Saturated Diene Elastomer with Silanol Chain Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubber compositions rich in diene units face challenges in achieving a balance between low rolling resistance and high wear resistance, particularly when modified with diene elastomers rich in ethylene units, as they tend to increase rigidity and hysteresis, making them unsuitable for semi-finished tire articles.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition is developed with a highly saturated diene elastomer containing ethylene units, modified with a silanol or alkoxysilane function at the chain end, which reduces hysteresis and rigidity, comprising a combination of inorganic fillers and functional groups to enhance performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If diene elastomers rich in ethylene units are used to reduce hysteresis, then rolling resistance performance is improved, but rigidity increases making the composition unsuitable for semi-finished tire articles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of the diene elastomer by controlling the microstructure parameters (increasing 1,4-cis and 1,4-trans bonds while reducing 1,2 bonds) and saturation level (≥60% saturated bonds) to achieve optimal balance between hysteresis and rigidity. The ethylene content is specifically controlled at 40-70% to maintain this balance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite rubber composition by combining the modified diene elastomer with specific inorganic fillers (silica at 30-200 phr, carbon black at 0-50 phr) and coupling agents (silane coupling agents at 1-10 phr) to achieve the desired mechanical properties while maintaining low hysteresis
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional diene elastomers are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but wear resistance under extreme conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the diene elastomer by increasing saturation level (≥60% saturated bonds) and controlling microstructure (specific 1,4-cis, 1,4-trans, and 1,2 bond ratios) to enhance wear resistance while maintaining compatibility with conventional processing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the modified diene elastomer with reinforcing inorganic fillers (silica and/or carbon black) and coupling agents to create a composite material that provides superior wear resistance under extreme conditions while maintaining ease of manufacture
3Loss of energy
If functional elastomers with interactive functions with reinforcing filler are used, then rolling resistance performance is improved, but device complexity increases due to specialized polymerization processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves functional interaction with reinforcing fillers by controlling the chemical composition parameters of the diene elastomer (saturation level, microstructure, ethylene content) rather than requiring complex functionalization processes, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining improved rolling resistance performance
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 modified rubber composition achieves a compromise between rigidity and hysteresis, resulting in improved rolling resistance and wear resistance performance, making it suitable for use in semi-finished tire articles.
Implementation Method 1
a highly saturated elastomer comprising 1,3-diene units and ethylene units and carrying a silanol or alkoxysilane function at the end of the chain
Implementation Method 2
which comprises at least one reinforcing inorganic filler and a highly saturated elastomer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rubber composition which comprises at least one reinforcing inorganic filler and a highly saturated elastomer comprising 1,3-diene units and ethylene units and having a functional group F1 at the chain end which is a silanol or alkoxysilane functional group, wherein the ethylene units represent more than 50 mol % of all of the monomer units of the elastomer. Such a rubber composition has an improved rigidity hysteresis compromise.