Functionalized Diene Polymer Rubber Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubber compositions for tire reinforcement face challenges in achieving strong and durable adhesion between metallic reinforcing elements and rubber, which degrades over time due to mechanical and thermal stresses, and require the use of adhesives that increase production costs and lead to heterogeneities in composite properties.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition based on a diene elastomer matrix with a functional diene polymer carrying aromatic groups substituted with vicinal hydroxy functions, where the diene elastomer represents more than 50% by mass and the functional diene polymer represents at most 30% by mass, enhancing adhesion without the need for adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional sulfurization of brass coating is used to ensure adhesion between steel and rubber, then strong initial adhesion is achieved, but adhesion weakens over time due to progressive evolution of sulfides under mechanical and thermal stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the rubber matrix by incorporating specific functional polymers with aromatic groups and hydroxy functions, transforming the adhesion mechanism from sulfur-based (prone to degradation) to hydroxy-based (more stable) chemical bonding with metallic surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The functional polymer acts as an intermediary between the metallic reinforcing elements and the rubber matrix, providing a stable chemical bridge through hydroxy groups that form durable bonds with metal surfaces while maintaining compatibility with the rubber matrix
2Strength
If adhesive systems are used to ensure good bond between metal and rubber, then adhesion is improved, but production cost increases and heterogeneities in composite properties occur due to non-uniform adhesive deposit
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the adhesive function directly into the rubber matrix by incorporating functional polymers with adhesion-promoting groups, eliminating the need for separate adhesive layers and simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring uniform distribution throughout the composite
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the adhesive function from a separate coating operation and integrates it into the bulk rubber composition, removing the need for additional production steps and equipment while achieving consistent adhesion properties
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 significantly improves the adhesion between metal and rubber, maintaining performance over time and eliminating the need for adhesives, thereby reducing production costs and ensuring uniform properties in tire reinforcement.
Implementation Method 1
a functional diene polymer which carries at least one aromatic group substituted by at least two hydroxy functions... improves the bond between a metal and the rubber composition
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a rubber composition comprising at least one polymer matrix including a diene elastomer (Ed) and a functional diene polymer bearing at least one aromatic group substituted by at least two hydroxy functions, the diene elastomer (Ed) representing more than 50 wt.-% of the polymer matrix, characterised in that the functional diene polymer represents at most 30 wt.-% of the polymer matrix and two of the hydroxy functions are vicinal. Such a composition has good adhesion properties relative to metal reinforcement elements that can be used in reinforcing plies for tyres.