Functionalized Elastomer for Tire Tread Rolling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubber formulations face challenges in achieving optimal interaction between rubbery polymers and fillers like carbon black and silica, which affects tire performance metrics such as rolling resistance and traction, due to inconsistent viscoelastic properties.
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, thereby improving polymer-filler interaction and reducing hysteresis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If blends of various types of synthetic and natural rubber are utilized in tire treads to achieve inconsistent viscoelastic properties, then wet skid resistance is improved, but rolling resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of the polymer by introducing functional groups (carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, amine, or isocyanate groups) at the chain ends of the polybutadiene or polyisoprene molecules. This chemical modification changes the interaction parameters between the rubber and filler surfaces, enabling improved wet skid resistance through enhanced adhesion without the energy loss associated with traditional rubber blends.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional rubber formulations are used with standard fillers, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but polymer-filler interaction is insufficient, leading to higher hysteresis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs living anionic polymerization techniques to introduce specific functional groups at the chain ends of the rubber molecules. This controlled chemical modification enables tailored interactions with fillers like carbon black and silica, reducing hysteresis and improving energy efficiency while maintaining formulation and processing simplicity through a well-established polymerization methodology.
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.
Implementation Method 1
In the living polymerization process based on active carbanionic center, metals from Groups I and II of the periodic table are commonly used to initiate the polymerization of monomers into polymers
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
functionalized elastomers having a high rebound physical property (low hysteresis) have been used for the tire tread rubber compositions
Implementation Method 4
rubbery polymers that have a relatively lower rebound physical property (higher hysteresis) which thereby undergo a greater energy loss
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 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 VIIIwherein 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 IXwherein R14 is C1 to C8 alkyl.