Functionalized Carbon Black for Low-Hysteresis Abrasion-Resistant Rubber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubber compounds struggle to achieve a balance between reduced hysteresis and enhanced abrasion resistance, which are crucial for energy-saving tires with low rolling resistance without degrading other mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
Functionalized carbon black is produced by treating oxidized carbon black with a sulfur-containing primary or secondary amine or its salt, forming strong interactions through covalent and hydrogen bonds with the rubber matrix, thereby reducing filler-filler interactions and enhancing filler-rubber coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If carbon black loading is reduced to decrease hysteresis, then energy loss is reduced, but electrically dissipative properties and mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of carbon black by introducing sulfur-containing functional groups through reaction with sulfur-containing compounds. This chemical modification alters the surface properties and interaction mechanisms of carbon black with rubber, enabling reduced carbon black loading while maintaining performance. The sulfur-containing groups create stronger chemical bonds with rubber chains, improving filler-rubber interaction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure at the molecular level by combining carbon black with sulfur-containing compounds to form functionalized carbon black. This composite material exhibits enhanced filler-rubber interaction through covalent bonding, allowing reduced carbon black content while maintaining electrical and mechanical properties. The functionalized surface creates a hybrid interface between filler and polymer matrix.
2Loss of energy
If filler-filler interactions are reduced to decrease hysteresis, then energy loss is reduced, but abrasion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the interaction mechanism from physical filler-filler networking to chemical filler-rubber bonding. By introducing sulfur-containing functional groups on carbon black surface, the material transitions from relying on filler network strength to utilizing chemical bonds with rubber chains, thereby reducing filler-filler interactions while maintaining abrasion resistance through stronger filler-rubber coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The sulfur-containing functional groups act as intermediaries between carbon black particles and rubber chains. These functional groups form covalent bonds with both the carbon black surface and the rubber polymer chains, creating a bridging effect that strengthens filler-rubber interaction while reducing direct filler-filler contact and associated hysteresis losses.
3Loss of energy
If carbon black is oxidized to improve filler-rubber interaction, then hysteresis is reduced, but abrasion resistance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The invention further modifies the oxidation approach by subsequently reacting oxidized carbon black with sulfur-containing compounds. This two-step process first introduces oxygen-containing groups to improve wettability and interaction, then adds sulfur-containing functional groups that form stronger covalent bonds with rubber, particularly with diene-based polymers. The sulfur functionalization compensates for the potential weakening effect of oxidation on abrasion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite functional layer on carbon black surface containing both oxygen-containing and sulfur-containing groups. This dual-functional composite structure combines the benefits of oxidation (improved dispersion and initial interaction) with the advantages of sulfur functionalization (strong covalent bonding), achieving both reduced hysteresis and maintained abrasion resistance.
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 functionalized carbon black significantly reduces hysteresis and increases abrasion resistance, resulting in rubber compounds suitable for energy-saving tires with improved durability and mechanical stiffness.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the oxidized carbon black with a sulfur-containing primary or secondary amine or a salt thereof, and subjecting the resulting mixture to conditions at which the oxidized carbon black reacts with the sulfur-containing primary or secondary amine or salt thereof
Implementation Method 2
forming strong interactions through covalent and hydrogen bonds with the rubber matrix
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a functionalized carbon black obtained by treating an oxidized carbon black with a sulfur-containing primary or secondary amine or a salt thereof. The disclosure also relates to a process for preparing such functionalized carbon black. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates a vulcanizable rubber composition including (i) a vulcanizable rubber component, and (ii) an oxidized carbon black and (iii) a sulfur-containing primary or secondary amine or a salt thereof, or a functionalized carbon black formed from these components. The disclosure also concerns an article made from the vulcanizable rubber composition. The functionalized carbon blacks disclosed herein are particularly useful for obtaining rubber compounds with low hysteresis and enhanced abrasion resistance, e.g. for the production of energy-saving tires.