Rubber Composition with Segmented Polymer Phases for Tire Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubber compositions for tires struggle to achieve a balance between low rolling resistance and wear resistance, with previous methods either compromising on wet gripping performance or reinforcement performance.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition with multiple polymer phases and a specific filler distribution, where the filler is dispersed in a polymer phase with a peak tan δ temperature between -110°C to -20°C and -10°C, and an average aggregate area of 2100 nm² or less, enhancing both low loss property and wear resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If rubber composition uses low tan δ (low loss property) to reduce rolling resistance, then fuel consumption is reduced, but wear resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rubber composition is divided into multiple polymer phases with different glass transition temperatures, where each phase contributes differently to the overall performance. The first polymer phase (−110°C to −20°C) provides low loss property, while the second polymer phase (−10°C to 10°C) maintains wear resistance, allowing both properties to coexist without compromise.
2Loss of energy
If filler content is reduced to achieve low loss property, then rolling resistance decreases, but reinforcement performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filler is selectively distributed to specific polymer phases based on their glass transition temperatures. By concentrating filler in the appropriate polymer phase (with Tg of −10°C to 10°C), the reinforcement performance is maintained locally where needed, while other phases maintain low loss properties, achieving both goals simultaneously.
3Reliability
If carbon black or silica fillers are used to improve wear resistance, then reinforcement performance increases, but rolling resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the critical parameter of filler distribution by specifying that filler should be concentrated in the polymer phase with higher glass transition temperature (−10°C to 10°C). This parameter change allows the filler to provide reinforcement where structural integrity is needed while minimizing its impact on rolling resistance in the low-Tg phase that provides elasticity and low hysteresis.
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 rubber composition effectively achieves both low rolling resistance and high wear resistance, improving tire performance without deteriorating wet gripping or reinforcement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a peak temperature of tan δ temperature dispersion curve of a polymer phase with a lowest peak temperature of tan δ temperature dispersion curve among the two or more polymer phases is −110° C. to −20° C.; a peak temperature of tan δ temperature dispersion curve of a polymer phase with a highest peak temperature of tan δ temperature dispersion curve among the two or more polymer phases is −10° C. to 10° C.
Data Source
AI summary
The rubber composition of this disclosure is a rubber composition comprising a rubber component containing 2 or more polymer components and a filler containing at least a silica, wherein: the rubber component is separated into two or more polymer phases with different peak temperatures of tan δ temperature dispersion curve; a compounding amount of the filler per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component is 30 to 130 parts by mass; 30 mass % or more of the filler exists in the polymer phase with the lowest peak temperature of tan δ temperature dispersion curve; and the filler has an average aggregate area of 2100 nm2 or less.