Silane Coupling Composition for Tire Rolling Resistance and Wet Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silanes used in rubber compounds for vehicle tires do not adequately improve rolling resistance, grip behavior, especially wet grip, and stiffness, which are critical for tire performance.
Innovation Solution
A novel silane with a formula (R1) o Si-R2-SR3-SR3-SX is introduced, featuring a long spacer group with two thioether units, allowing for improved bonding to silica and polymer, enhancing the rubber mixture's property profile, including rolling resistance and stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional silanes with short spacer groups are used, then the silane can effectively bond to silica and polymer, but the rolling resistance behavior and grip behavior are not adequately improved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the key parameter of spacer group length from conventional short spacers to an extended spacer group containing two thioether units. This parameter change allows the silane to maintain bonding effectiveness while improving rolling resistance and grip behavior, as the longer spacer provides better flexibility and bonding geometry without compromising the coupling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The silane structure combines multiple functional elements: a silyl group for silica bonding, an extended spacer with two thioether units for enhanced flexibility and polymer interaction, and a reactive sulfur group for vulcanization. This composite structure achieves superior performance by integrating multiple functions into a single coupling agent.
2Ease of manufacture
If silanes with extended spacer groups are used, then rolling resistance and grip behavior improve, but the bonding efficiency to silica and polymer decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the spacer group parameters by incorporating exactly two thioether units at specific positions, which provides the right balance between length (for improved rolling resistance) and bonding capability. The spacer is neither too short nor excessively long, maintaining bonding efficiency while achieving performance improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended spacer group acts as an intermediary between the silyl group (bonding to silica) and the reactive sulfur group (bonding to polymer). This intermediary structure with two thioether units facilitates effective stress transfer and maintains bonding efficiency while enabling improved rolling resistance and grip behavior.
3Ease of operation
If silane coupling agents are used to bond silica to polymer, then processability improves, but stiffness and handling predictors remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The silane structure combines a silyl group for silica coupling with an extended spacer containing two thioether units and a reactive sulfur group. This composite structure provides both good processability (from effective coupling) and improved stiffness (from the optimized spacer geometry and enhanced polymer-silica interaction).
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spacer group parameters to include two thioether units, which optimizes the balance between processability and stiffness. The extended spacer provides sufficient flexibility for good processability while the specific structure enhances the reinforcement effect, leading to improved stiffness and handling predictors.
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 novel silane improves the rubber mixture's handling predictors and vehicle tire's handling behavior by optimizing rolling resistance and stiffness, thereby enhancing tire performance.
Implementation Method 1
The silica is bonded to the polymer(s) by means of such silanes, which is why the silanes are also referred to as coupling agents.
Implementation Method 2
the silane typically contains at least one sulfur group, which is involved in the vulcanization of the rubber compound
Implementation Method 3
the sulfur is then activated by removing the protecting group as described above in order to be able to participate in sulfur vulcanization
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a silane, to a rubber mixture containing the silane, to a vehicle tire comprising the rubber mixture in at least one component, and to a process for producing the silane. The silane according to the invention has the following formula I) I) (R1)oSi-R2-S-R3-S-R3-S-X, wherein, according to the invention, it comprises the unit -R2 -S-R3 -S-R3- in the spacer group. The rubber mixture according to the invention contains at least one silane according to the invention.