Silica-Reinforced Rubber Composition Using MOAS and TEOSPS Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silica-reinforced rubber compositions for tires face challenges in effectively coupling precipitated silica with styrene/butadiene elastomers, leading to suboptimal mechanical properties and processing issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a minimal amount of mercaptoorganoalkoxysilane (MOAS) and a significant amount of bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl) polysulfide (TEOSPS) to functionalize styrene/butadiene elastomers, allowing for in situ coupling with precipitated silica, enhancing the interaction between the elastomers and silica filler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a significant amount of primary silica coupler (TEOSPS) is used to couple silica with elastomers, then the coupling effectiveness and mechanical properties are improved, but the cost and complexity of the composition increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces MOAS as an intermediary substance that mediates between the elastomer and silica coupler systems. The MOAS functionalizes the elastomer first, creating reactive sites that then interact with the TEOSPS-silica coupling system, thereby improving overall coupling effectiveness while allowing for optimization of TEOSPS dosage
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer is preliminarily functionalized with MOAS before the silica coupling process occurs. This preliminary functionalization creates reactive sites on the elastomer that enhance subsequent interaction with the silica coupler, improving the overall coupling effectiveness in a staged process
2Ease of manufacture
If a minimal amount of MOAS is used to functionalize elastomer, then the cost is reduced and processing is simplified, but the functionalization effectiveness may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the dosage parameters of MOAS to achieve effective functionalization at minimal concentrations. By carefully controlling the amount of MOAS and the functionalization conditions, the patent achieves sufficient elastomer functionalization without excessive dosage, balancing effectiveness with processing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The MOAS functionalization process is designed to proceed efficiently under the mixing conditions already present in the rubber compounding process, without requiring additional specialized processing steps. The functionalization occurs in-situ during normal manufacturing operations
3Strength
If in situ functionalization and coupling reactions are promoted, then the interaction between elastomer and silica is enhanced, but the reaction control and uniformity become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupling process into distinct functionalization and coupling stages. The MOAS functionalization occurs first, followed by the TEOSPS silica coupling process. This segmentation allows each reaction to proceed under optimized conditions independently, improving overall reaction control and uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The MOAS acts as an intermediary that facilitates controlled interaction between the elastomer and silica systems. By first modifying the elastomer with MOAS, the patent creates a controlled interface that then interacts with the silica coupler in a more predictable and uniform manner
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 improves the mechanical properties and processability of the rubber composition, such as reduced rolling resistance and increased abrasion resistance, while maintaining the uncured storage modulus, thereby enhancing the performance of the tire components.
Implementation Method 1
the mercapto group of the MOAS can readily react with the S-SBR through its vinyl group of its butadiene portion to create Fn-SBR
Implementation Method 2
the silane groups of both the MOAS and the TEOSPS can readily react independently with hydroxyl groups of the silica
Implementation Method 3
the polysulfide group of the TEOSPS can subsequently interact in situ with the diene-based elastomers, including the FN-SBR
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to preparation of a silica reinforced rubber composition which contains styrene/butadiene elastomer modified with a combination of bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl) polysulfide silica coupler and mercaptoorganoalkoxysilane, a rubber composition thereof and a tire with a component of such rubber composition.