Nanoparticle Fillers for Elastomer Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods face challenges in stabilizing and uniformly distributing functionalized polymeric nanoparticles within rubber matrices during polymerization and compounding, leading to inhomogeneous additions that can degrade the matrix material and require specific size, composition, and surface chemistry for improved properties.

Innovation Solution

The development of polymeric nanoparticles comprising a copolymer of vinyl-aromatic and heterocyclic monomers crosslinked with a multifunctional crosslinking agent through an addition reaction, which are incorporated into elastomeric compositions using methods such as mixing with dry elastomers and nanoparticle latexes in static or intermeshing mixers to achieve uniform distribution and enhanced properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If nanoparticles are added to rubber matrices to improve physical properties, then reinforcement and abrasion resistance are improved, but inhomogeneous distribution and agglomeration occur causing matrix degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereinforcementVSAvoiduniformity of distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of nanoparticles from solid powder to liquid latex form. This parameter change enables homogeneous mixing with rubber matrices by allowing the nanoparticles to be distributed in a liquid medium that can be evenly incorporated, thereby resolving the inhomogeneous distribution problem while maintaining reinforcement properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses latex as an intermediary medium to facilitate uniform distribution of nanoparticles in rubber matrices. The latex acts as a carrier that enables homogeneous mixing, preventing direct agglomeration of nanoparticles and avoiding matrix degradation while achieving improved reinforcement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If nanoparticles are added to improve matrix characteristics, then physical properties like abrasion resistance are improved, but the matrix material degrades due to inhomogeneous addition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabrasion resistanceVSAvoidmatrix degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of nanoparticles from solid to liquid latex form, which enables homogeneous distribution throughout the rubber matrix. This homogeneous distribution prevents localized stress concentrations and chemical incompatibilities that cause matrix degradation, while maintaining improved abrasion resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The latex serves as an intermediary that protects the rubber matrix from direct contact with high-surface-area nanoparticle surfaces that could cause degradation. The latex medium ensures gentle, uniform incorporation, preventing harmful interactions while delivering the abrasion resistance benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If solid nanoparticle powders are mixed into rubber, then filler content can be increased, but uniform distribution becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiller contentVSAvoiduniformity of distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes nanoparticles from solid powder to liquid latex form, which dramatically improves mixability with rubber matrices. This parameter change allows high filler contents to be incorporated while maintaining uniform distribution, as the liquid latex can be evenly dispersed throughout the matrix without the agglomeration problems of solid powders

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the liquid state of latex to enable hydraulic mixing and distribution of nanoparticles throughout the rubber matrix. The fluid nature of latex allows it to flow and distribute evenly during mixing processes, achieving uniform high filler content that would be impossible with solid nanoparticle powders

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 nanoparticles provide improved uniformity and stability, allowing for increased volume fractions of filler, reduced density, and enhanced reinforcement of elastomeric compositions, such as tire tread materials, without causing agglomeration or degrading the matrix, thus improving physical properties like abrasion resistance and rolling resistance.

Implementation Method 1

crosslinked with a multifunctional crosslinking agent that is polymerizable through an addition reaction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAddition reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS11505635B2Nanoparticle fillers and methods of mixing into elastomers

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 BRIDGESTONE CORP

AI summary

A nanoparticle includes a copolymer comprising a vinyl-aromatic monomer and a heterocyclic monomer. The copolymer is crosslinked with a multifunctional crosslinking agent polymerizable through an addition reaction. A nanoparticle and elastomer composition is disclosed. Several methods of mixing heterocyclic and non-heterocyclic monomer nanoparticles into an elastomer are also disclosed. These methods include mixing in a multi-elements static mixer and an intermeshing mixer with venting, among others.