Modified Polymethylhydrosiloxane Copolymer for Tire Silica Dispersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The tire industry faces challenges in achieving uniform distribution of silica (white carbon) in conjugated diene-vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon copolymers, leading to poor compatibility and increased rolling resistance, which hinders the development of tires with low energy consumption and improved wet skid resistance.

Innovation Solution

A modified polymethylhydrosiloxane is used as a modifier in the synthesis of terminal modified conjugated diene-vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon copolymers, enhancing compatibility with both carbon black and silica, and improving the polymer's properties for tire manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If white carbon (silica) is used to replace carbon black to reduce rolling resistance, then energy consumption is reduced, but uniform distribution and compatibility with the copolymer deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverolling resistanceVSAvoiduniform distribution of white carbon

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A silane-modified copolymer is introduced as an intermediary substance between white carbon and the rubber matrix. The silane groups on the copolymer interact with silica through siloxane bonding, while the copolymer structure provides compatibility with the rubber matrix, thereby mediating the interface between filler and polymer to achieve uniform distribution and maintain low rolling resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material system consisting of silane-modified copolymer, white carbon, and rubber matrix. This composite structure leverages the synergistic effects of different components: the silane-modified copolymer provides both structural integrity and chemical bonding capability with silica, enabling improved dispersion and reduced rolling resistance simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If white carbon is used to replace carbon black, then rolling resistance decreases, but mixing homogeneity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverolling resistanceVSAvoidmixing homogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The silane-modified copolymer acts as a mediator that facilitates homogeneous mixing of white carbon into the rubber matrix. The hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments of the copolymer create a bridge between the hydrophobic rubber matrix and hydrophilic silica particles, ensuring uniform distribution during the mixing process while maintaining the low rolling resistance properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If conventional copolymer is used, then carbon black reinforcement is achieved, but compatibility with silica deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetire strengthVSAvoidcompatibility with silica

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chemical structure of the copolymer is modified by introducing silane groups, which changes the chemical parameters of the polymer. This structural modification enables the copolymer to form chemical bonds with silica through siloxane linkages, thereby improving compatibility with silica while maintaining the reinforcement properties necessary for tire strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention develops a composite material system where silane-modified copolymer serves as both the matrix and the coupling agent. This dual-function composite structure provides both mechanical reinforcement (maintaining tire strength) and chemical compatibility with silica (enabling uniform dispersion and low rolling resistance)

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 copolymers exhibit excellent wet skid resistance and low rolling resistance, along with improved workability, making them suitable for manufacturing tires with enhanced performance.

Implementation Method 1

compatibility and mixing homogeneity between silica and a modified copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon need to be further improved

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompatibility enhancement through chemical modification:

Implementation Method 2

rolling resistance and wet skid resistance are crucial factors to save energy consumption and increase driving safety

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction resistance improvement: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11655342B2Modified polymethylhydrosiloxane, terminal modified conjugated diene-vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon copolymer and synthesis method for which, rubber composition and tire

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 CHI MEI CORP

AI summary

A modified polymethylhydrosiloxane, a terminal modified conjugated diene-vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon copolymer and a synthesis method for which, a rubber composition and a tire are provided. The modified polymethylhydrosiloxane includes a compound represented by a formula (1).E is a moiety containing an epoxide group. T is a moiety containing an alkoxysilylalkyl group. A is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a moiety containing an alkyl group and a moiety containing an amino group. B is a moiety containing an aryl group. G is a moiety containing an ethyleneoxy group and an alkoxy group. J is a moiety containing an ethyleneoxy group and a hydroxyl group. e=5-45. t=1-4. a+b+g+j is equal to 1 to 595.