Silane-Modified Polymer for Tire Rubber Dispersion and Hysteresis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Silica-filled rubber compositions used in tire production face issues with high unvulcanized viscosity, inefficient dispersion of inorganic fillers, and reduced wear resistance, which hinder the development of desired tire physical properties such as wet grip and fuel efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A silane-modified polymer with a polyisoprene skeleton is introduced, which undergoes a hydrosilylation reaction with an organosilicon compound in the presence of a platinum catalyst, resulting in a rubber compounding ingredient that improves filler dispersion and reduces hysteresis loss, thereby enhancing tire performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If silica loading is increased to reduce rolling resistance and improve wet grip, then fuel consumption is reduced, but unvulcanized viscosity increases and dispersion efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidunvulcanized viscosity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a silane-modified polymer as an intermediary substance that mediates between silica filler and rubber matrix. This polymer contains both silane groups (for bonding with silica) and polymer chains (for compatibility with rubber), facilitating efficient filler dispersion and reducing unvulcanized viscosity while maintaining the beneficial effects of high silica loading

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the rubber composition by introducing silane-modified polymer with specific functional groups. This chemical modification enables better interaction between filler and matrix, allowing high silica content to be incorporated without the adverse viscosity effects that would normally occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If silica loading is increased to improve wet grip, then wet grip performance is enhanced, but dispersion of inorganic filler deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewet gripVSAvoiddispersion of inorganic filler

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The silane-modified polymer acts as a mediator that improves dispersion by providing both silica-binding capability (through silane groups) and rubber-compatibility (through polymer chains), enabling uniform distribution of high silica loading throughout the rubber matrix

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite system where silane-modified polymer, silica filler, and rubber matrix work synergistically. The composite structure allows the polymer to bridge the interface between inorganic filler and organic matrix, achieving stable dispersion even at high filler concentrations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Use of energy by moving object

If silica loading is increased to reduce rolling resistance, then rolling resistance is reduced, but wear resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverolling resistanceVSAvoidwear resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The silane-modified polymer serves as a protective intermediary that bonds silica particles to the rubber matrix, creating a reinforced composite structure that maintains wear resistance while allowing high silica content for reduced rolling resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a composite material system where the silane-modified polymer creates strong interfacial bonding between silica and rubber, producing a synergistic effect that simultaneously reduces rolling resistance and maintains wear resistance through the reinforced composite structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 silane-modified polymer effectively reduces hysteresis loss and improves wet grip, leading to tires with reduced rolling resistance and enhanced fuel efficiency, addressing the limitations of existing silica-filled rubber compositions.

Implementation Method 1

A silane-modified polymer with a polyisoprene skeleton is introduced, which undergoes a hydrosilylation reaction with an organosilicon compound in the presence of a platinum catalyst

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrosilylation reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

A silane-modified polymer with a polyisoprene skeleton is introduced, which undergoes a hydrosilylation reaction with an organosilicon compound in the presence of a platinum catalyst

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS10815323B2Silane-modified polymer, rubber compounding ingredient, and rubber composition

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 SHIN ETSU CHEMICAL CO LTD

AI summary

A silane-modified polymer having a polyisoprene skeleton and a hydrolyzable silyl group is useful as a rubber compounding ingredient. When added to a rubber composition, it is effective for improving the wet grip and substantially reducing the hysteresis loss of the cured rubber composition. Low fuel consumption tires may be manufactured from the rubber composition.