Polymer Composition for Low Rolling Resistance Tires

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tire polymer compositions that aim to reduce rolling resistance often compromise on wet grip performance and mechanical properties due to reduced filler content and particle size, leading to insufficient abrasion resistance and grip on wet surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A polymer composition incorporating silica as a filler, along with polymers (B) and (C) derived from conjugated diene and aromatic vinyl compounds, featuring specific functional groups and molecular weights, which are incompatible and unevenly distribute the filler for enhanced low loss, abrasion resistance, and wet grip performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the amount of filler such as carbon black and silica is reduced or carbon black having a large particle diameter is used, then rolling resistance is reduced, but reinforcing property, abrasion resistance and wet grip property deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverolling resistanceVSAvoidreinforcing property
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the particle size parameter of silica filler to a specific range (0.5-2.0 μm) and controls the filler content within optimal limits, achieving both low rolling resistance and good reinforcing property. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the sweet spot where energy loss is minimized while maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite filler system combining silica with specific polymers (polymer B and polymer C) that have different glass transition temperatures and functional groups. This composite approach allows the filler to provide both low rolling resistance and adequate reinforcing property through synergistic interactions between different materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If the amount of filler such as carbon black and silica is reduced or carbon black having a large particle diameter is used, then rolling resistance is reduced, but abrasion resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverolling resistanceVSAvoidabrasion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the particle size parameter of silica to 0.5-2.0 μm and controls filler content within specific limits, achieving a balance between low rolling resistance and high abrasion resistance. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the sweet spot where energy loss is minimized while maintaining structural durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a composite system of silica filler with specifically selected polymers (polymer B and polymer C) that have different glass transition temperatures and functional groups. This composite approach enables the filler to provide both low rolling resistance and high abrasion resistance through synergistic material interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of energy

If the amount of filler such as carbon black and silica is reduced or carbon black having a large particle diameter is used, then rolling resistance is reduced, but wet grip property deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverolling resistanceVSAvoidwet grip property
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the particle size parameter of silica filler to 0.5-2.0 μm and controls the filler content within optimal limits, achieving both low rolling resistance and excellent wet grip property. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the sweet spot where energy loss is minimized while maintaining reliable wet surface adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite filler system combining silica with specifically selected polymers (polymer B and polymer C) that have different glass transition temperatures and functional groups. This composite approach allows the filler to provide both low rolling resistance and reliable wet grip property through synergistic interactions between different materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Loss of energy

If polymer compositions are optimized for low loss property, then rolling resistance is reduced, but wet grip performance and mechanical properties become insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelow loss propertyVSAvoidwet grip performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the glass transition temperature parameters of the polymer components, using polymer B with Tg of -110°C or lower and polymer C with Tg of -50°C or lower. This parameter optimization allows the composition to achieve both low loss property and excellent wet grip performance by ensuring adequate polymer flexibility and adhesion at operating temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a composite polymer system consisting of polymer B and polymer C with different glass transition temperatures and functional groups. This composite approach enables the composition to provide both low rolling resistance and excellent wet grip performance through the synergistic effects of polymers with different thermal and mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

5Loss of energy

If polymer compositions are optimized for low loss property, then rolling resistance is reduced, but mechanical properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelow loss propertyVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the glass transition temperature parameters of the polymer components, using polymer B with Tg of -110°C or lower and polymer C with Tg of -50°C or lower, while controlling their respective content ratios. This parameter optimization achieves both low loss property and adequate mechanical properties by balancing polymer flexibility and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite polymer system consisting of polymer B and polymer C with different glass transition temperatures and functional groups. This composite approach allows the composition to provide both low rolling resistance and adequate mechanical properties through the synergistic effects of polymers with different thermal and mechanical characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3575331B1Polymer composition, method for producing the same, and tire
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 JSR CORPORATION
  • EP3575331B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3575331B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A polymer composition including: a filler (A); a polymer (B) having a repeating unit derived from a conjugated diene compound, having a peak temperature of a tanδ temperature dispersion curve of-110°C or more and less than -30°C, and having a functional group capable of interacting with the filler (A); and a polymer (C) having a repeating unit derived from a conjugated diene compound and a repeating unit derived from an aromatic vinyl compound, having a peak temperature of a tanδ temperature dispersion curve of -30°C or more and 10°C or less, and having a functional group capable of interacting with the filler (A), wherein the polymer (B) and the polymer (C) are incompatible with each other, and a concentration of functional groups per unit mass of the polymer (B) is higher than a concentration of functional groups per unit mass of the polymer (C).