Silated Cyclic Core Polysulfides for Tire Elastomer Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silane coupling agents for mineral-filled elastomers have low reactivity due to steric hindrance, leading to weak links between the polymer and silica, resulting in poor wear characteristics and rolling resistance in tire applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of silated cyclic core polysulfides with a Y-core structure and multiple polysulfide groups attached to a cyclic core, allowing for multiple points of sulfur attachment to the polymer and reduced steric hindrance, enhancing reactivity and bonding stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simple bis polysulfide silanes are used as coupling agents, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the reactivity is low due to steric hindrance resulting in weak bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling agent is segmented into multiple functional units: a central core structure, multiple polysulfide groups, and multiple silyl groups. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the polysulfide groups provide multiple bonding points to the polymer while the silyl groups bond to the silica filler, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and bonding effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling agent employs a composite molecular structure combining organic polysulfide groups with inorganic silyl groups. This composite design enables the molecule to simultaneously interact with both organic polymer chains and inorganic silica surfaces, creating strong interfacial bonding that overcomes the limitations of simple hydrocarbon-based coupling agents
2Shape
If polysulfide groups are attached directly to aromatic core, then the structure is compact, but the reactivity with polymer is reduced due to steric bulk
Solution Approach 1:
Alkylene groups serve as intermediary spacers between the aromatic core and the polysulfide groups. These intermediary chains extend the distance between the bulky core structure and the reactive polysulfide groups, reducing steric hindrance and allowing the polysulfide groups to more effectively interact with polymer chains while maintaining the structural benefits of the aromatic core
3Reliability
If multiple polysulfide groups are attached to cyclic core, then the reactivity and bonding strength improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclic core structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a stable central framework, enables attachment of multiple polysulfide groups in specific geometric arrangements, and maintains molecular symmetry that facilitates uniform distribution in the elastomer matrix. This multi-functionality achieves enhanced bonding strength without proportionally increasing structural 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 cyclic core polysulfides improve the physical properties and wear characteristics of mineral-filled elastomer compositions, including reduced rolling resistance in tire applications.
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
chemical bond formation between the silane sulfur and the polymer and by hydrolysis of the alkoxysilyl groups and subsequent condensation with silica hydroxyl groups
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
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 the elastomer compositions described herein.