Modified Diene Elastomer with Amine Chain Ends and Alkoxysilane Mid-Chain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rubber compositions used in tire manufacturing face challenges in achieving a balance between low hysteresis, good mechanical properties, and suitable processing characteristics, particularly in reducing rolling resistance while maintaining stiffness and raw processing ease.

Innovation Solution

A diene elastomer modified by coupling with an agent bearing a tertiary amine functional group and an alkoxysilane group, with at least 70 mol% of the chain ends functionalized with an amine group, which improves the hysteresis/stiffness/raw processing compromise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If diene elastomers are functionalized by alkoxysilane compounds bearing amine functional groups, then hysteresis is reduced, but raw processing properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehysteresisVSAvoidraw processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the functionalization location: chain-end functionalization with amine groups provides good raw processing, while mid-chain functionalization with alkoxysilane groups provides low hysteresis. This spatial differentiation of functions resolves the contradiction between processing ease and energy loss reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite functional structure where the elastomer chains possess both amine functional groups (at chain ends) and alkoxysilane functional groups (at mid-chain positions). This composite functionality allows simultaneous achievement of good raw processing properties and low hysteresis, which cannot be obtained with single-type functionalization alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If diene elastomers are functionalized to improve hysteresis, then rolling resistance is reduced, but mechanical properties and stiffness may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverolling resistanceVSAvoidmechanical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses local quality by placing alkoxysilane groups at mid-chain positions rather than uniformly throughout the structure. This localized placement reduces hysteresis and rolling resistance while preserving the overall mechanical integrity and stiffness of the elastomer network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-functional elastomer structure combines amine and alkoxysilane groups in a composite architecture that simultaneously delivers low rolling resistance through reduced hysteresis and maintains adequate mechanical properties through the synergistic interaction of both functional groups with the elastomer matrix.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If chain-end functionalization is performed, then raw processing is improved, but hysteresis reduction is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveraw processingVSAvoidhysteresis

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two functionalization approaches: chain-end functionalization with amine groups (providing good raw processing) and mid-chain functionalization with alkoxysilane groups (providing low hysteresis). The combination of these two functionalization modes in a single elastomer structure simultaneously achieves both good processability and low energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomer possesses a composite functional structure with both amine and alkoxysilane groups positioned at different locations along the polymer chains. This composite functionality enables the material to exhibit both excellent raw processing characteristics and significantly reduced hysteresis, overcoming the limitations of single-type functionalization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 diene elastomer composition exhibits improved hysteresis and stiffness while maintaining acceptable raw processing properties, enhancing the performance of tire components like treads by reducing rolling resistance.

Implementation Method 1

functionalized in the middle of the chain by an alkoxysilane group, optionally hydrolysed, bearing a tertiary amine functional group and the silicon atom of which bonds the two pieces of the chain

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

functionalized in the middle of the chain by an alkoxysilane group, optionally hydrolysed, bearing a tertiary amine functional group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS10093750B2Modified diene elastomer comprising a diene elastomer coupled by an aminoalkoxysilane compound and having an amine function at the chain end, and rubber composition comprising same

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

AI summary

The invention relates to a modified diene elastomer comprising predominantly the entity functionalized in the middle of the chain by an alkoxysilane group, optionally partially or completely hydrolyzed to give silanol, bearing a tertiary amine functional group and the silicon atom of which bonds the two pieces of the chain, the chain ends of the modified diene elastomer being functionalized to at least 70 mol %, with respect to the number of moles of chain end, by an amine functional group.