Peroxide-Cured Tire Tread Elastomer Processability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tire treads face challenges in balancing rolling resistance, grip on wet and dry surfaces, snow-covered ground, and processability due to the use of peroxide-based crosslinking systems, which increase Mooney viscosity, making industrial implementation difficult.
Innovation Solution
A tire tread composition comprising 50-100 phr of a diene elastomer modified with a functional group for silica interaction, 40-90 phr silica, a coupling agent, and a high Tg plasticizing resin, along with a peroxide crosslinking system, optimizing the balance of properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a peroxide-based crosslinking system is used in the rubber composition, then grip on wet and dry surfaces is improved, but Mooney viscosity increases making industrial implementation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the crosslinking system by specifying particular peroxide compounds (dicumyl peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide, tert-butyl cumyl peroxide) and controlling their quantity (0.5-5 phr). It also adjusts the elastomer composition parameters (80-100 parts polybutadiene with 8-15% vinyl units and trans configuration, 20-40 parts other elastomer) to optimize the balance between grip performance and processability.
2Reliability
If the composition is optimized for grip on snow-covered ground, then rolling resistance improves, but processability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite rubber composition combining multiple elastomers (polybutadiene with specific microstructure, other diene elastomers) with precise compositional ratios. This composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of snow grip (through specific elastomer properties) and rolling resistance (through composition tuning), while the peroxide crosslinking system is carefully controlled to maintain processability.
3Loss of energy
If rolling resistance is reduced, then fuel efficiency improves, but grip properties may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the microstructural parameters of the polybutadiene elastomer (8-15% vinyl units, trans configuration) and the overall composition ratios to reduce hysteresis losses and rolling resistance. Simultaneously, the peroxide crosslinking density is controlled (0.5-5 phr peroxide) to maintain adequate grip properties by preserving the elastomeric network structure necessary for adhesion.
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 improves grip on wet and dry surfaces, snow-covered ground, and reduces rolling resistance while enhancing processability, offering a more efficient industrial implementation.
Implementation Method 1
the use of peroxides as a crosslinking system in rubber compositions tends to increase the Mooney of raw compositions
Implementation Method 2
a system of crosslinking based on organic peroxide
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tyre tread comprising a rubber composition based on at least 50 to 100 phr of a first diene elastomer, the first diene elastomer being a polybutadiene-based elastomer, modified with a functional group capable of interacting with silica as reinforcing filler; optionally from 0 to 50 phr of a second diene elastomer; between 40 and 90 phr of silica as reinforcing filler; a coupling agent; a plasticizing system comprising a plasticizing resin having a glass transition temperature above 20°C; a crosslinking system based on organic peroxide; the total content of the first diene elastomer and of the second diene elastomer in the composition being within a range of from 80 to 100 phr.