Modified Silicate Fibres in Tyre Elastomers for Low Hysteresis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elastomeric materials for tires, particularly those filled with silica, exhibit high hysteresis and rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption and emissions, and suffer from mechanical property deterioration under high deformations due to the Payne effect, necessitating the development of materials with reduced hysteresis and improved reinforcement.
Innovation Solution
The use of nanometric-sized silicate fibers modified by a controlled acidic process to partially remove magnesium, preserving their needle-shaped morphology and crystalline structure, which are incorporated into elastomeric compositions to reduce hysteresis and maintain dynamic modulus at high deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If carbon black is used as reinforcement filler to improve mechanical properties and abrasion resistance, then reinforcement activity is improved, but hysteresis increases and rolling resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the filler by partially removing magnesium from silicate fibres through controlled acid treatment, transforming them from non-polar to polar surfaces that can interact with elastomer chains, thereby reducing hysteresis while maintaining reinforcement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite filler system combining silicate fibres with modified surface properties (partial magnesium removal) to achieve both reinforcement and low hysteresis characteristics, merging the advantages of different filler types
2Loss of energy
If silica is used as reinforcement filler to reduce hysteresis, then rolling resistance is reduced, but reinforcement activity is insufficient under high deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification by selectively removing magnesium from specific regions of the silicate fibre structure to create polar surface zones that enhance elastomer interaction locally, while preserving the overall fibre morphology and crystalline structure for reinforcement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface chemical parameters of silicate fibres through controlled acid treatment to achieve partial magnesium removal, transforming the surface from non-polar to polar character and improving elastomer-filler interaction under deformation
3Loss of energy
If silicate fibres are used to reduce hysteresis, then rolling resistance is reduced, but Payne effect occurs and dynamic modulus decreases at high deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface polarity parameters of silicate fibres through partial magnesium removal, enabling better chemical interaction with elastomer chains that stabilizes the filler network under deformation and reduces the Payne effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a controlled acid treatment process that selectively removes magnesium (a sacrificial component) from the silicate fibre structure, sacrificing some structural material to achieve the desired surface polarity and stable reinforcement characteristics
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 elastomeric materials exhibit lower rolling resistance, improved mechanical properties, and reduced hysteresis, leading to enhanced tire performance and durability, particularly in low-rolling-resistance and extreme driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a controlled acidic process to partially remove magnesium
Implementation Method 2
particularly by particularly low hysteresis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to new vulcanisable elastomeric compositions for components of tyres, comprising modified silicate fibres as fillers. The silicate fibres are modified according to the process with controlled pH of the invention. In addition, the invention regards components of tyres, comprising elastomeric materials obtainable by vulcanisation of said compositions, and tyres for vehicles comprising one or more of said components. The vulcanised elastomeric materials according to the invention are characterised by good static and dynamic mechanical properties, in particular by particularly low hysteresis. Advantageously the tyres of the invention comprising one or more of said components have a limited rolling resistance.