Monohydroxysilane Polysulfide Coupling Agent for Rubber Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inorganic fillers in rubber compositions tend to clump, limiting their dispersion and reinforcing properties, making it difficult to achieve optimal processing and performance, especially in tires where reduced rolling resistance and wear resistance are desired without using carbon black.
Innovation Solution
A diene elastomer composition incorporating a monohydroxysilane polysulfide coupling agent, which enhances the bonding between inorganic fillers and elastomers, improving dispersion and reinforcing properties while reducing the need for zinc oxide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If inorganic fillers are used to reduce rolling resistance and improve wear resistance, then reinforcing properties are improved, but the fillers tend to clump together and disperse poorly in the elastomeric matrix
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs silane coupling agents as intermediary substances that chemically bond to both the inorganic filler particles and the diene elastomer matrix. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing a molecular bridge that prevents filler clumping while maintaining strong reinforcing properties, achieving both good dispersion and high strength simultaneously
2Use of energy by moving object
If inorganic fillers are used to replace carbon black, then rolling resistance is reduced, but processing difficulty increases due to poor dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies silane coupling agents during the compounding stage before vulcanization to pre-establish chemical bonds between fillers and elastomer. This preliminary action prevents filler aggregation during subsequent processing operations, making the material easier to process while maintaining the low rolling resistance benefits of inorganic fillers
3Strength
If coupling agents are used to improve filler dispersion, then reinforcing properties are enhanced, but the complexity of the composition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses silane coupling agents that perform multiple functions simultaneously: they bond to inorganic fillers, bond to diene elastomers, improve dispersion, and enhance reinforcing properties. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving multiple benefits with a single additive, minimizing composition complexity while maximizing performance
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 composition exhibits improved stiffness and reinforcing properties, maintaining performance without zinc oxide, and facilitating easier processing, thus addressing the challenges of inorganic filler dispersion and processing difficulties.
Implementation Method 1
a monohydroxysilane polysulfide coupling agent, which enhances the bonding between inorganic fillers and elastomers
Implementation Method 2
the coupling of reinforcing inorganic fillers and of diene elastomers
Data Source
AI summary
An elastomeric composition is based on at least a diene elastomer, an inorganic filler as reinforcing filler and a monohydroxysilane polysulfide as coupling agent of formula (I): (HO)(R1)2Si—CH2—(R2)CH—Z—Sx—Z—HC(R2)—CH2—Si(R1)2(OH) (I), in which: each R1 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms and can be the same or different from one another; each R2 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and can be the same or different from one another; each Z represents a divalent hydrocarbon bonding group comprising from 1 to 16 carbon atoms can be the same or different from one another; and x is an integral or fractional number greater than or equal to 2.