Neoprene Crosslinking via Acrylate Derivatives

Solution Overview

Problem

Current crosslinking systems for neoprene-based compositions, particularly in tire manufacturing, face limitations in enhancing elongation at break and cohesion, often relying on sulfur or metal oxides which pose safety hazards and do not adequately improve endurance properties under high stress and deformation.

Innovation Solution

A crosslinking system comprising an acrylate derivative of specific formula, free or with minimal peroxide, which significantly improves the elongation at break and cohesion of neoprene-based compositions, allowing for crosslinking without zinc oxide or magnesium oxide, and potentially eliminating peroxide use, thereby enhancing safety and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional crosslinking systems based on sulfur or metal oxides are used for neoprene, then crosslinking can be achieved, but the elongation at break and cohesion are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the crosslinking system by introducing acrylate derivatives with specific molecular structures (formula I) that have different reactivity and bonding characteristics compared to conventional sulfur or metal oxide systems. This parameter change enables superior elongation at break and cohesion while maintaining crosslinking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite crosslinking system that combines acrylate derivatives with neoprene elastomer, forming a new material composition with enhanced properties. The acrylate derivative acts as a crosslinking agent that integrates chemically with the neoprene matrix, producing a composite structure with improved mechanical properties including elongation at break and cohesion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If peroxide is used as a crosslinking agent, then crosslinking efficiency is improved, but safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces peroxide (a hazardous, short-lived crosslinking agent) with acrylate derivatives that are safer and more stable. The acrylate derivative serves as a less hazardous alternative that maintains crosslinking functionality without the severe safety risks associated with peroxide handling and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potentially harmful peroxide crosslinking mechanism into a safer acrylate-based crosslinking system. By using acrylate derivatives, the patent eliminates the harmful effects of peroxide (fire hazards, decomposition issues) while maintaining or improving crosslinking efficiency through the unique chemical structure of the acrylate agent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If zinc oxide or magnesium oxide is used for crosslinking, then crosslinking can proceed, but elongation at break and cohesion are not sufficiently improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing metal oxide crosslinking agents with acrylate derivatives. This substitution fundamentally alters the crosslinking mechanism and the resulting network structure, leading to significantly improved elongation at break and cohesion while maintaining ease of manufacture through similar processing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If conventional crosslinking systems are used, then manufacturing can proceed, but endurance properties under high stress and deformation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a composite crosslinking system using acrylate derivatives that create a more robust network structure within the neoprene matrix. This composite approach produces materials with superior endurance properties under high stress and deformation conditions, while the manufacturing process remains efficient and compatible with existing production methods.

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 acrylate derivative crosslinking system effectively improves the elongation at break and cohesion of neoprene-based compositions, reducing or eliminating peroxide use, enhancing safety and performance, and allowing for improved endurance properties without the need for conventional crosslinking agents like zinc or magnesium oxides.

Implementation Method 1

The crosslinking of the elastomeric matrix is an essential step in the manufacture of tires. It makes it possible to change the elastomeric matrix from a plastic state to an elastic state.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

crosslinking systems for compositions based on neoprene as the majority elastomer... comprising an acrylate derivative of formula (I)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP3383665B1Crosslinking of compositions made from neoprene as the predominant elastomer by acrylate derivatives

Publication Date: 2020.03.18

Figure 1

AI summary

The present invention concerns crosslinking systems made from acrylate derivatives, comprising less than 0.1 phr of peroxide, and containing less than 0.3 phr of sulfur as the vulcanising agent, for elastomeric compositions predominantly comprising neoprene, and the tyres produced from said compositions.