Masterbatch Production via Zeta Potential Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing masterbatches fail to adequately disperse fillers in rubber, leading to issues such as rapid wear, cracks, and air leakage in tires due to filler aggregation, which affects the balance of tensile strength, rigidity, and fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the mixing of rubber latex with a zeta potential of -100 to -20 mV and a filler dispersion with a zeta potential of 10 to 90 mV to create a latex compound with a zeta potential of -20 to 0 mV, enhancing filler dispersibility and reducing aggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fillers are mixed with rubber latex to reinforce the rubber composition, then the modulus and strength are improved, but the fillers form aggregates leading to rapid wear, cracks, and separation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the zeta potential parameter of the rubber latex from its conventional negative value (e.g., -30 to -60 mV) to a positive value (e.g., +30 to +60 mV) through chemical modification or addition of dispersing agents. This parameter change reverses the electrostatic interaction between filler particles and latex, preventing aggregate formation while maintaining reinforcement effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dispersing agent or surface modifier as an intermediary substance between the filler particles and rubber latex. This intermediary has dual affinity - it adsorbs onto the filler surface while also being compatible with the rubber matrix, thereby improving dispersion and preventing aggregation without compromising the reinforcing effect.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional mixing methods are used to prepare masterbatches, then the production process is simple, but the filler aggregation causes tire defects such as rapid wear and air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary treatment of the rubber latex before mixing with fillers - specifically adjusting the zeta potential to positive values through pre-modification or pre-addition of dispersing agents. This preliminary action ensures that when fillers are subsequently added, they immediately experience repulsive forces preventing aggregation, eliminating the need for complex post-processing to address aggregation issues.
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 a masterbatch with finely dispersed fillers, improving the balance of tensile strength, rigidity, and fuel economy in rubber compositions for tires.
Implementation Method 1
mixing a rubber latex having a zeta potential of -100 to -20 mV with a filler dispersion having a zeta potential of 10 to 90 mV
Implementation Method 2
mixing a rubber latex having a zeta potential of -100 to -20 mV with a filler dispersion having a zeta potential of 10 to 90 mV
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for producing a masterbatch and related products which enhance the dispersibility of fillers in rubber to improve the balance of tensile strength, rigidity, and fuel economy. Provided is a method for producing a masterbatch, including a step of mixing a rubber latex having a zeta potential of -100 to -20 mV with a filler dispersion having a zeta potential of 10 to 90 mV, and preparing a latex compound having a zeta potential of -20 to 0 mV.