Polyether-Diene Block Copolymer for Low-Hysteresis Tire Rubber
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubber compositions for tire manufacturing face challenges in achieving a balance between reducing hysteresis and maintaining mechanical properties, which affects the performance and efficiency of tires without compromising elastomer properties.
Innovation Solution
A diene block copolymer is developed, featuring a polyether block with trialkoxysilyl groups at its ends, linking diene elastomer blocks, which improves the hysteresis and processing properties of rubber compositions by optimizing the structure and molecular weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If polyether block diene polymers are used to reduce hysteresis, then hysteresis property is improved, but mechanical properties and elastomer stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical structure parameters of the polyether block by introducing trialcoxysilyl groups at the ends of the polyether chain. This modification enables the polyether block to form strong chemical bonds with inorganic fillers, thereby improving the hysteresis property while maintaining elastomer stability through enhanced filler-rubber interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure where the polyether block with trialcoxysilyl groups acts as a bridge between the organic diene elastomer and inorganic fillers. This composite approach allows the polymer to simultaneously achieve low hysteresis through filler interaction and maintain mechanical stability through the integrated composite network.
2Loss of energy
If polar groups are introduced into diene polymers to improve hysteresis, then hysteresis property is improved, but processing complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the functional groups by concentrating the trialcoxysilyl groups specifically at the terminal positions of the polyether block rather than distributing polar groups throughout the polymer chain. This segmentation simplifies the polymerization process and manufacturing while still achieving the desired filler interaction and hysteresis reduction.
3Ease of operation
If block diene polymers with polyether blocks are used to optimize raw processing, then processing suitability is improved, but hysteresis in crosslinked state increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by pre-equipping the polyether block with trialcoxysilyl groups before polymerization and crosslinking. This preliminary functionalization ensures that the polyether blocks are ready to form strong bonds with inorganic fillers during the crosslinking process, thereby reducing hysteresis in the final crosslinked state while maintaining good raw processing properties.
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 diene block copolymer significantly enhances the hysteresis and processing compromise, leading to improved tire performance with reduced rolling resistance and enhanced mechanical properties, while maintaining the integrity of the elastomer properties.
Implementation Method 1
reaction of the living elastomer chains resulting from polymerization with a linear or branched polyether comprising at each end of the main chain a trialcoxysilyl group
Implementation Method 2
the polyether block having a number-average molar mass ranging from 150 g/mol to 5000 g/mol
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a diene block copolymer comprising a linear or branched polyether block having at each end of the block a branching point to which are bonded up to three diene elastomer blocks, characterized in that: a - the copolymer has a Mooney viscosity of at least 10 and at most 100, b - the copolymer is composed of at least 30%, preferably 35%, of branched macromolecules comprising a polyether block to which are bonded at least three diene elastomer blocks, of at most 70%, preferably 65%, linear macromolecules, c - the polyether block has a number-average molar mass ranging from 150 to 5000 g/mol, and d - each of the branching points is made up of a silicon atom.