Functionalized SBR Rubber Mixture for Tire Rolling Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rubber mixtures for pneumatic vehicle tires, belts, and hoses face challenges in balancing improved rolling resistance with other critical properties like wet grip, dry braking, and wear behavior, particularly under high mechanical loads.

Innovation Solution

A rubber compound comprising 60 to 100 phr of fully or partially functionalized styrene butadiene rubber, 0 to 40 phr of another polar or non-polar rubber, 0.01 to 20 phr of carbon black, 30 to 300 phr of silica, 0.1 to 40 phr of mercaptosilane, and 0.1 to 10 phr of a substance with partially passivating ligands, such as propanediol or metal-free fatty acid amides, to enhance rolling resistance and abrasion behavior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If silica is used to replace carbon black in rubber mixtures, then wet grip and dry braking are improved, but rolling resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewet grip and dry brakingVSAvoidrolling resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the silica-to-carbon black ratio, silica surface treatment, and compound composition to optimize the balance between wet grip and rolling resistance. Specific parameters such as silica particle size, surface area, and organic modifier content are adjusted to achieve desired performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining silica and carbon black in specific ratios, along with organic modifiers and other additives, to create a synergistic rubber compound that achieves both improved wet grip and acceptable rolling resistance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If silica is used to replace carbon black in rubber mixtures, then wet grip is improved, but wear behavior deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewet gripVSAvoidwear behavior
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the silica particle characteristics (size, surface area, distribution) and compound formulation to achieve a balance between wet grip enhancement and wear resistance maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining silica with carbon black and organic modifiers in specific proportions to create a rubber compound that provides both improved wet grip and adequate wear resistance through synergistic interactions between components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Use of energy by moving object

If plasticizers are added to rubber mixtures to improve flow properties, then processing energy is reduced, but physical properties of the mixture may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing energyVSAvoidphysical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the type and amount of plasticizer added to the rubber compound, optimizing the balance between processing ease and final product physical properties. Specific parameters such as plasticizer molecular weight, polarity, and concentration are adjusted to achieve desired outcomes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses intermediary substances such as organic modifiers and coupling agents that mediate between the plasticizer and rubber matrix, allowing improved processing properties while minimizing negative impacts on physical performance through intermediate chemical interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 described rubber mixture significantly improves rolling resistance and abrasion behavior while maintaining other essential properties, as demonstrated by comparative test specimens showing enhanced normalized abrasion values and loss factor tan δ.

Implementation Method 1

0.01 to 20 phr of at least one carbon black and 30 to 300 phr of at least one silica

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

attempts have been made to influence the vulcanizate properties by modifying the preparation of the mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 3

0.1 to 40 phr of at least one mercaptosilane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 4

at least one mercaptosilane and 0.1 to 10 phr of at least one substance A which contains partially passivating ligands which affect the reactivity of the functional groups of the styrene-butadiene rubber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSilane coupling:

Implementation Method 5

0.1 to 10 phr of at least one substance A which contains partially passivating ligands which affect the reactivity of the functional groups of the styrene-butadiene rubber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPassivation:

Implementation Method 6

the rubber composition of the tread determines to a large extent the driving properties of a tire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVulcanization:

Implementation Method 7

attempts have been made to influence the vulcanizate properties by modifying the preparation of the mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrosslinking:

Data Source

PatentEP2218750B1Rubber mixture with improved rolling resistance
Publication Date: 2016.09.07 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a rubber compound, in particular for vehicle tires, belts and straps. The rubber compound is characterized by the following composition: - 60 to 100 phr of at least one fully or partially functionalized styrene-butadiene rubber and - 0 to 40 phr of at least one further polar or non-polar rubber and - 0.01 to 20 phr of at least one carbon black and - 1 to 300 phr of at least one silica and - 0.1 to 40 phr of at least one mercaptosilane and - 0.1 to 10 phr of at least one substance A containing partially passivating ligands that influence the reactivity of the functional groups of the styrene-butadiene rubber, and - further additives.