Functionalized Diene Polymer for Tire Filler Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubber compositions used in tire components, such as tire treads, face challenges in achieving optimal filler dispersion and interaction, which affects the properties of the resulting rubber, particularly in terms of rolling resistance and bound rubber content.
Innovation Solution
A functionalized diene monomer-containing polymer with specific functionalizing groups is introduced, which is prepared through a process involving polymerization, reaction with functionalizing compounds, and coupling to enhance filler-polymer interaction, resulting in improved rubber compositions with increased Mooney viscosity, reduced rolling resistance, and higher bound rubber content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rubber compositions are used with standard fillers, then the basic rubber properties are maintained, but the filler dispersion and filler-polymer interaction are insufficient, leading to suboptimal rolling resistance and bound rubber content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing functional groups (such as silane, isocyanate, carboxylic acid, or hydroxyl groups) onto the polymer chains. These functional groups fundamentally change the chemical parameters of the polymer, enabling strong chemical interactions with fillers like silica and carbon black. This transforms the physical mixing process into a chemically bonded system, achieving superior filler dispersion and interaction simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system where functionalized polymer chains act as intermediaries between the rubber matrix and filler particles. The functional groups on the polymer chains form a bridging structure that combines the elasticity of rubber with the reinforcement properties of fillers, achieving both good dispersion and strong interaction in a single composite material system.
2Reliability
If functionalized polymers are introduced to improve filler interaction, then rolling resistance and bound rubber content improve, but the polymerization and functionalization process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating functional groups during the polymerization step itself, rather than requiring separate post-polymerization functionalization steps. The functionalizing agents are introduced into the polymerization reactor along with the monomers and initiators, allowing the functional groups to be built into the polymer chains as they form. This preliminary functionalization simplifies the overall process by combining two steps (polymerization and functionalization) into one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the polymerization process with the functionalization process into a single integrated operation. By using functionalizing agents that can react with growing polymer chains during polymerization, the method combines chain formation and functional group introduction into one unified process, reducing process complexity while achieving the desired functionalized polymer product.
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 polymer improves the dispersion of fillers and enhances the properties of rubber compositions, leading to reduced rolling resistance and increased bound rubber, thereby improving the performance of tire components.
Implementation Method 1
reacting the living end polymer chains from (a) with a first functionalizing compound selected from structure I or structure II, thereby producing an intermediary product including polymer chains end functionalized with the first functionalizing compound
Implementation Method 2
coupling the intermediary product from (b) with a second functionalizing compound selected from structure V, thereby forming a final product including functionalized diene monomer-containing polymers
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a functionalized diene monomer-containing polymer containing first and second functionalizing groups, processes for preparing the functionalized polymer, and rubber compositions containing the functionalized polymer. The functionalized polymer contains polymer chains comprises of at least one conjugated diene monomer optionally in combination with at least one vinyl aromatic monomer wherein each polymer chain is functionalized at its chain end with at least the first functionalizing group and is coupled via the first functionalizing group to the second functionalizing group.