Polycyano-Functionalized Polydienes for Low Hysteresis Tires
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubber vulcanizates used in tire manufacturing exhibit high hysteresis and cold flow issues, leading to increased rolling resistance and handling problems, and existing functionalized polymers are unpredictable in their effectiveness and compatibility with different polymer types.
Innovation Solution
The development of functionalized polymers through the polymerization of conjugated diene monomers using lanthanide-based catalyst systems and subsequent reaction with polycyano compounds, which reduces hysteresis and cold flow by modifying the polymer chain structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If cis-1,4-polydienes are prepared with lanthanide-based catalysts to achieve better tensile properties and lower hysteresis, then the polymers exhibit high cold flow which causes storage and transport problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the polymer by functionalizing the polydiene with polycyano compounds. This chemical modification alters the polymer's physical properties, specifically reducing cold flow while maintaining the low hysteresis characteristic achieved through lanthanide-based catalyst polymerization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite functionalized polymer structure where polycyano compounds are chemically bonded to the cis-1,4-polydiene backbone. This composite structure combines the beneficial low hysteresis property of cis-1,4-polydienes with the cold-flow resistance provided by the polycyano functional groups.
2Loss of energy
If functionalized polymers are prepared by post-polymerization treatment with functionalizing agents, then hysteresis may be reduced, but the effectiveness is unpredictable and varies by polymer type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies the functionalization parameters including the type of polycyano compound, molar ratios, and reaction conditions to optimize hysteresis reduction. By establishing specific parameter ranges and relationships, the patent makes the functionalization process predictable and reliable across different polymer types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent demonstrates that polycyano compounds serve as universal functionalizing agents that can be applied to various polydiene types (butadiene, isoprene, etc.) to achieve consistent hysteresis reduction. This multi-functionality approach makes the functionalization method reliable across different polymer substrates.
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 resulting functionalized polymers demonstrate reduced hysteresis and improved cold-flow resistance, making them suitable for tire components with lower rolling resistance and enhanced manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Lanthanide-based catalyst systems are known to be useful for polymerizing conjugated diene monomers to form polydienes having a high content of cis-1,4 linkage
Implementation Method 2
reacting the reactive polymer with a polycyano compound
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of polymerizing monomer to form a reactive polymer, and reacting the reactive polymer with a polycyano compound.