Functionalized High-Cis Polybutadiene for Mooney Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-cis polybutadiene polymers modified for increased filler-polymer interactions exhibit undesirable Mooney viscosity growth upon aging, complicating storage and processing.
Innovation Solution
A process involving lanthanide-, nickel-, or cobalt-based catalyst systems to polymerize 1,3-butadiene, followed by reaction with functionalizing compounds to produce modified high-cis polybutadiene with controlled Mooney viscosity, using a solution polymerization method in organic solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high-cis polybutadiene polymer is modified by functionalizing compounds to increase filler-polymer interactions, then filler-polymer interactions are improved, but Mooney viscosity growth upon aging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the degree of functionalization (e.g., using 0.01-10 mmol of functionalizing compound per gram of polymer) and adjusting polymerization conditions (temperature, catalyst type, monomer concentration) to achieve the desired balance between filler-polymer interactions and viscosity stability. This systematic parameter optimization allows tuning the polymer properties to resolve the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances including specific functionalizing compounds (silane, titanate, aluminate compounds) and catalyst systems (lanthanide, nickel, cobalt-based catalysts with specific co-catalysts) that mediate between the polymer chains and filler surfaces. These intermediaries facilitate controlled interactions while preventing excessive crosslinking that would cause viscosity growth.
2Ease of manufacture
If modification is applied to increase filler-polymer interactions, then processing performance is improved, but storage stability deteriorates due to viscosity growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using controlled, limited amounts of functionalizing compounds (0.01-10 mmol/g) rather than extensive modification. This partial functionalization provides sufficient filler-polymer interaction for processing improvement while avoiding excessive crosslinking that would cause storage instability. The approach finds the optimal point where processing performance is enhanced but storage stability is maintained.
3Strength
If functionalizing compounds are used to modify the polymer, then filler-polymer interactions are enhanced, but Mooney viscosity increases and becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring and adjusting the functionalization degree and polymerization parameters in real-time. The process includes controlling the addition rate of functionalizing compounds, adjusting catalyst concentrations, and monitoring viscosity changes during polymerization to maintain Mooney viscosity within acceptable ranges while achieving desired filler-polymer interactions.
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 modified high-cis polybutadiene polymers maintain initial Mooney viscosity within a desirable range and limit aged Mooney viscosity growth, ensuring stable storage and processing.
Implementation Method 1
using the catalyst system of (A) to polymerize 1,3-butadiene to produce polymer chains with a living end
Implementation Method 2
reacting the living end polymer chains from (B) with a functionalizing compound having formula (I) as follows... thereby producing a modified high-cis polybutadiene
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a process for preparing a modified high-cis polybutadiene polymer, a modified high-cis polybutadiene polymer, and tire components made using the modified high-cis polybutadiene polymer. The processes make use of a functionalizing compound of formula (I) to prepare the modified high-cis polybutadiene from a quantity of 1,3-butadiene monomer using a specified catalyst system.