Blocked Mercaptosilane Coupling for Low-Resistance Tire Rubber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silanes used in rubber mixtures for vehicle tires do not adequately improve rolling resistance behavior, grip, especially wet grip, and stiffness, which are critical for tire handling and performance.
Innovation Solution
A new type of silane with two filler-active silyl groups and a blocked mercaptosilane structure, which allows for improved bonding with silica and polymers during vulcanization, enhancing the property profile of rubber mixtures and tire handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional silanes with single silyl groups are used, then silica binding is achieved, but rolling resistance behavior and grip performance are not adequately improved
Solution Approach 1:
The silane molecule is segmented into distinct functional regions: a central carbon atom bonded to four different groups (silyl group, mercapto group, and two other substituents). This segmentation allows each group to perform specific functions - the silyl group binds to silica while the mercapto group participates in vulcanization, resolving the contradiction by distributing functions across segmented molecular components rather than requiring a single complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The silane compound serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a coupling agent between silica and polymer, provides sulfur for vulcanization through the mercapto group, and influences the rheological properties of the rubber compound. This multi-functionality approach improves rolling resistance and grip performance without requiring separate additives, thereby avoiding increased complexity
2Reliability
If silanes with multiple polymer binding sites are used, then grip behavior improves, but stiffness and handling predictors are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the silane molecule possess different chemical properties and reactivities. The silyl group has affinity for silica surfaces, while the mercapto group has affinity for polymer chains and participates in crosslinking. This local differentiation of chemical properties allows the single silane molecule to optimize multiple performance aspects (grip, stiffness, handling) by interacting differently with various components of the rubber compound
3Reliability
If conventional silane coupling agents are used, then silica binding is achieved, but wet grip performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The silane compound represents a composite molecular structure combining elements from different chemical families: silicon from silanes, sulfur from mercaptans, and carbon-based substituents. This molecular-level composite structure integrates the beneficial properties of each component - silica binding capability from the silyl group, vulcanization capability from the mercapto group, and tailored physical properties from the substituents - achieving superior wet grip performance
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 new silane significantly improves the rolling resistance behavior, grip, and stiffness of rubber mixtures, leading to better handling and durability of vehicle tires.
Implementation Method 1
The silica is bound to the polymer(s) by means of such silanes, which is why the silanes are also referred to as coupling agents.
Implementation Method 2
the silane typically has at least one sulfur group that participates in the vulcanization of the rubber compound
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a silane, a rubber compound containing the silane, and a vehicle tire incorporating the rubber compound in at least one component, as well as a method for producing the silane. The silane according to the invention has the following formula: ((R1)oSi-[R2-X]m-R2-)2Y-R2-[X-R2-]mS-R3, wherein it comprises the trivalent unit Y and, via the two units (R1)oSi-[R2-X]m-R2-), two filler-active groups. The rubber compound according to the invention contains at least one silane according to the invention.