Silatrane Particles for Rubber Dust Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubber mixtures face issues with high dust content and poor pneumatic conveyability due to the use of functionalized silatranes, which hinder efficient processing and handling.
Innovation Solution
Development of silatran-containing particles with a specific composition and structure, comprising 55-99% silatran of a particular formula, combined with rubber and additives, to reduce dust content and enhance pneumatic conveyability, characterized by specific particle size, shape, and additive composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If functionalized silatranes are used in rubber mixtures, then adhesion and reinforcement properties are improved, but dust content increases and pneumatic conveyability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The silatran compound is segmented into discrete particles with controlled size distribution (D10: 3-10 µm, D50: 15-25 µm, D90: 30-50 µm). This segmentation allows the material to be handled as free-flowing granules rather than fine powder, resolving the contradiction between maintaining adhesion properties and improving pneumatic conveyability by reducing dust generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the silatran compound by controlling particle size, shape (sphericity 0.7-0.95), and density (0.8-1.2 g/cm³). These parameter changes transform the material from a dust-prone fine powder into conveyable granules, maintaining the chemical adhesion properties while improving handling characteristics.
2Strength
If functionalized silatranes are used in rubber mixtures, then adhesion and reinforcement properties are improved, but dust content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The silatran is formulated as particles with controlled size distribution where the majority of particles fall in the 15-25 µm range (D50), with minimal fine powder content. This segmentation reduces dust generation during handling while preserving the adhesion-promoting functional groups on the particle surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The silatran particles are coated or encapsulated with a thin film layer that binds fine particles together, reducing dust generation during transport and handling. This outer layer maintains the core adhesion properties while preventing dust formation.
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 silatran-containing particles achieve a low dust content and improved pneumatic conveyability, facilitating more efficient processing and handling in rubber mixtures while maintaining effective adhesion and reinforcement properties.
Implementation Method 1
hydrolyzable sulfur-containing organosilicon compounds are capable of reacting with fillers containing hydroxyl groups
Implementation Method 2
reacting with fillers containing hydroxyl groups, such as natural and synthetic silicates, carbonates, glasses and metal oxides
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Silatrane containing particles (A) comprise at least a rubber and 55-99 wt.% of silatrane compound (I). Silatrane containing particles (A) comprise at least a rubber and 55-99 wt.% of silatrane compound of formula (I). R : aryl or aralkyl (both optionally substituted), H, cyclic 1-12C alkyl, or COOH; R1 : aliphatic/aromatic divalent 1-30C hydrocarbon; A : -SH, -NH 2, -SCN, -Cl, -H, -OR2, -NHR2, -NR2 2, -CH=CH 2, -S-C(O)-R2, -S-C(O)-N(R2) 2, -S-C(S)-N(R2) 2 or 2-S x-; R2 : aryl or aralkyl (both optionally substituted), H or cyclic 1-18C alkyl; a : 1 or 2; and x : average sulfur chain length of 1.1-5. Independent claims are included for: (1) producing (A) comprising mixing 55-99 wt.% of (I) and rubber, and subjecting the mixture to a shaping process; and (2) producing a rubber mixture comprising mixing at least a rubber, at least a filler and (A). [Image].