonic polyacids of general formula (II), and (b) a polyphenol compound comprising at least one aromatic ring comprising 6 carbon atoms and at least two –OH hydroxyl functions on a same aromatic ring; formula I in which - A represents a covalent bond or a hydrocarbon group comprising at least 1 carbon atom, optionally substituted and optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms, and - the Rs represent, independently of each other, a hydrocarbon group comprising at least 1 carbon atom or a hydrogen atom; formula II in which - A' represents a covalent bond or a hydrocarbon group comprising at least 1 carbon atom, optionally substituted and optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms. The crosslinking system of the invention has improved crosslinking kinetics.