Bio-Based Estolide Rubber Composition for Tire Sidewall Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tire manufacturers seek to reduce the environmental footprint of tire production by replacing petroleum-based materials with bio-based alternatives without compromising mechanical properties, particularly tear resistance, while maintaining performance.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition for tire sidewalls using a plasticizing system composed of bio-based estolides, combined with isoprene and butadiene elastomers and carbon black, enhances breaking strength and maintains low-strain stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If petroleum-based plasticizers are replaced with bio-based estolides, then environmental footprint is reduced, but mechanical properties may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the molecular weight distribution of estolides (Mw < 5000 g/mol) and their composition parameters to achieve optimal mechanical properties. This resolves the contradiction by showing that with proper parameter optimization, bio-based estolides can provide both environmental benefits and adequate mechanical strength for tire sidewalls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining estolides with specific elastomer systems (isoprene and butadiene elastomers in defined ratios) and reinforcing fillers (carbon black). This composite approach ensures that the bio-based plasticizer system achieves the necessary mechanical properties while maintaining environmental advantages.
2Strength
If bio-based estolides are used as plasticizers, then breaking strength is improved, but low-strain stiffness may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by precisely controlling the molecular weight parameter of estolides (Mw < 5000 g/mol) and the ratio of isoprene to butadiene elastomers. These parameter adjustments optimize the balance between breaking strength and low-strain stiffness, demonstrating that proper parameter selection can simultaneously improve both properties.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If petroleum-based materials are replaced with bio-based materials, then compositional uniformity may be compromised, but environmental sustainability is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses compositional uniformity by controlling key parameters including estolide molecular weight distribution (Mw < 5000 g/mol), elastomer ratios (isoprene:butadiene), and carbon black content. These controlled parameters ensure consistent composition and reproducible performance across production batches while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a rubber composition based on at least: - 100 phr of an elastomer matrix comprising an isoprene elastomer and a butadiene elastomer; - 20 to 120 phr of a reinforcing filler comprising carbon black as the predominant filler; - 5 to 120 phr of a plasticizing system comprising, as a biosourced plasticizer, at least one estolide having a weight-average molar mass (Mw) of less than 5000g/mol determined by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), the method being described in the description; - a crosslinking system.