Refined Surface-Modified Carbon Black for Rolling Resistance and Wet Traction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon blacks fail to simultaneously improve rolling resistance, wet traction, and wear resistance, and the use of silica as a filler introduces costs and processing difficulties while offering no advantage in dry traction and conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A refined surface modified low hysteresis carbon black (R-SMLHCB) with a surface modifier comprising amine and thiol groups, treated to enhance filler-polymer interactions and minimize filler-filler networking, followed by a refining process to remove loosely bound modifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silica is used as a filler to improve rolling resistance and wet traction, then rolling resistance and wet traction are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and processing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive silica filler with carbon black, which is a cheaper and more readily available material. The invention achieves the desired performance improvement through surface modification of carbon black rather than using costly silica, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving tire performance in rolling resistance and wet traction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties of carbon black by introducing specific surface modifiers and controlling aggregate size distribution. This parameter change transforms conventional carbon black into a material that can provide silica-like performance characteristics, enabling improvement in rolling resistance and wet traction without the drawbacks of silica processing
2Strength
If carbon black aggregate size distribution is narrow, then filler-filler networking strength increases, but rolling resistance improvement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately widens the aggregate size distribution of carbon black as a key parameter change. This creates a bimodal or broad distribution with both small and large aggregates, which reduces excessive filler-filler networking while maintaining sufficient structural strength. The widened distribution allows for improved rolling resistance by creating a more open network structure that reduces hysteresis losses
3Reliability
If surface modifier is applied to carbon black to improve polymer-filler interactions, then wet traction and wear resistance improve, but filler-filler networking becomes predominant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies surface modification locally and selectively to carbon black surfaces, introducing specific functional groups that enhance polymer-filler interactions at the interface. Simultaneously, the widened aggregate size distribution ensures that not all surfaces engage in strong filler-filler networking. This local quality approach allows improved wet traction and wear resistance through enhanced polymer bonding while preventing excessive filler network formation that would harm rolling resistance
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
Achieves simultaneous improvement in rolling resistance, wet traction, and wear resistance without the drawbacks of silica, enhancing mechanical properties and reducing processing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a surface modifier attached thereto, wherein the surface modifier comprises at least one amine group and at least one thiol group
Implementation Method 2
a refining process to remove loosely bound modifiers
Data Source
AI summary
A non-ASTM low hysteresis carbon black chemically treated, and surface coated with a compound comprising at least one amine group and at least one thiol group, and/or di- and/or polysulfidic linkage is herein disclosed. The surface modified low hysteresis carbon blacks are post treated to remove excess surface modified compound to form refined surface modified low hysteresis carbon blacks.