Polysiloxane Chamber Coating for Tire Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing processes for producing vehicle tires face challenges with the separation of the expandable vulcanization chamber from the tire liner during the vulcanization cycle, leading to potential damage and reduced productivity, while also being limited by the use of inflammable and toxic solvents and resulting in material waste and pollution.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer treatment process using a polysiloxane composition with reactive and non-reactive polysiloxane oils, cross-linking agents, and cyclic polysiloxane as solvent is applied to the expandable vulcanization chamber, repeated multiple times to create a thick, uniformly distributed film that enhances separation and extends the chamber's lifespan, reducing the frequency of lubrication and minimizing pollutant presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the expandable chamber is used during vulcanisation, then the tyre can be moulded and cross-linked, but the chamber surface adheres to the liner causing separation damage and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
A polysiloxane composition is introduced as an intermediary substance between the expandable chamber surface and the tyre liner. This composition is applied to the chamber exterior before vulcanisation, creating a release layer that prevents adhesion during the curing process, thereby enabling clean separation without damage
Solution Approach 2:
The surface properties of the expandable chamber are modified by changing its chemical composition through the application of polysiloxane. This alters the surface energy and adhesion characteristics of the chamber, transforming it from an adhesive surface to a release surface that facilitates easy separation after vulcanisation
2Ease of operation
If traditional lubricant compositions are used on the chamber, then separation is facilitated, but inflammable and toxic solvents are required causing safety and environmental issues
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical composition parameters of the lubricant are fundamentally changed by replacing hydrocarbon-based solvents with water as the continuous phase and using polysiloxane as the active lubricating component. This creates a non-toxic, non-flammable composition that maintains lubrication efficacy while eliminating safety and environmental hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the previously harmful role of volatile organic solvents into a beneficial water-based system. The water serves as a safe carrier that evaporates without toxic residue, while the polysiloxane provides the necessary lubrication function, effectively converting a harmful chemical system into a benign one
3Reliability
If the chamber is covered frequently with lubricant to prevent adhesion, then separation quality improves, but material waste and pollution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The composition is formulated with water as the primary carrier instead of volatile organic solvents. This fundamental parameter change allows the lubricant to be applied more frequently or in greater quantities without environmental harm, as water evaporates safely and does not contribute to pollution or material waste concerns
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful aspect of frequent lubricant application (pollution and waste) is converted into a benefit by using water as the carrier. Water application frequencies can be increased to optimize separation performance without creating environmental problems, and any excess water evaporates harmlessly, turning a potential pollution source into a safe process
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 process improves the quality and longevity of tire production by facilitating smooth separation between the chamber and tire liner, reducing deformability and abrasion, and adhering to safety standards by eliminating toxic solvents, thereby increasing the number of tire production cycles without compromising quality.
Implementation Method 1
cross-linking said substantially cross-linkable polysiloxane composition A on the expandable chamber
Implementation Method 2
A6) at least one cyclic polysiloxane as solvent
Implementation Method 3
introduction of a pressurized hot fluid (gas or steam) within the same, so as to bring said expandable chamber in contact with the inner surface of the tyre and compress the latter against the walls of the moulding cavity, with simultaneous transmission of the heat required for cross-linking
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A process is described for producing tyres for vehicle wheels comprising the covering of the external surface of an expandable chamber (9) for tyre vulcanisation and moulding apparatuses with a substantially cross-linkable polysiloxane composition A, which composition contains at least one cyclic polysiloxane as solvent, and the subsequent cross-linking of the composition executed at least three times. Also described are a process for treating an expandable chamber (9) as well as the expandable chamber (9) for tyre vulcanisation and moulding apparatuses thus treated.