Rubber Composite Crosslinking for Durable Metal Reinforcement Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vulcanization systems for rubber compositions in tires, particularly those with high sulfur content, lead to premature crosslinking, processing difficulties, and reduced adhesion between metallic reinforcing elements and rubber over time, despite requiring complex formulations to maintain performance qualities.
Innovation Solution
A composite comprising an epoxidized diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler, and a crosslinking system using organopolyphosphorus compounds and polyphenol compounds with hydroxyl functions, which simplifies the composition and enhances adhesion to metallic reinforcing elements without the need for sulfurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vulcanization systems with high sulfur content are used, then adhesion between rubber and metallic reinforcing elements is improved, but premature crosslinking occurs and processing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the crosslinking system by replacing sulfur-based vulcanization with an amine-based crosslinking system. Specifically, it uses amines with at least one primary amino group in combination with epoxy-functionalized rubber, fundamentally altering the crosslinking mechanism to avoid premature reaction while maintaining adhesion properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes sulfur and zinc oxide from the rubber composition formula. By eliminating these conventional vulcanization agents, the patent prevents the scorching phenomenon and premature crosslinking that occur with high sulfur content systems, while achieving the desired adhesion through alternative chemical mechanisms.
2Reliability
If conventional vulcanization systems with high sulfur content are used, then adhesion between rubber and metallic reinforcing elements is improved, but the composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes multiple components from the conventional vulcanization system, including sulfur, zinc oxide, and various accelerators. This extraction simplifies the overall composition while the amine-epoxy crosslinking mechanism provides sufficient adhesion without requiring the complex multi-component systems traditionally used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simpler, more straightforward crosslinking chemistry that does not require long-lived, complex formulation systems. The amine-epoxy reaction provides effective crosslinking and adhesion through a more direct chemical pathway, reducing the need for multiple additives and complex formulation strategies.
3Reliability
If conventional vulcanization systems with high sulfur content are used, then adhesion between rubber and metallic reinforcing elements is improved, but adhesion weakens over time under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical nature of the crosslinking bonds from sulfur-based to amine-epoxy based bonds. This fundamental parameter change in the chemical mechanism creates more stable and durable crosslinking structures that resist degradation under mechanical and thermal stress, thereby improving long-term adhesion durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of sulfurization (which causes gradual adhesion weakening) into a benefit by using amine crosslinking that forms more stable bonds. The alternative chemical approach initially seemed different from conventional methods but ultimately provides superior long-term performance by avoiding the degradation issues inherent in sulfur-based systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If alternative crosslinking systems without sulfur are used, then processing is simplified and premature crosslinking is avoided, but adhesion to metallic reinforcing elements may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the crosslinking system to use amines with primary amino groups in combination with epoxy-functionalized rubber. This parameter change maintains processing advantages by avoiding sulfur-based scorching while simultaneously achieving effective adhesion through the amine-epoxy crosslinking mechanism that forms strong bonds with metallic surfaces.
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 composite provides improved adhesion and durability to metallic reinforcing elements, simplifies processing, and maintains performance qualities over time, reducing the complexity and drawbacks of conventional vulcanization systems.
Implementation Method 1
a system for crosslinking the epoxidized diene elastomer comprising at least: a polyacid compound selected from organopolyphosphorus compounds of general formula (I) and polysulfonic acids of general formula (II), and a polyphenol compound comprising at least two hydroxyl —OH functions on the same aromatic ring
Data Source
AI summary
A composite is based on at least one reinforcing element and on a rubber composition based on at least a. an epoxidized diene elastomer, b. a reinforcing filler, and c. a system for crosslinking comprising at least: a polyacid compound selected from organopolyphosphorus compounds of general formula (I) and polysulfonic acids of general formula (II), and a polyphenol compound comprising at least two hydroxyl —OH functions on the same aromatic ring,in which A represents a covalent bond or a hydrocarbon group comprising at least 1 carbon atom, which is optionally substituted and optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms, and the R symbols represent a hydrocarbon group comprising at least 1 carbon atom or a hydrogen atom; andin which A′ represents the same as A above.