Fatty Acid-Modified Vegetable Oils for Tire Rubber Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sophisticated rubber compositions with high filler contents and high molecular weight elastomers require improved processing aids to enhance tire performance, particularly in traction, handling, dry grip, and wet grip, which existing oils fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A vulcanizable rubber composition incorporating a vegetable oil derivative, produced by modifying epoxidized vegetable oils, which includes specific unsaturated fatty acid groups and is used in combination with diene-based rubbers and fillers like silica and carbon black, to improve processing and tire performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional oils are used as processing aids in rubber compositions, then processing is facilitated, but tire performance in traction, handling, and wet grip is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of vegetable oils by introducing specific functional groups (carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, or amine groups) to change their interaction properties with rubber compounds and fillers. This structural modification transforms traditional oils into improved processing aids that simultaneously enhance processing ease and tire performance, particularly in traction, handling, and wet grip conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite functional derivative by combining epoxidized vegetable oil with unsaturated fatty acids containing specific functional groups. This composite structure integrates the plasticizing properties of vegetable oils with the enhanced adhesion and performance characteristics of the functionalized fatty acid components, resolving the contradiction between processing ease and tire performance
2Strength
If high filler contents and high molecular weight elastomers are used to improve tire performance, then tire strength and durability are enhanced, but processing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functionalized vegetable oil derivative acts as an intermediary substance that bridges the gap between high filler/elastomer content and processability. The carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, or amine groups on the oil derivative interact with both the filler surfaces and elastomer chains, reducing friction and improving flow characteristics during mixing and molding, thereby enabling efficient processing of high-performance rubber compositions
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 vegetable oil derivative enhances tire performance by improving traction, handling, and wet grip while maintaining abrasion resistance and tear properties, offering a better plasticizing effect compared to traditional oils, with minimal tradeoffs in tensile and modulus properties.
Implementation Method 1
offering a better plasticizing effect compared to traditional oils
Data Source
AI summary
In a first aspect of the invention, a vulcanizable rubber composition is disclosed comprising a vegetable oil derivative comprising the structure: where R1, R2 and R3 are independently selected from a C15 to C20 alkenyl or a C15 to C20 alkyl, and optionally contain aromatic groups; R is - O - C(=O) - R4 where R4 is a C15 to C20 alkenyl; wherein each R is covalently bonded to a first carbon atom of one of R1, R2 or R3; wherein a second carbon atom is adjacent to the first carbon atom and the second carbon atom is substituted with an -OH group; and wherein m is the number of R groups. In a second aspect of the invention, vulcanizable rubber composition is disclosed comprising the reaction product of an unsaturated fatty acid and an epoxidized vegetable oil.