Functionalized Lignin Dispersing Agent for Tire Rubber
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubber compounds for pneumatic tire parts face challenges in achieving improved dispersion of lignin, which affects the rolling resistance and abrasion resistance of the compounds.
Innovation Solution
A rubber compound using a crosslinkable unsaturated-chain polymer base, a filler, and a vulcanization system, with a dispersing agent comprising functionalized lignin having specific functionalizations, such as those derived from Kraft lignin, to enhance lignin dispersion within the polymer matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional dispersing agents are used in rubber compounds, then the dispersion of lignin is insufficient, but improving lignin dispersion requires better compatibility with the polymer matrix
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of lignin through functionalization with silane groups. This transforms conventional lignin into a dispersing agent with improved compatibility for the polymer matrix, enabling better dispersion without requiring complex processing equipment or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite dispersing agent by combining lignin with silane functional groups. This composite structure leverages the natural dispersing properties of lignin while adding the compatibility benefits of silane groups, achieving superior dispersion performance through material composition rather than structural complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If more lignin is added to improve sustainability, then the dispersion quality deteriorates due to polarity mismatch, but reducing lignin content decreases sustainability benefit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of lignin by introducing silane functional groups, which modify its polarity characteristics. This allows higher amounts of lignin to be incorporated into the rubber compound while maintaining good dispersion quality, thus achieving both sustainability and performance requirements.
3Reliability
If functionalized lignin is used to improve dispersion, then rolling resistance and abrasion resistance improve, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-functionalizing lignin with silane groups before incorporating it into the rubber compound. This preliminary modification ensures optimal dispersion and performance characteristics are achieved during compounding, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the additional initial processing step.
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 use of functionalized lignin improves silica dispersion, leading to better rolling resistance and abrasion resistance in pneumatic tire compounds, while also utilizing a sustainable by-product from the paper industry.
Implementation Method 1
The use of functionalized lignin improves silica dispersion
Implementation Method 2
improves silica dispersion, leading to better rolling resistance and abrasion resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A rubber compound for the preparation of pneumatic tyre parts comprising at least a crosslinkable unsaturated-chain polymer base, a filler, a vulcanization system and a dispersing agent comprising, in turn, a functionalized lignin having a plurality of functionalizations of the general formula Iwherein R and R′ are different from each other and chosen from —OH and —OArLig andn is an integer between 1 and 6.