Polyindane Resin Elastomers for Tire Tread Wet Grip and Rolling Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for elastomeric compositions that enhance tire tread performance by improving traction and reducing rolling resistance, as conventional hydrocarbon resins face limitations in availability and cost-effectiveness, particularly with low molecular weight, high glass transition temperature, and low odor properties.

Innovation Solution

The use of polyindane resin in elastomeric compositions, which combines with elastomers and fillers to create tire components that offer improved traction and rolling resistance without detrimental effects on fuel economy, utilizing cost-effective starting materials like benzene, toluene, and ethylene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional hydrocarbon resins (C5 and C9 resin oil) are used to improve wet grip, then traction performance is enhanced, but availability is severely restricted and cost-effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewet gripVSAvoidavailability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the hydrocarbon resin by using C9 aromatic resin instead of conventional C5/C9 resin oil, maintaining the desired glass transition temperature and molecular weight properties while ensuring adequate availability from commodity feedstocks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces scarce, expensive conventional hydrocarbon resins with cost-effective C9 aromatic resin derived from commodity feedstocks, providing an economically viable alternative that maintains performance while ensuring long-term availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Strength

If conventional hydrocarbon resins are used to improve wet grip, then traction performance is enhanced, but rolling resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewet gripVSAvoidrolling resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the glass transition temperature parameter of the hydrocarbon resin to a specific range (50-150°C) and controls molecular weight (300-5000 g/mol) to achieve the difficult balance of improving wet grip while minimizing the negative impact on rolling resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If low molecular weight hydrocarbon resins are used to improve wet grip, then traction performance is enhanced, but oxidative and thermal stability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewet gripVSAvoidoxidative and thermal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite elastomeric composition that combines low molecular weight C9 aromatic resin with specific elastomers and filler systems, where the synergistic interaction of components provides both improved wet grip and maintained oxidative/thermal stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3555188B1Tires comprising polyindane resins and uses thereof

Publication Date: 2021.07.14 EASTMAN CHEM CO

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AI summary

The present invention is generally related to various types of compositions that comprise a polyindane resin. In particular, the polyindane resins may be utilized in various polymer-based and elastomer-based formulations in order to enhance several properties and characteristics of those formulations. More specifically, elastomeric compositions are provided that comprise at least one polyindane resin, which may be used to replace or enhance the functionality of existing hydrocarbon resins used in elastomeric formulations. The elastomeric compositions may be used to produce various tire components.