Functionalized Elastomer Filler Affinity and Hysteresis Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubbery polymers used in tire production have limited affinity for fillers like carbon black and silica, leading to higher hysteresis and rolling resistance, which negatively impacts tire performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of a functionalized elastomer with specific end-group modifications, utilizing a cascading reaction with ethylene sulfide and chlorotriethoxysilane, to enhance the interaction between rubbery polymers and fillers, thereby improving filler dispersion and reducing hysteresis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rubbery polymers are used without end-group functionalization, then the polymer structure remains simple and manufacturing is easier, but the affinity for fillers like carbon black and silica is limited, leading to higher hysteresis and rolling resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the polymer by introducing specific end-group functionalizations (aminobenzophenone and tin coupling agents) to the living polymer chains. This modifies the polymer's chemical properties to enhance its affinity for filler surfaces, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and improving filler interaction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The end-group functionalizations act as intermediaries between the polymer chains and filler surfaces. These modified end groups serve as chemical mediators that facilitate stronger interaction and bonding between the rubber polymer and filler particles like carbon black and silica, thereby improving overall filler affinity without fundamentally altering the bulk polymer structure
2Loss of energy
If conventional rubber formulations are used, then the formulation process is simpler, but hysteresis loss is higher resulting in increased rolling resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the rubber formulation by incorporating polymers with modified end groups. This chemical parameter change reduces hysteresis loss by improving polymer-filler interaction, thereby lowering energy dissipation and rolling resistance while maintaining manageable formulation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The end-group functionalization is performed preliminarily during the polymerization process itself, before the rubber compounding and formulation stages. By pre-modifying the polymer chains with reactive end groups, the invention ensures improved filler interaction is built into the polymer structure beforehand, simplifying the overall formulation process rather than requiring additional complex processing steps
3Reliability
If conventional rubber compounds are used in tire treads, then the compound formulation is simpler, but traction characteristics are poorer due to higher tan delta at 0°C
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the rheological and chemical parameters of the rubber compound by using polymers with functionalized end groups. This improves traction characteristics by reducing tan delta at 0°C through better polymer-filler bonding, enhancing grip and traction performance while keeping the compound formulation relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The functionalized end groups serve as chemical intermediaries that enhance the bonding between polymer and filler in the tire tread compound. This improved interfacial interaction mediated by the end groups leads to better stress transfer and reduced energy loss, thereby improving traction characteristics without requiring complex compound formulations
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 elastomer significantly improves the affinity of rubbery polymers for fillers, resulting in lower hysteresis, reduced rolling resistance, and enhanced traction characteristics in tire tread formulations.
Implementation Method 1
The interaction between rubber and carbon black has been attributed to a combination of physical absorption (van der Waals force) and chemisorption between the oxygen containing functional groups on the carbon black surface and the rubber
Implementation Method 2
The interaction between rubber and carbon black has been attributed to a combination of physical absorption (van der Waals force) and chemisorption between the oxygen containing functional groups on the carbon black surface and the rubber
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a functionalized elastomer of formula Iwhere R1, R2 and R3 are independently C1 to C8 alkyl or C1 to C8 alkoxy, with the proviso that at least two of R1, R2 and R3 are C1 to C8 alkoxy; R4 is C1 to C8 alkanediyl, C1 to C8 arylene, C1 to C8 alkylarylene, C1 to C8 arylalkanediyl, or a covalent bond; R5 is C2 alkanediyl; Si is silicon; X is sulfur or oxygen; and P is a diene based elastomer, and n is 1 or 2.