Functionalized Elastomer Tire Rubber Filler Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubber formulations for tires face challenges in achieving optimal interaction between rubber polymers and fillers like carbon black and silica, leading to inconsistent viscoelastic properties and increased rolling resistance and hysteresis, which affect tire performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of a functionalized elastomer through the reaction of a living anionic elastomeric polymer with a specific polymerization terminator, enhancing the affinity of rubbery polymers for fillers such as carbon black and silica, thereby improving polymer-filler interaction and reducing hysteresis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If rubbery polymers with high rebound physical property (low hysteresis) are used to reduce rolling resistance and improve tread wear, then rolling resistance and tread wear characteristics are improved, but wet skid resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the rubber polymer by introducing functional groups (such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, or amine groups) at the chain ends through controlled polymerization termination. This modifies the polymer's interaction with filler surfaces, allowing optimization of the balance between hysteresis and wet skid resistance by adjusting the density and type of functional groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite system where functionalized rubber polymers are combined with specific fillers (carbon black, silica) and coupling agents. The functional groups on the polymer chains interact with filler surfaces to create a synergistic composite material that achieves both low hysteresis and high wet skid resistance through optimized polymer-filler interfacial interactions.
2Reliability
If blends of various types of synthetic and natural rubber are used to achieve inconsistent viscoelastic properties for tire tread, then tread performance is improved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of blending multiple rubber types throughout the entire polymer structure, the invention applies functional groups locally at the chain ends of the rubber polymers. This localized modification provides the necessary viscoelastic properties and filler interaction capabilities without requiring complex multi-component blends.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the end-group composition parameter of the rubber polymer to achieve desired viscoelastic properties. By controlling the type and concentration of terminal functional groups during polymerization, the patent optimizes tread performance without needing to formulate complex blends of different rubber types.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional rubber formulations are used without functionalization, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but filler interaction and dispersion are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary functionalization of the rubber polymer chains during the polymerization process itself. The functional groups are introduced at the chain ends before compounding and mixing with fillers, ensuring that the polymer is pre-equipped with the necessary interaction sites for optimal filler dispersion and bonding in the final tire 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
This approach results in lower rolling resistance and improved traction characteristics by enhancing the interaction between rubber and fillers, leading to better tire performance with reduced hysteresis and improved filler dispersion.
Implementation Method 1
a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator
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
Implementation Method 3
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 4
The interaction between rubber and carbon black has been attributed to a combination of physical absorption (van der Waals force) and chemisorption
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a functionalized elastomer comprising the reaction product of a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a polymerization terminator of formula Iwherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are as defined. The invention is further directed to a rubber composition including the functionalized elastomer, and a pneumatic tire including the rubber composition.