Silane Sulfide Modified Elastomeric Polymers for Tire Tread
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire formulations face challenges in reducing hysteresis loss and maintaining a balance between rolling resistance and wet grip properties, as existing coupling agents often result in polymer blends with uneven distributions of filler particles and chain ends, leading to increased energy loss and compromised grip performance.
Innovation Solution
A silane sulfide modified macromolecular compound is created by reacting a living anionic elastomeric polymer with a silane sulfide modifier, which is then combined with vulcanization agents and fillers like silica or carbon black, resulting in a vulcanized polymer composition with improved filler distribution and reduced hysteresis loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional coupling agents are used to reduce hysteresis loss, then the number of free chain ends is reduced, but the distribution of filler particles becomes uneven and grip performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces silane sulfide modified polymer chains as an intermediary that simultaneously interacts with both the polymer matrix and filler particles. The silane sulfide groups on the polymer chains act as coupling agents that bridge the organic polymer and inorganic fillers, achieving uniform filler distribution while reducing free chain ends and hysteresis loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polymer chain ends by modifying them with silane sulfide groups. This transformation converts ordinary polymer chain ends into functional groups that can interact with filler particles, thereby improving filler distribution and maintaining grip performance while reducing hysteresis loss
2Loss of energy
If polystyrene unit concentration is reduced to improve rolling resistance, then tan delta at 60°C is reduced, but wet grip performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification by functionalizing only the chain end regions of the polymer with silane sulfide groups, rather than changing the bulk composition. This localized modification allows the chain ends to provide improved filler interaction and hysteresis reduction without altering the overall polystyrene content needed for wet grip performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure at the molecular level by combining the elastomeric polymer chains with silane sulfide modifier groups. This composite approach allows the polymer to exhibit both the low hysteresis characteristics of modified chain ends and the good wet grip properties of the original polymer composition
3Loss of energy
If 1,2-polybutadiene unit concentration is reduced to improve rolling resistance, then tan delta at 60°C is reduced, but wet grip performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification by functionalizing only the chain end regions of the polymer with silane sulfide groups, rather than changing the bulk composition. This localized modification allows the chain ends to provide improved filler interaction and hysteresis reduction without altering the overall 1,2-polybutadiene content needed for wet grip performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure at the molecular level by combining the elastomeric polymer chains with silane sulfide modifier groups. This composite approach allows the polymer to exhibit both the low hysteresis characteristics of modified chain ends and the good wet grip properties of the original polymer composition
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 solution achieves a vulcanized polymer composition with lower hysteresis loss, enhanced rolling resistance, and improved wet grip properties, balancing physical and chemical properties such as abrasion resistance and tensile strength.
Implementation Method 1
reacting a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a silane sulfide modifier
Implementation Method 2
the polymer composition may be vulcanized (crosslinked) by making use of and reaction with at least one vulcanization agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to silane sulfide modifier compounds and methods of making them. The invention also relates to a silane sulfide modified macromolecular compound obtainable by reacting a living anionic elastomeric polymer and a silane sulfide modifier. The silane sulfide modified macromolecular compound may be provided in the form of a polymer composition, and the polymer composition may be vulcanized (cross-linked) by making use of and reaction with at least one vulcanization agent, resulting in a vulcanized polymer composition.