Rubberized HMLS-PET Strength Member Using Recycled PET

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rubberized strength members for elastomeric products, particularly vehicle tires, face challenges in balancing sustainability and performance due to the use of recycled PET, which impairs crystallization and affects properties like shrinkage, deformability, and strength.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a yarn made of High Modulus Low Shrinkage Polyethylene Terephthalate (HMLS-PET) comprising recycled PET, with a proportion ranging from 10% to 100% by weight, and optimizing the production process through pre-crystallization, solid-state polymerization, and controlled spinning to maintain high strength and extensibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If recycled PET is used in strength members, then sustainability and resource conservation are improved, but crystallization is impaired and physical properties such as strength, shrinkage, and deformability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource conservationVSAvoidyarn strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the crystallization conditions through controlled cooling rates and heat treatment processes. This transforms the crystalline structure of recycled PET to achieve high modulus and low shrinkage properties, thereby resolving the contradiction between using recycled material and maintaining strength properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining recycled PET with specific rubberization mixtures and applying multiple processing steps that generate distinct structural zones within the yarn. This composite approach allows the recycled material to achieve performance comparable to virgin PET while maintaining sustainability benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of substance

If recycled PET is used in strength members, then sustainability is improved, but manufacturing precision and property consistency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource conservationVSAvoidproperty consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating the recycled PET through controlled crystallization and heat treatment before final yarn formation. This preliminary structuring ensures consistent properties in the final product, overcoming the variability inherent in recycled materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuity of useful action through a integrated processing sequence that includes continuous crystallization, drawing, and rubberization steps. This continuous processing minimizes property variations and ensures consistent quality throughout production, addressing the consistency challenges of recycled PET.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Strength

If high modulus and low shrinkage properties are achieved, then performance in elastomeric products is improved, but resource consumption and environmental impact worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodulus and shrinkage controlVSAvoidresource conservation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential disadvantage of recycled PET (impaired crystallization) into a benefit by utilizing controlled crystallization processes that create the desired high modulus and low shrinkage properties. This transforms a harmful effect into a useful one, achieving performance goals while maintaining resource conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves high modulus and low shrinkage properties through parameter changes in the processing conditions, specifically controlled cooling rates and heat treatment temperatures. These parameter adjustments allow recycled PET to develop the required mechanical properties without requiring virgin material, thus maintaining resource conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 resulting rubberized strength member is produced with maximum resource conservation and minimal environmental impact, meeting high performance demands for elastomeric products, especially in vehicle tires, while reducing CO2 burden and filament breaks.

Implementation Method 1

pre-crystallization, solid-state polymerization, and controlled spinning to maintain high strength and extensibility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentUS12370833B2Rubberized strength member for elastomeric products, in particular vehicle tyres, wherein the strength member has at least one first yarn, method for producing the rubberized strength member, and vehicle tyre having at least one rubberized strength member

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a rubberized strength member for elastomeric products, especially vehicle tires, wherein the strength member includes at least one first yarn, to a process for producing the rubberized strength member and to a motor vehicle tire including at least one rubberized strength member.According to the invention, the first yarn is a yarn of HMLS-PET comprising recycled PET.