Silanol-Functionalized Diene Elastomer for Tire Tread Hysteresis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rubber compositions for tire treads face challenges in achieving a satisfactory hysteresis and creep resistance compromise, which is essential for reducing rolling resistance while maintaining raw processing suitability.

Innovation Solution

A modified diene elastomer comprising at least 70% by weight of a diene elastomer functionalized at the chain end with a silanol function or a polysiloxane block and up to 30% by weight of a star diene elastomer, with a Mooney viscosity between 30 to 80, is developed to improve the raw processing/hysteresis compromise while retaining creep resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If diene copolymers are functionalized with silanol groups to reduce hysteresis, then hysteresis is reduced, but raw processing suitability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehysteresisVSAvoidraw processing suitability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the silanol functionalization degree (0.1-5 mmol/kg) and Mooney viscosity (30-80) of the diene copolymer. By adjusting these parameters, the invention achieves optimal balance between hysteresis reduction and raw processing suitability, resolving the contradiction between energy loss reduction and manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If silanol functionalized elastomers are used to reduce hysteresis, then hysteresis is reduced, but creep resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehysteresisVSAvoidcreep resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing the silanol content (0.1-5 mmol/kg) and controlling the Mooney viscosity within 30-80 range. These parameter adjustments ensure that hysteresis is reduced while creep resistance is maintained at acceptable levels, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If the elastomer is functionalized to improve hysteresis, then hysteresis is improved, but the compromise with raw processing becomes unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehysteresisVSAvoidraw processing/hysteresis compromise

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the silanol functionalization degree (0.1-5 mmol/kg) and Mooney viscosity (30-80). By optimizing these parameters, the invention achieves a satisfactory compromise between hysteresis reduction and raw processing suitability, directly resolving the stated contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Loss of energy

If functionalization is increased to reduce hysteresis, then hysteresis is reduced, but processing suitability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehysteresisVSAvoidprocessing suitability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the silanol functionalization degree within 0.1-5 mmol/kg and controlling Mooney viscosity between 30-80. These parameter optimizations ensure that hysteresis is reduced while processing suitability remains acceptable, resolving the contradiction between energy loss reduction and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 modified diene elastomer enhances the hysteresis/raw processing compromise and maintains the creep resistance of the elastomer, specifically improving the properties for use in tire treads by reducing rolling resistance.

Implementation Method 1

diene copolymers functionalized with silanol groups... good interaction between the polymer thus modified and the filler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

produce mixtures having as low a hysteresis as possible... reducing the hysteresis of mixtures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHysteresis: Hysteresis

Implementation Method 3

the Mooney viscosity of said modified diene elastomer varying from 30 to 80

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscometry: Viscometer

Data Source

PatentEP3164270B1Diene elastomer with a reduced pi having a silanol function at the chain end and composition containing same

Publication Date: 2018.10.17 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)

AI summary

The invention concerns a modified diene elastomer comprising: a) at least 70% by weight, relative to the total weight of the modified diene elastomer, of a diene elastomer functionalised at one chain end with a silanol function or a polysiloxane block having a silanol end and having a polymolecularity index before functionalisation less than or equal to 1.6, b) more than 0 and up to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the modified diene elastomer, of a star-branched diene elastomer having a polymolecularity index before star-branching less than or equal to 1.6, the Mooney viscosity of said modified diene elastomer varying from 30 to 80.