Polymer Mixture with Ionic Liquid-Coated Silica
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymer mixtures face challenges in achieving optimized conductivity and tear properties while minimizing the plasticizer effects of ionic liquids, which are typically required in small amounts due to their solvent and plasticizer properties, making it difficult to use them in larger quantities without adverse effects on the polymer matrix.
Innovation Solution
A polymer mixture containing 10 to 50 phr of ionic liquids applied to light-colored fillers such as silica, aluminum hydroxide, or titanium dioxide, where the ionic liquids are pre-applied to the filler surfaces before mixing, allowing for larger amounts to be incorporated without negative plasticizer effects, enhancing conductivity and tear properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If ionic liquids are added in large amounts to improve conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but plasticizer effects occur which adversely affect the polymer matrix
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses carbon black as an intermediary carrier to apply ionic liquids to the rubber compound. The ionic liquid is first applied to the carbon black surface, which then distributes it uniformly throughout the compound during mixing. This intermediary approach allows larger amounts of ionic liquid to be incorporated without direct contact with the polymer matrix, preventing plasticizer effects while achieving desired conductivity improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The ionic liquid is applied to the carbon black filler before mixing into the rubber compound. This preliminary application ensures that the ionic liquid is already associated with the filler particles, preventing it from acting as a plasticizer on the polymer matrix during subsequent processing and vulcanization.
2Quantity of substance
If ionic liquids are added in situ to achieve desired conductivity, then conductivity is improved, but the plasticizer property limits the amount that can be used
Solution Approach 1:
Carbon black serves as a mediator that carries the ionic liquid into the rubber compound. By applying the ionic liquid to the carbon black surface first, the system prevents direct interaction between the ionic liquid and polymer matrix, eliminating plasticizer effects while allowing sufficient ionic liquid content for reliable conductivity improvement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If ionic liquids are used as dispersing agents for fillers, then filler dispersion is improved, but the plasticizer effects still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ionic liquid to carbon black filler, creating a coated filler that provides both dispersing agent functionality and prevents plasticizer effects. The carbon black carrier ensures the ionic liquid remains associated with the filler surface rather than migrating to the polymer matrix, maintaining both dispersion stability and avoiding harmful plasticizer effects.
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
This approach enables the use of ionic liquids in larger quantities without affecting the polymer matrix, resulting in improved conductivity and tear properties without the plasticizer effects, and allows for their use in non-black polymer mixtures where classic carbon-based fillers are not suitable.
Implementation Method 1
The polymer mixture is characterized by optimized conductivities and tear properties... with the ionic liquids being able to be added in comparatively large amounts
Implementation Method 2
the ionic liquid must be applied to the surface of the light-colored filler before it is mixed in. The light-colored filler acts, so to speak, as a carrier material for introducing the ionic liquids in large quantities into the polymer mixture
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a polymer mixture containing at least one ionic liquid, particularly for tires, belts, straps, and hoses. The polymer mixture contains at least one polymer and 10 to 50 phr of at least one ionic liquid applied to at least one light-colored filler. The light-colored filler is preferably silica.