EVA Copolymer Silane Coupling for Tire Rigidity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rubber compositions used in tire manufacturing are sensitive to thermo-oxidation, leading to changes in mechanical properties, and the addition of reinforcing fillers like silica or carbon black affects the stability of EVA copolymers at high temperatures, making it challenging to achieve stable tire endurance.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition comprising a copolymer based on ethylene and vinyl acetate monomers, combined with an organosilane coupling agent and inorganic reinforcing fillers, specifically silica, which maintains rigidity and resistance to deformation across temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If reinforcing fillers like silica or carbon black are added to improve wear resistance, then tire durability is improved, but the stability of EVA copolymers at high temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A silane coupling agent is introduced as an intermediary substance between the EVA copolymer and the inorganic reinforcing filler. The coupling agent contains both organofunctional groups that interact with the polymer and inorganic groups that bond with the filler surface, creating a stable interface that prevents direct adverse interactions while maintaining reinforcement effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system consisting of three components: EVA copolymer, inorganic reinforcing filler, and silane coupling agent. This composite structure allows the combination of materials with complementary properties, where the coupling agent mediates the interface between the organic polymer and inorganic filler to achieve both durability and thermal stability.
2Reliability
If EVA copolymers are used to reduce thermo-oxidation susceptibility, then resistance to heat degradation is improved, but the compound becomes too rigid and unsuitable for pneumatic use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the chemical parameters of the EVA copolymer by introducing a controlled amount of unsaturation through specific monomer selection (e.g., ethylidene norbornene units). This parameter change allows the polymer to maintain its resistance to thermo-oxidation while regaining the flexibility and processability required for pneumatic applications.
3Strength
If diene elastomers with carbon-carbon double bonds are used, then good reinforcement and elasticity are achieved, but susceptibility to thermo-oxidation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts or removes the problematic carbon-carbon double bonds from the elastomer main chain by using saturated or less unsaturated polymers (e.g., polyethylene, EVA copolymers). The essential reinforcement and elasticity functions are then achieved through the inorganic filler-polymer interface created by the coupling agent, rather than through double bond reactivity.
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 exhibits minimal change in rigidity and maintains good reinforcement properties at both low and high temperatures, enhancing tire endurance and performance.
Implementation Method 1
as a coupling agent between said copolymer A and said inorganic reinforcing filler, an organosilane compound of formula (I) BZ-Si(G1
Implementation Method 2
an organosilane coupling agent and inorganic reinforcing fillers, specifically silica, which maintains rigidity and resistance to deformation across temperature variations
Implementation Method 3
EVA copolymers are thermoplastic copolymers with elastomeric properties... the presence of reinforcing fillers, such as silica or carbon black, has an adverse effect on the stability of EVA copolymers at high temperature (use temperature)
Implementation Method 4
a rubber composition comprising a copolymer based on ethylene and vinyl acetate monomers, combined with an organosilane coupling agent and inorganic reinforcing fillers, specifically silica, which maintains rigidity and resistance to deformation across temperature variations
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a rubber composition comprising: a copolymer A containing at least one ethylene monomer and at least one vinyl acetate monomer; an inorganic reinforcing filler, said inorganic filler comprising silica; by way of a coupling agent between copolymer A and the inorganic reinforcing filler, an organosilane compound of formula (I) B-Z-Si(G1)(3-d)(G2)(d), wherein B, Z G1, G2 and (d) are as defined in the claims; and a peroxide crosslinking system. Said composition is particularly suitable for use in the production of semi-finished products for tyres or in tyre production.