Functionalized Elastomer Copolymer for Stereoregular Tire Compounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a reliable way to functionalize stereoregular diene polymers, which are essential for improving tire performance, due to catalyst poisoning by polar functionalities, limiting the types of monomers compatible with coordination polymerization catalysts.
Innovation Solution
A copolymer of 1,3-butadiene or isoprene with a functionalized monomer, using a nickel coordination catalyst such as (allyl)(arene)Ni(II) compounds, allowing for the incorporation of polar functionalities while maintaining high stereoregularity and tolerance to polar substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If coordination polymerization catalysts are used to produce stereoregular diene polymers, then high stereoregularity is achieved, but the catalyst is easily poisoned by polar functionalities, limiting monomer compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific nickel-based coordination catalyst with a tailored ligand structure that acts as an intermediary between the polymerization process and polar functional groups. This catalyst design allows polar functionalities to be present without causing deactivation, enabling the polymerization of monomers containing polar groups while maintaining stereoregularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the catalyst's chemical parameters by selecting specific ligands (such as cyclooctadiene or allylamine derivatives) that change the catalyst's tolerance to polar substances. This parameter change enables the catalyst to withstand polar functional groups while preserving its stereoselective polymerization capability.
2Reliability
If functionalized monomers are used to improve tire properties, then superior tire performance is achieved, but no reliable polymerization method exists for stereoregular diene polymers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a reliable nickel-based coordination catalyst that acts as an intermediary to enable the polymerization of functionalized monomers. This catalyst system makes the manufacture of stereoregular functionalized diene polymers feasible, allowing the incorporation of polar functional groups to achieve superior tire properties through a well-defined polymerization method.
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 copolymer achieves a high degree of stereoregularity and improved tire properties by incorporating functionalized units, enhancing the performance of tire compounds without catalyst poisoning, leading to superior tire properties compared to unfunctionalized polymers.
Implementation Method 1
using a nickel coordination catalyst such as (allyl)(arene)Ni(II) compounds, allowing for the incorporation of polar functionalities while maintaining high stereoregularity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a copolymer of a monomer selected from the group consisting of 1,3-butadiene and isoprene, and a monomer of formula Iwherein R1 is phenylene, or a linear or branched alkane diyl group containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or a combination of one or more phenylene groups and one or more linear or branched alkane diyl groups containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R2 and R3 are independently phenyl or a linear or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or one of R2 and R3 is hydrogen and the other is phenyl or a linear or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or R2 and R3 taken together with the nitrogen atom represent a nitrogen containing heterocyclic group containing from 4 to 12 carbon atoms; and R4 is hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The invention is further directed to a rubber composition including the copolymer, and a pneumatic tire containing the rubber composition. The invention is further directed to a method of making such a copolymer.