Rubber Composition Using Composite Silica for Tire Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rubber compositions for tires containing silica treated with silane coupling agents do not adequately enhance rubber physical properties such as modulus, fracture characteristics, low heat build-up, abrasion resistance, and impact resilience.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition comprising a diene rubber and a composite silica produced by polymerizing a block copolymer in the presence of silica, where the block copolymer has a first block with a (meth)acrylate having a hydroxyl group and a second block of styrene or isoprene derivatives, which covers the silica surface, improving compatibility and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If silica is surface-treated with a silane coupling agent to improve dispersibility, then the dispersibility of silica in rubber composition is improved, but the rubber physical properties (modulus, fracture characteristics, low heat build-up, abrasion resistance, impact resilience) deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a block copolymer as an intermediary substance between silica and rubber. The copolymer contains a first block that interacts with silica surface and a second block that is compatible with rubber matrix, mediating the interface between filler and polymer to achieve both good dispersibility and maintained physical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite silica particles consisting of silica core coated with block copolymer. This composite structure combines the dispersibility benefits of surface treatment with the mechanical property benefits of compatible polymer coating, resolving the contradiction between dispersibility and strength
2Stability of the object's composition
If silane coupling agents are used to treat silica, then the compatibility of silica with rubber is improved, but the flexibility and stretching capability of rubber deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the silica surface by coating with block copolymer instead of using silane coupling agents. The copolymer coating modifies surface properties to achieve compatibility while maintaining flexibility, as the polymer coating can deform with the rubber matrix during stretching
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 achieves excellent rubber physical properties, including low rolling resistance, improved abrasion resistance, and enhanced fracture characteristics, even when using reduced amounts of silica or silane coupling agents.
Implementation Method 1
the first block covers a surface of the silica
Implementation Method 2
a first block obtained by polymerizing a first monomer containing at least a (meth)acrylate having a hydroxyl group
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a rubber composition for a tire having excellent rubber physical properties. The present invention is a rubber composition for a tire comprising: a diene rubber; and a composite silica comprising a block copolymer and silica, the block copolymer comprising a first block obtained by polymerizing a first monomer containing at least a (meth)acrylate having a hydroxyl group and a second block obtained by polymerizing at least one type of a second monomer selected from the group consisting of styrene, derivatives thereof, and isoprene; the composite silica being produced in an organic solvent in the presence of the silica; and an amount of the composite silica being from 10 to 200 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the diene rubber; and a pneumatic tire using the same.