Silane Bonding Agent Segmentation in Rubber Tyre Compounds

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The use of trialkoxymercaptoalkyl-silane silane bonding agents in rubber tyre compounds increases viscosity, leading to processing problems and impairs physical characteristics like wear resistance, despite offering advantages in rolling resistance and wet road-holding performance.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a two-step mixing process with a nucleophile compound and zinc oxide in the first step, and a silane bonding agent in the polysulphide organosilane class added between the first and final mixing steps, including a curing system with sulphur and accelerants, to manage viscosity and maintain physical characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If trialkoxymercaptoalkyl-silane silane bonding agents are used in rubber tyre compounds, then rolling resistance and wet road-holding performance are improved, but viscosity increases causing processing problems and wear resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverolling resistance and wet road-holding performanceVSAvoidprocessing problems due to increased viscosity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The silane bonding agent is divided into two distinct classes: trialkoxymercaptoalkyl-silane (providing chemical bonding and performance benefits) and polysulphide organosilane (controlling viscosity and processing). This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without the negative effects of the other, resolving the contradiction between performance improvement and processing ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite silane bonding agent system combining two different silane classes with complementary functions. The trialkoxymercaptoalkyl-silane provides the chemical bonding capability for improved rolling resistance and wet grip, while the polysulphide organosilane component maintains processability by controlling viscosity, thus achieving both performance and manufacturing requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If trialkoxymercaptoalkyl-silane silane bonding agents are used in rubber tyre compounds, then rolling resistance and wet road-holding performance are improved, but wear resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverolling resistance and wet road-holding performanceVSAvoidwear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The silane bonding agent is divided into two distinct classes: trialkoxymercaptoalkyl-silane (providing chemical bonding and performance benefits) and polysulphide organosilane (controlling viscosity and processing). This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without the negative effects of the other, resolving the contradiction between performance improvement and processing ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite silane bonding agent system combining two different silane classes with complementary functions. The trialkoxymercaptoalkyl-silane provides the chemical bonding capability for improved rolling resistance and wet grip, while the polysulphide organosilane component maintains processability by controlling viscosity, thus achieving both performance and manufacturing requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If plasticizing oils are added to reduce viscosity, then processing problems are solved, but physical characteristics such as wear resistance are impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing easeVSAvoidwear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The polysulphide organosilane acts as an intermediary substance that performs the viscosity-reducing function normally achieved by plasticizing oils, but without the harmful side effects. It provides the necessary fluidity for processing while maintaining the physical characteristics and wear resistance of the rubber compound, replacing the conventional plasticizing oil approach with a more selective agent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This method effectively reduces viscosity and enhances abrasion resistance while maintaining improved rolling resistance, as demonstrated by superior test results compared to control compounds.

Implementation Method 1

Silica is used in conjunction with silane bonding agents, which, bonding with silanol groups, prevent the formation of hydrogen bonds between silica particles and, at the same time, bond the silica chemically to the polymer base.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a nucleophile compound and zinc oxide are mixed with the polymer base at said first mixing step

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleophile reaction:

Implementation Method 3

a curing system comprising at least sulphur and accelerants is added to and mixed with the mix

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCross-linking:

Data Source

PatentUS9592704B2Method of producing rubber tyre compounds
Publication Date: 2017.03.14 BRIDGESTONE CORP

AI summary

A method of producing rubber tire compounds, including a first mixing step in which at least one cross-linkable, unsaturated-chain polymer base, silica, and a silane bonding agent in the alkoxymercaptoalkyl-silane class are mixed together; and a final mixing step in which a curing system having at least sulphur and accelerants is added to and mixed with the mix. A nucleophile compound and zinc oxide are mixed with the polymer base at the first mixing step. And the method includes a second mixing step between the first mixing step and the final mixing step, and in which a silane bonding agent in the polysulphide organosilane class is added to and mixed with the mix from the first mixing step.