Multi-functional Elastomer Silica Carbon Black Tire Tread

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tire treads require improved performance in terms of road traction, abrasion resistance, and reduced rubber hysteresis to minimize internal heat generation and tire rolling resistance, which are not adequately addressed by existing rubber compositions.

Innovation Solution

A rubber composition is developed using a combination of precipitated silica, rubber reinforcing carbon black, and a conjugated diene-based elastomer with multi-functional end-chain groups, specifically alkoxyorganosilane polysulfides and unsaturated alkoxyorganosilanes, to enhance filler reinforcement and sulfur cure properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional rubber compositions are used in tire treads, then basic rubber properties are maintained, but road traction, abrasion resistance, and rubber hysteresis are not adequately improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetread performanceVSAvoidperformance optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite material system consisting of diene-based elastomer combined with precipitated silica and carbon black fillers. The elastomer chains are chemically functionalized with multi-functional groups that enable simultaneous interaction with both silica and carbon black surfaces, creating a synergistic composite structure that delivers superior road traction, abrasion resistance, and reduced hysteresis compared to conventional rubber compositions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention modifies the chemical parameters of the elastomer by introducing multi-functional end groups with specific reactivity characteristics. These functional groups contain reactive moieties that can form chemical bonds with filler surfaces, fundamentally changing the elastomer-filler interaction parameters from physical adsorption to chemical bonding, thereby optimizing the composite performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If filler reinforcement is increased to improve abrasion resistance, then tread wear resistance improves, but rubber hysteresis and internal heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabrasion resistanceVSAvoidrubber hysteresis

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-functional groups on the elastomer chains serve as intermediary bonding agents between the filler particles and the rubber matrix. These functional groups create a bridging effect that strongly anchors the filler reinforcement to the elastomer, allowing high filler loading for abrasion resistance while minimizing the filler-rubber interface that typically generates hysteresis and heat.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If precipitated silica is used as filler reinforcement, then rolling resistance reduces, but bonding with rubber matrix is insufficient without proper coupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverolling resistanceVSAvoidfiller-rubber bonding

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-functional groups attached to the elastomer chains possess multiple reactive capabilities within a single molecular structure. These groups can simultaneously bond with precipitated silica surfaces and maintain elastomeric properties, serving universal functions of both reinforcement coupling and matrix integration, thereby achieving strong filler-rubber bonding while maintaining low rolling resistance.

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 solution results in a sulfur-cured rubber composition with reduced hysteresis, improved abrasion resistance, and lower rolling resistance, leading to better fuel economy and extended tread wear.

Implementation Method 1

The groups functionalizing the elastomer are multi-functional in the sense of containing one group reactive with at least one of said precipitated silica and silica coupling agent and another different group reactive with diene-based elastomers through sulfur cure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

another different group reactive with diene-based elastomers through sulfur cure of the rubber composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVulcanization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS11661500B2Silica reinforced rubber composition containing a multi-functional group functionalized elastomer and tire with tread

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 G-3 CHICKADEE PURCHASER LLC

AI summary

This invention relates to a rubber composition containing filler reinforcement comprised of precipitated silica with silica coupling agent therefore and conjugated diene-based elastomer which contains end-chain functionalization with multi-functional groups. The groups functionalizing the elastomer are multi-functional in the sense of containing one group reactive with at least one of said precipitated silica and silica coupling agent and another different group reactive with diene-based elastomers through sulfur cure of the rubber composition. A sulfur cured rubber composition containing said end-chain functionalization is provided. A tire is provided having a component comprised of said rubber composition. Representative of said tire component is a tire tread.