Functionalized Elastomer Rubber Composition Crosslinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vulcanization systems in rubber compositions for tires are prone to scorching, leading to premature crosslinking and processing difficulties, and require high sulfur and zinc oxide content, which complicates the manufacturing of semi-finished articles and does not adequately address adhesion issues.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition featuring a functionalized elastomer with polar functional groups, a polyphenolic compound with multiple aromatic rings, and a reinforcing filler, which crosslinks independently of traditional vulcanization systems, reducing the need for sulfur and zinc oxide and enhancing adhesion properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional vulcanization systems with molecular sulfur and accelerators are used, then crosslinking is achieved, but scorching occurs leading to premature vulcanization and processing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the crosslinking system by replacing molecular sulfur with a polycarboxylic acid and imidazole combination. This parameter change eliminates scorching while maintaining crosslinking effectiveness, allowing proper processing without premature vulcanization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary crosslinking mechanism using polycarboxylic acid and imidazole that acts as a mediator between the elastomer and crosslinking process. This intermediary system avoids the harmful scorching effect of conventional sulfur-based systems while achieving the desired crosslinked network structure.
2Strength
If high sulfur and zinc oxide content is used to ensure adhesion, then adhesion function is improved, but composition complexity and manufacturing constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes sulfur and zinc oxide from the composition, replacing them with a simplified crosslinking system based on polycarboxylic acid and imidazole. This extraction eliminates the need for high sulfur content while maintaining adhesion through the new crosslinking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compositional parameters by eliminating sulfur and zinc oxide, replacing them with polycarboxylic acid and imidazole. This parameter change simplifies the composition while maintaining or improving adhesion properties through the new crosslinking system.
3Strength
If conventional vulcanization systems are used, then crosslinking is achieved, but the composition requires multiple components including accelerators, activators, and retarders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes multiple components from the conventional vulcanization system, including sulfur, accelerators, activators, and retarders. It replaces them with a simplified two-component system (polycarboxylic acid and imidazole), dramatically reducing composition complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the polycarboxylic acid and imidazole combination serve multiple functions simultaneously: crosslinking the elastomer, providing adhesion, and eliminating the need for separate accelerators and activators. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components required.
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 simplifies the composition preparation, improves adhesion to metal reinforcing cords, and eliminates the need for cobalt salts, resulting in a more manageable processing and enhanced performance of tire components.
Implementation Method 1
The crosslinking of the rubber composition is performed with a crosslinking system based on a polycarboxylic acid and an imidazole
Implementation Method 2
based on at least one functionalized elastomer comprising polar functional groups
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a rubber composition based on at least one functionalized elastomer comprising polar functional groups, a reinforcing filler and a specific polyphenolic compound.