Modified Conjugated Diene Polymer Silica Affinity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubber compositions for tires using silica as a reinforcing agent instead of carbon black do not adequately enhance the fuel cost saving effect due to low affinity between silica and conjugated diene-based polymers.
Innovation Solution
A process involving reacting a conjugated diene-based polymer with a compound represented by a specific formula and an organometallic compound, followed by a hydrocarbyloxysilane compound to produce a modified conjugated diene-based polymer, which improves the affinity and performance of the polymer composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If silica reinforcing agent is used in place of carbon black, then environmental performance is improved, but affinity with conjugated diene-based polymer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silane coupling agent as an intermediary substance that chemically bonds to both the silica reinforcing agent and the conjugated diene-based polymer. This coupling agent has dual functionality: one end attaches to silica surfaces while the other end interacts with polymer chains, thereby mediating the interface between the two materials and significantly improving their affinity and interfacial adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface parameters of silica particles through silane treatment, changing their chemical composition and surface properties. By introducing specific functional groups on the silica surface via silane coupling agents, the chemical compatibility and bonding capability with the polymer matrix are enhanced, transforming silica from a material with poor polymer affinity to one with excellent interfacial adhesion.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional polymerization method is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but fuel cost saving effect is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies silane coupling agents to the silica surface during the rubber compounding process, performing the surface modification action in advance before the polymer is extruded. This preliminary treatment ensures that the silica particles are pre-equipped with enhanced polymer affinity, which then translates to improved fuel economy performance in the final tire product without requiring complex post-processing steps.
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 polymer composition exhibits improved fuel cost saving effects, enhanced gripping properties, and increased tensile strength at break, addressing the affinity issues with silica reinforcing agents.
Implementation Method 1
reacting a conjugated diene-based polymer having a monomer unit based on a conjugated diene compound and a monomer unit based on a compound represented by the following formula (1) with an organometallic compound
Implementation Method 2
reacting the resulting reaction product with a hydrocarbyloxysilane compound
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing a modified conjugated diene-based polymer suitable for preparing a polymer composition excellent in the fuel cost saving effect. The present invention provides a process for producing a modified conjugated diene-based polymer, comprising reacting a conjugated diene-based polymer having a monomer unit based on a conjugated diene compound and a monomer unit based on a compound represented by the following formula (1), with an organometallic compound, and reacting the resulting reaction product with a hydrocarbyloxysilane compound:wherein R11, R12, R13, R14 and R15 each represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, at least one of R11, R12, R13, R14 and R15 is an alkyl group, R16, R17 and R18 each represent a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbyl group, R19 represents a hydrocarbylene group, and k represents 0 or 1.