Silane-End-Functionalized Copolymer for Tire Tread Rolling Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubber compositions for vehicle tires lack effective end-functionalization, which affects the tire's performance in terms of rolling resistance and interaction with reinforcing fillers, leading to suboptimal properties such as tan δ and bound rubber content.
Innovation Solution
A copolymer end-functionalized with specific functionalized silanes, comprising 55-80% conjugated diene monomer and 20-45% aromatic vinyl monomer, is used in rubber compositions, along with reinforcing fillers like carbon black and silica, to enhance tire tread properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rubber compositions are used without end-functionalization, then the composition is simpler to manufacture, but the tire exhibits higher rolling resistance and poorer interaction with reinforcing fillers
Solution Approach 1:
The copolymer chains are pre-functionalized with silane groups at their ends during the polymerization process, before the rubber composition is formulated. This preliminary functionalization enables subsequent reactive interaction with reinforcing fillers like silica and carbon black, improving tire performance without requiring complex post-processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure where silane-functionalized copolymer chains interact with reinforcing fillers (silica, carbon black) to form a integrated network. The functional groups on the copolymer ends chemically interact with the filler surfaces, creating a synergistic composite material that exhibits improved rolling resistance and filler interaction compared to conventional rubber compositions.
2Reliability
If end-functionalized copolymer with silane groups is used, then bound rubber content increases and rolling resistance decreases, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the chemical parameters of the copolymer by introducing silane functional groups at the chain ends through controlled polymerization conditions. By adjusting parameters such as the choice of initiator, monomer ratios, and reaction conditions, the silane end-functionalization is achieved while maintaining control over the polymerization process and product properties.
3Reliability
If aromatic vinyl monomer without nitrogen substitution is used, then the copolymer structure is simpler, but the interaction with fillers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces specific functional groups (silane groups) at localized positions (chain ends) of the copolymer without modifying the entire polymer structure. This local functionalization provides the necessary filler interaction capability while keeping the bulk copolymer structure relatively simple and maintaining good processing properties.
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 end-functionalized copolymer improves tire tread performance by reducing rolling resistance, as indicated by lower tan δ values and increased bound rubber content, resulting in better interaction with fillers and overall tire functionality.
Implementation Method 1
end-functionalized with functionalized silanes... at least one group having formula (I)... W is O, S, or NZ where Z is selected from Si(R4)3
Implementation Method 2
affects the tire's performance in terms of rolling resistance and interaction with reinforcing fillers, leading to suboptimal properties such as tan δ and bound rubber content
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are copolymers end-functionalized with functionalized silanes of specified structure, rubber compositions comprising the copolymer, and related processes for preparing the end-functionalized copolymer. The present disclosure also relates to tires having at least one component (e.g., a tread) containing the end-functionalized copolymer or a rubber composition thereof. The copolymer comprises 55-80% by weight of a conjugated diene monomer and 20-45% by weight of an aromatic vinyl monomer lacking any nitrogen substitution on its aromatic ring, wherein the total amount of conjugated diene monomer and aromatic vinyl monomer comprise 100% (of the total monomers in the copolymer), and the end-functionalization comprises at least one group having formula (I).