Functionalized SBR-Graphene Tyre Tread for Uniform Dispersion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing graphene incorporation into elastomer tyre formulations results in non-uniform dispersion and increased curing time, necessitating the development of alternatives for uniform dispersion without affecting the properties of the tyre composition.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising functionalized styrene butadiene polymer and graphene, prepared through emulsion polymerization, which allows for homogeneous dispersion and improved dynamic, physical, and mechanical properties, including reduced rolling resistance and enhanced wet grip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If graphene is incorporated into elastomer tyre formulations, then mechanical properties and fuel efficiency are improved, but dispersion uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoiddispersion uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-functionalizing the graphene surface with silane coupling agents before incorporating it into the elastomer matrix. This pre-treatment creates reactive groups on the graphene surface that facilitate uniform dispersion and strong bonding with the polymer, preventing aggregation during mixing and curing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses silane coupling agents as intermediary substances between graphene and the elastomer matrix. These coupling agents form a bridge that improves interfacial adhesion and ensures uniform distribution of graphene particles throughout the polymer matrix, resolving the dispersion uniformity issue while maintaining mechanical enhancement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If graphene is incorporated into elastomer tyre formulations, then rolling resistance is reduced, but curing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverolling resistanceVSAvoidcuring time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface chemistry of graphene through silane functionalization. This changes the reactivity parameters of the filler, enabling it to participate in the curing reaction and actually reduce curing time compared to traditional carbon black, while simultaneously maintaining low rolling resistance through improved interfacial bonding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating regions of high interfacial bonding strength at the graphene-polymer interface through silane coupling. This localized enhancement of bonding quality improves energy dissipation characteristics and reduces rolling resistance without requiring uniform changes throughout the entire material structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional carbon black filler is used, then manufacturing process is simple, but environmental pollution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from carbon black to graphene as the filler material, fundamentally changing the chemical composition parameter. Graphene, being pure carbon in a two-dimensional structure, offers superior mechanical properties and can be used at lower loadings, thereby reducing the total amount of filler required and minimizing environmental impact while maintaining manufacturing feasibility

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 functionalized styrene butadiene polymer with graphene achieves uniform dispersion, reducing curing time and improving tyre performance in terms of rolling resistance, abrasion resistance, and wet grip.

Implementation Method 1

A composition comprising functionalized styrene butadiene polymer and graphene, prepared through emulsion polymerization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEmulsion polymerization: Emulsion

Implementation Method 2

The reduction of rolling resistance of tires has become the preliminary objective for tire industries, as it has close relation to the fuel consumption, hysteresis loss properties of tire tread

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHysteresis: Hysteresis

Data Source

PatentUS12441871B2Composition comprising functionalized rubber and graphene, processes and applications thereof

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 RELIANCE IND LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of tyre technology and pertains to compositions employed for manufacturing tyre treads. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising functionalized styrene butadiene polymer (SBR) and graphene as a reinforcing filler, and processes for preparation and applications thereof. The reinforcement of functionalized SBR with graphene filler shows homogeneous dispersion of graphene via chemical bonding with functionalized SBR, reduces particle-particle interactions of graphene filler, reduces filler-filler interaction and hence increases in filler-graphene interaction which shows the improvement in properties such as wet grip, rolling resistance, modulus, hardness and tensile properties, rheological properties etc. A tyre tread made of the present composition is superior to a tyre tread manufactured using a composition comprising traditional fillers, such as carbon black.