Modified Conjugated Diene Polymer for Tire Tread

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rubber compositions for vehicle tires lack superior tensile strength, wear resistance, wet skid resistance, and low rolling resistance, which are essential for durability, stability, and fuel economy.

Innovation Solution

A modified conjugated diene-based polymer is developed through polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer or monomer and aromatic vinyl monomer using an organo-alkali metal compound, followed by coupling with a compound containing bromine end groups and siloxane groups, resulting in a polymer with enhanced properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional rubber compositions are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but tensile strength, wear resistance, and wet skid resistance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidpolymer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining conjugated diene-based polymer chains with siloxane groups and amine/acryl functional groups to create a modified polymer composition. This composite structure integrates multiple functional components (polymer backbone, siloxane side chains, terminal functional groups) to achieve superior tensile strength and wear resistance while maintaining processability through controlled molecular architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by introducing specific functional groups at particular locations within the polymer structure: siloxane groups are attached as side chains at specific positions along the polymer backbone, while amine or acryl groups are positioned at terminal locations. This localized functional distribution optimizes different regions of the polymer for specific functions (strength, adhesion, crosslinking) without requiring complete structural redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If conventional rubber compositions are used, then processing simplicity is maintained, but wet skid resistance and mechanical strength are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewet skid resistanceVSAvoidpolymer synthesis complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-introducing siloxane groups and terminal functional groups (amine or acryl) during the polymerization process itself, rather than adding them as separate post-processing steps. The organometallic catalyst system enables simultaneous formation of the polymer backbone and attachment of functional groups, ensuring uniform distribution and reducing subsequent manufacturing complexity despite the advanced structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by controlling the molecular weight, siloxane group content, and terminal functional group composition of the modified conjugated diene-based polymer to optimize wet skid resistance. By adjusting these parameters during synthesis, the polymer achieves superior wet grip performance while maintaining compatibility with conventional rubber processing and compounding procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If modified polymers with high resilience are added, then fuel economy is improved, but the overall performance effects are still not satisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel economyVSAvoidoverall performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a modified conjugated diene-based polymer that simultaneously provides multiple functions: high resilience for fuel economy, enhanced tensile strength for durability, improved wet skid resistance for safety, and compatible processability for manufacturing. The integrated molecular structure with siloxane groups and terminal functional groups enables this multi-functionality, eliminating the need for separate additive packages and achieving satisfactory overall performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 tensile strength, wear resistance, wet skid resistance, and low rolling resistance, effectively addressing the limitations of existing tire materials.

Implementation Method 1

polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer or a conjugated diene monomer and an aromatic vinyl monomer using a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of an organo-alkali metal compound, thus forming an active polymer having an alkali metal end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnionic polymerization: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

coupling or linking the active polymer having the alkali metal end with a compound represented by Chemical Formula 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoupling reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS10266614B2Modified conjugated diene polymer, modified rubber composition comprising same, and method for preparing modified conjugated diene polymer

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 LG CHEM LTD

AI summary

Disclosed are a modified conjugated diene-based polymer represented by Chemical Formula 2a or 2b defined herein and a method of preparing the same.