Fluorinated Acrylic Copolymer Release Agent for Tyre Vulcanization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current release-agent compositions for rubber to metal bonding in the tyre manufacturing process fail to provide 100% release efficiency and are either expensive or have drawbacks such as silicone transfer, and existing fluoropolymer solutions do not withstand high pressures and temperatures required during vulcanization.
Innovation Solution
A chemically engineered polyelectrolyte fluorinated acrylic copolymer with a tuned number of charges is used in a water-based dispersion, modified by an alkaline solution to enhance non-sticking and lubrication properties, suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature vulcanization conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silicone-based release-agent solutions are used, then non-sticking properties are improved, but silicone transfer to the tyre surface occurs causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the release agent by using fluorinated acrylic copolymers instead of silicone-based compounds. This parameter change eliminates silicone transfer while maintaining non-sticking properties through the inherent low surface energy of fluorinated chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure by combining fluorinated acrylic copolymer chains with specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine) to create a multi-functional release agent that provides both non-sticking properties and controlled adhesion characteristics.
2Reliability
If fluoropolymer release agents are used, then non-sticking properties are improved, but they do not withstand high pressures and temperatures required during vulcanization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the thermal stability parameters of fluoropolymer release agents by incorporating specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine) that enhance thermal resistance. These functional groups allow the polymer to maintain its non-sticking properties at vulcanization temperatures up to 200°C and pressures up to 10 MPa.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If water-based release-agent solutions are used, then safety and environmental drawbacks of volatile solvents are reduced, but release efficiency does not reach 100%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chemical structure parameters of fluorinated acrylic copolymers by adjusting the ratio of fluorinated to non-fluorinated monomer units and controlling the degree of polymerization. This enables the water-based solution to achieve complete release efficiency while maintaining the safety and environmental benefits of water as the carrier medium.
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 solution achieves improved non-sticking and lubrication properties, reducing adhesion forces between rubber and mould surfaces, allowing for efficient tyre removal and reducing production hazards and costs, while being compatible with existing tyre factory processes.
Implementation Method 1
the use of non-sticking polymeric coatings seems to be, at the moment, the most successful and widespread; as an example, it is conventional practice to pre-overlay the metallic mould and/or the outer surface of the uncured tyre with a release agent in order to prevent the sticking
Implementation Method 2
the present invention is preferably and advantageously applied for improving the non-sticking and lubrication properties of a fluorinated acrylic copolymer water dispersion towards rubber on different materials in vulcanizing pressure and temperature conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a polyelectrolyte fluorinated acrylic copolymer having a tuned number of charges in its backbone, said copolymer being useful to produce a release-agent composition. The present invention also refers to a method for obtaining said polyelectrolyte fluorinated acrylic copolymer as well as to a method for producing said release-agent composition. The preferred application of said release-agent composition is in the manufacturing process of vehicle tyres, specifically during the vulcanization of pneumatic rubber vehicle tyres for defining the tyre tread pattern and configuration of the sidewalls thereof.