Silated Core Polysulfides Reduce Steric Hindrance in Tire Elastomers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silane coupling agents for mineral-filled elastomers have low reactivity due to steric hindrance, leading to poor bonding between polymer and silica, resulting in reduced wear resistance and rolling resistance in tire applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of silated core polysulfides with a Y-core structure and multiple polysulfide groups attached to a primary carbon atom, allowing for central silyl groups and increased reactivity, enabling multiple sulfur attachments to the polymer and filler, thereby enhancing bonding and reducing steric hindrance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simple bis polysulfide silanes with linear chains are used as coupling agents, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but steric hindrance occurs leading to low reactivity and poor bonding between polymer and silica
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the coupling agent structure by introducing a central core unit with multiple polysulfide chains radiating from it. This core-multichain architecture divides the coupling function into multiple reactive segments, each capable of independent bonding with silica and polymer, thereby reducing steric hindrance and improving bonding reliability without complicating manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from linear one-dimensional polysulfide chains to a three-dimensional radial structure with a central core and multiple outward-extending chains. This dimensional change allows reactive groups to be distributed in multiple spatial directions, reducing steric crowding and enabling simultaneous bonding in multiple directions, thus improving bonding strength while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If polysulfide groups are attached to secondary carbon atoms of cyclic cores, then the structure provides stability, but steric hindrance increases reducing reactivity with polymer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by attaching polysulfide groups specifically to primary carbon atoms of the cyclic core rather than secondary carbon atoms. This localized structural modification at the attachment point reduces steric hindrance and improves reactivity with polymer, while the overall cyclic core structure maintains its stability. The distinction in local carbon atom quality (primary vs. secondary) directly addresses the contradiction.
3Strength
If multiple polysulfide chains are attached to a single core, then bonding capability increases, but the molecular structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple polysulfide chains onto a single central core unit, combining their individual bonding capabilities into one unified molecular structure. This merging approach increases overall bonding capability while consolidating the structure around a single core, preventing excessive complexity. The synergistic effect of multiple chains working from a common center achieves strong bonding without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The central core structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural stability, acts as a scaffold for multiple polysulfide chains, enables radial distribution of reactive groups, and facilitates simultaneous bonding with multiple silica and polymer molecules. This multi-functionality allows the single core structure to support enhanced bonding capability without requiring multiple separate molecular components, thus avoiding excessive complexity.
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 silated core polysulfides improve the physical properties and wear characteristics of mineral-filled elastomers, including better rolling resistance in tire applications, by providing a more robust and reactive bonding mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
hydrolysis of the alkoxysilyl groups and subsequent condensation with silica hydroxyl groups
Implementation Method 2
hydrolysis of the alkoxysilyl groups and subsequent condensation with silica hydroxyl groups
Implementation Method 3
chemically bonding silica or other mineral fillers to polymer when used in rubber applications
Implementation Method 4
The reaction of the silane sulfur with the polymer occurs when the S-S bonds are broken and the resulting fragment adds to the polymer
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Sulfur-containing silane coupling agents, and organic polymers containing carbon-carbon double bonds. These silanes can be carried on organic and inorganic fillers. The invention also relates to tire compositions and articles of manufacture, particularly tires, made from elastomer compositions.