Nitro-Ester Coupled Polydiene Cold Flow Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synthetic elastomers with linear backbones, used in tire components, exhibit cold flow issues due to their structure, which conventional coupling methods struggle to address without compromising processability and desired properties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the polymerization of conjugated diene monomers with a lanthanide-based catalyst system, followed by reaction with carboxylic or thiocarboxylic esters containing a nitro group to form coupled polymers with improved cold-flow resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional polymer coupling methods are used to reduce cold flow, then cold flow resistance is improved, but processability during compounding deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of the coupling agent - specifically using carboxylic or thiocarboxylic esters containing exactly one nitro group. This structural parameter change in the coupling agent enables effective cold flow reduction while preserving polymer processability, resolving the contradiction between cold flow resistance and ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by coupling polymer chains with specifically designed nitro-containing ester molecules. This composite approach forms coupled polymers where the nitro group-containing coupling agent acts as a bridge between polymer chains, achieving cold flow resistance without compromising processability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If polymer coupling is performed to reduce cold flow, then cold flow resistance is improved, but predictability of reaction with polymer chains deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves predictability by changing the chemical parameters of the coupling agent to include specific functional groups (carboxylic or thiocarboxylic esters with one nitro group). These well-defined chemical parameters enable predictable and controllable reactions with polymer chains, eliminating the unpredictability associated with conventional coupling agents
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional coupling agents are used to reduce cold flow, then cold flow resistance is improved, but impact on desired polymer properties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting coupling agents with specific molecular characteristics - carboxylic or thiocarboxylic esters containing exactly one nitro group. This precise parameter specification ensures that the coupling reaction reduces cold flow while maintaining or enhancing other desired polymer properties such as strength and elasticity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by introducing the nitro group at specific positions within the ester molecule. This localized structural feature enables the coupling agent to perform its function of reducing cold flow while minimizing adverse effects on the overall polymer properties, achieving selective improvement without compromising other 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 coupled polymers demonstrate enhanced cold-flow resistance while maintaining processability, suitable for use in tire components without detrimental effects on other properties.
Implementation Method 1
These polymers can be produced by using lanthanide-based catalyst systems, which results in the formation of polymers characterized by a linear backbone
Implementation Method 2
reacting the reactive polymer with a carboxylic or thiocarboxylic ester containing a nitro group
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a coupled polymer, the method comprising the steps of polymerizing monomer to form a reactive polymer and reacting the reactive polymer with a carboxylic or thiocarboxylic ester containing a nitro group, where the carboxylic or thiocarboxylic ester containing a nitro group includes a single nitro group.