Functionalized Elastomer Filler Interaction for Low Rolling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubber formulations for tires face challenges in achieving optimal filler dispersion and interaction, leading to inconsistent viscoelastic properties, which affect rolling resistance and traction characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A functionalized elastomer is developed through the reaction of a living elastomeric polymer with a specific polymerization terminator, resulting in a high cis 1,4 microstructure content, improving the affinity of fillers like carbon black and silica, thereby enhancing polymer/filler interaction and reducing hysteresis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blends of various types of synthetic and natural rubber are utilized in tire treads to achieve inconsistent viscoelastic properties, then wet skid resistance and traction characteristics are improved, but rolling resistance increases due to higher hysteresis
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the rubber polymer by introducing polar functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups) at the chain ends. This chemical modification alters the viscoelastic properties of the rubber, enabling low hysteresis and low rolling resistance without requiring blends of different rubber types. The functional groups enhance filler interaction, achieving the desired performance through compositional change rather than physical blending.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite effect by combining functionalized polymer chains with filler particles (carbon black, silica, or starch). The polar functional groups on the polymer chains interact strongly with the filler surfaces, creating a synergistic composite material system. This composite structure achieves improved filler dispersion and interaction, resulting in low hysteresis and low rolling resistance while maintaining high wet skid resistance.
2Reliability
If conventional rubber formulations are used to achieve good filler interaction, then traction characteristics are improved, but the affinity of filler for rubbery polymer is insufficient, leading to inconsistent viscoelastic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the chemical parameters of the rubber polymer by introducing polar functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups) at the chain ends through termination of living polymerization with compounds containing these groups. This chemical modification enhances the polarity and surface activity of the polymer, improving its affinity for filler particles and ensuring homogeneous filler dispersion throughout the rubber matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The polar functional groups act as intermediaries between the rubber polymer chains and the filler particles. These functional groups form bridging interactions, with their polar groups interacting with the polar surfaces of filler particles (carbon black, silica, or starch). This intermediary mechanism ensures uniform filler distribution and consistent viscoelastic properties throughout the rubber composition.
3Loss of energy
If functionalized polymers with high rebound physical property are used to reduce rolling resistance, then energy loss is reduced, but wet skid resistance decreases due to lower hysteresis
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the rubber polymer by introducing polar functional groups at the chain ends, which modifies the viscoelastic response. The functional groups enhance filler interaction and create a unique hysteresis profile that differs from conventional rubbers. This chemical modification enables the polymer to achieve low rolling resistance through reduced hysteresis while simultaneously maintaining high wet skid resistance through improved filler-rubber adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system where functionalized polymer chains interact with filler particles through polar groups. This composite structure produces a synergistic effect where the filler-rubber interface contributes to both low hysteresis (reducing rolling resistance) and high energy dissipation at low frequencies (maintaining wet skid resistance). The composite nature of the material enables simultaneous optimization of both performance parameters.
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 improved polymer/filler interaction results in lower rolling resistance and better traction characteristics, as evidenced by reduced tan delta values, indicating enhanced tire performance.
Implementation Method 1
functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator of formula I, wherein the functionalized elastomer comprises repeat units of a diene monomer and optionally a vinyl aromatic monomer, and the functionalized elastomer comprises at least 92 percent by weight of cis 1,4 microstructure content based on the weight of the polydiene content of the functionalized elastomer wherein R1 is C1 to C4 linear alkyl, or C1 to C4 branched alkanediyl; X1, X2, X3 are independently O, S, or a group of formula (II) or (III) where R2 is C1 to C18 linear or branched alkyl; Z is R3, -OR4, or -R5-X4 ; R3, R4 are independently C1 to C18 linear or branched alkyl; R5 is C1 to C18 alkanediyl or dialkyl ether diyl; X4 is halogen or a group of structure IV, V, VI, VII or VIII wherein R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 are independently H or C1 to C8 alkyl; R11 is C2 to C8 alkanediyl; R12 and R13 are independently H, aryl or C1 to C8 alkyl; Q is N or a group of structure IX wherein R14 is C1 to C8 alkyl.