Epoxy-Cured Tire Rubber Composition for Low Hysteresis Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubber compositions for tires face challenges in achieving a balance between stiffness at low deformations and hysteresis losses, with conventional reinforcing resins and hardeners often leading to increased rigidity at the cost of increased hysteresis.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition comprising a diene elastomer, a tetra(glycidoxyphenyl)ethane type epoxy resin, and a hardener, such as aromatic diamines or ureas, is used to improve the stiffness-hysteresis compromise, with specific ratios of epoxy resin and hardener enhancing the properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rubber compositions are used to ensure flexibility and processability, then the material remains soft and easy to process, but the mechanical strength and heat resistance are insufficient for high-performance applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining rubber (polymer) with epoxy resin and hardener to create a multi-component system. This composite approach allows the rubber to provide flexibility and processability while the epoxy resin contributes mechanical strength and heat resistance, resolving the contradiction between softness and strength requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes through the curing process where the epoxy resin transitions from liquid to solid state, fundamentally changing the physical and mechanical properties of the composition. This transformation enables the material to achieve high strength and heat resistance while maintaining ease of processing in its uncured state
2Reliability
If high-performance rubber compositions are formulated to improve heat resistance and mechanical strength, then the material performance increases, but the setting time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by selecting specific hardeners and curing conditions that accelerate the epoxy resin's transition from liquid to solid. The hardener catalyzes the curing reaction, enabling the system to achieve high heat resistance and mechanical strength within a practical setting time frame
Solution Approach 2:
The hardener acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates the curing reaction between epoxy resin and rubber. This mediator enables the system to achieve high performance properties without requiring excessively long setting times, as the hardener accelerates the crosslinking process
3Strength
If the epoxy resin content is increased to enhance mechanical strength and heat resistance, then the performance improves, but the flexibility and processability of the rubber composition deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distributing the epoxy resin and hardener throughout the rubber matrix rather than concentrating them in specific regions. This uniform distribution ensures that the mechanical strength and heat resistance are enhanced throughout the material while maintaining overall flexibility and processability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the ratio of epoxy resin to hardener and optimizing the curing conditions. This allows the system to achieve the desired balance between mechanical strength and flexibility, as the curing process transforms the material properties in a controlled manner
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 achieves improved low-strain stiffness and reduced hysteresis losses, resulting in better tire performance with lower rolling resistance.
Implementation Method 1
Rubber composition comprising an epoxy resin and a hardener
Implementation Method 2
comprising an epoxy resin and a hardener in a crosslinked state
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler, a cross-linking system, and comprising an epoxy resin selected from tri(glycidoxyphenyl)methane, tetra(glycidoxyphenyl)ethane epoxy resins and mixtures thereof and a hardener.