Reclaimed Rubber Composition for Tire Tread Fatigue Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reclaimed rubber-containing rubber compositions have limitations in fracture characteristics and fatigue resistance, which are crucial for the performance of vulcanized rubber in applications like pneumatic tires.

Innovation Solution

A reclaimed rubber-containing rubber composition is developed, featuring reclaimed rubber with specific properties: carbon black having a surface area of 100 to 120 m2/g, a gel fraction of 75% or less, and an average particle diameter of 100 μm or less. This composition is designed to enhance reinforcing properties and dispersibility, thereby improving the fracture characteristics and fatigue resistance of vulcanized rubber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reclaimed rubber is used in rubber composition, then environmental sustainability is improved, but fracture characteristics and fatigue resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidfracture characteristics and fatigue resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the gel fraction of reclaimed rubber within 5-75% and the carbon black content within 1-50 parts by mass per 100 parts of rubber component. These parameter optimizations resolve the contradiction by finding the optimal balance point where environmental sustainability is maintained while mechanical properties are significantly improved compared to conventional reclaimed rubber applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If carbon black with large specific surface area is used, then reinforcing properties are improved, but dispersibility in new rubber deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereinforcing propertiesVSAvoiddispersibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting carbon black with specific surface area of 80-150 m2/g and controlling its content within 1-50 parts by mass per 100 parts of rubber component. This optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal concentration range where reinforcing properties are maximized while maintaining adequate dispersibility in the rubber matrix

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies composite materials by creating a synergistic combination of reclaimed rubber, carbon black, and new rubber components. The composite structure allows carbon black particles to provide reinforcement while the reclaimed rubber matrix ensures adequate dispersibility and compatibility, resolving the contradiction between reinforcing properties and dispersibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 proposed composition achieves vulcanized rubber with superior fracture characteristics and fatigue resistance, making it suitable for use in pneumatic tire treads and other demanding applications.

Implementation Method 1

the reclaimed rubber contains carbon black having a specific surface area based on BET method of 100 to 120 m2/g... such carbon black has a large specific surface area and therefore produces the effect of enhancing reinforcing properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

In a case where the reclaimed rubber has a gel fraction of 75% or less, when the reclaimed rubber is added to a new rubber that has not yet been vulcanized, a compatibilizing effect is enhanced so that the dispersibility of the reclaimed rubber is improved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Data Source

PatentUS20250026921A1Reclaimed rubber-containing rubber composition and pneumatic tire
Publication Date: 2025.01.23 TOYO TIRE CORP

AI summary

A reclaimed rubber-containing rubber composition comprising a reclaimed rubber, wherein the reclaimed rubber contains carbon black having a specific surface area based on BET method of 100 to 120 m2/g and has a gel fraction of 75% or less. The reclaimed rubber is preferably a reclaimed rubber powder having an average particle diameter d70 of 100 μm or less and an average particle diameter d90 of 150 μm or less. The reclaimed rubber-containing rubber composition preferably contains 1 to 10 parts by mass of the reclaimed rubber when a total amount of a rubber component is taken as 100 parts by mass. The reclaimed rubber is preferably derived from a tire tread.