Fluororubber Hose Composition for Engine Pressure Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fluororubber mixtures used in hoses lack sufficient dynamic performance and tear resistance to meet the demands of next-generation engines, particularly under increasing pressure requirements.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating 50 to 100 phr of fluororubber and 0.05 to 5 phr of a fluoropolymer powder, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, along with active carbon black with specific iodine and DBP numbers, into the rubber mixture to enhance dynamic performance and tear resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If active fillers such as active carbon blacks are added to fluororubber mixtures to improve tear propagation resistance, then tear resistance is improved, but viscosity increases and processing becomes worse

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetear propagation resistanceVSAvoidprocessability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the particle size parameter of the carbon black filler to a specific range (0.5-5 μm) to optimize both tear resistance and processability. This parameter optimization allows the carbon black to provide reinforcement without excessive viscosity increase, resolving the contradiction between strength improvement and manufacturing ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite filler system combining carbon black with specific surface area characteristics (150-400 m²/kg) with fluororubber matrix. The specific composite structure allows synergistic effects where the carbon black provides tear resistance while the controlled surface area limits adverse interactions with the polymer matrix, maintaining processability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If carbon nanotubes are added to fluororubber mixtures to improve tear resistance and processability, then both properties are improved, but the dynamic performance remains insufficient for next-generation engine pressure requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetear resistanceVSAvoiddynamic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of carbon nanotubes to a specific range (0.1-5 phr) to achieve the desired balance between tear resistance and dynamic performance. This precise parameter control ensures that the reinforcement effect is maximized while avoiding excessive stiffening that would harm dynamic performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-component composite system combining fluororubber with both carbon nanotubes and carbon black fillers. This composite approach provides synergistic reinforcement where carbon nanotubes contribute to tear resistance and dynamic performance, while carbon black provides additional structural support without excessive viscosity increase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 addition of fluoropolymer powder and active carbon black significantly improves dynamic performance and tear resistance, making the hoses suitable for the pressure demands of advanced engines.

Implementation Method 1

an iodine number according to ASTM D 1510 between 60 and 300 g/kg

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

a DBP number according to ASTM D 2414 between 60 and 150 cm³

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3026078B1Rubber composition and hose containing the rubber composition
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 CONTITECH MGW GMBH
  • EP3026078B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a rubber compound containing at least one fluororubber and at least one powder based on at least one fluoropolymer. The rubber compound is characterized by improved dynamic performance combined with optimized tear resistance. The invention further relates to a hose (1) having at least the following layer structure: - an inner layer (2) as a barrier layer to aggressive media, containing at least one fluororubber and at least one powder based on at least one fluoropolymer, and - an outer layer (5) made of a cross-linked rubber compound.