Rubber Compound Vulcanization Using Halogenated Graphite Activators

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of zinc oxide as a vulcanization activator in rubber compounds poses environmental concerns, and limiting its use compromises the mechanical characteristics of the resulting rubber products, necessitating an alternative that maintains effective vulcanization without altering mechanical properties.

Innovation Solution

Halogenated graphite, specifically fluorinated graphite, is used as a replacement for zinc oxide in rubber compounds, functioning as a vulcanization activator while maintaining the mechanical characteristics of the resulting compounds, with optimal usage between 0.1 and 100 phr, preferably 0.5 and 20 phr.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If zinc oxide is used as a vulcanization activator, then effective vulcanization is achieved, but environmental harm increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevulcanization effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental harm
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameter by replacing zinc oxide with halogenated graphite (specifically fluorinated graphite), thereby eliminating the harmful environmental factor while maintaining the vulcanization activator function through a different chemical substance with equivalent or superior performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If zinc oxide usage is limited, then environmental harm is reduced, but vulcanization effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental harmVSAvoidvulcanization effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention completely changes the activator substance from zinc oxide to halogenated graphite, allowing for complete elimination of harmful ZnO while actually improving or maintaining vulcanization effectiveness through the superior performance characteristics of the halogenated graphite compound

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If zinc oxide is replaced with alternative activators, then environmental harm is reduced, but mechanical characteristics may be altered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental harmVSAvoidmechanical characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition to halogenated graphite while carefully controlling the concentration parameter (0.1-100 phr, preferably 0.5-20 phr) to maintain optimal mechanical properties, thereby eliminating environmental harm without compromising strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses halogenated graphite as a composite vulcanization activator system that combines the graphite base material with halogen functional groups, creating a composite substance that provides both environmental benefits and maintained mechanical performance through synergistic effects

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

Halogenated graphite effectively replaces zinc oxide, ensuring unaltered vulcanization and mechanical properties of rubber compounds, as demonstrated by comparable cross-linking, rheometric, mechanical, and dynamic mechanical properties with zinc oxide-containing compounds, independent of the reinforcing filler type.

Implementation Method 1

a vulcanization system comprising at least sulfur, one or more vulcanization accelerants and a vulcanization activator; said compound being characterized in that said vulcanization activator is exclusively halogenated graphite

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVulcanization: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a cross-linkable unsaturated chain polymer base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCross-linking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3700973B1Compound for the preparation of rubber products.
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 BRIDGESTONE CORP

AI summary

A compound for the preparation of rubber products comprising a cross-linkable unsaturated chain polymer base, a reinforcing filler and a vulcanization system. The vulcanization system comprises at least sulfur, one or more vulcanization accelerants and a vulcanization activator consisting of halogenated graphite.