Silica Elastomer Masterbatch Coagulation Yield
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inorganic fillers like silica tend to agglomerate in elastomer matrices, limiting their dispersion and reinforcing properties in tire treads, making it difficult to achieve both high wear resistance and low rolling resistance, especially when using high specific surface silicas which enhance interactions and reduce processability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a calcium salt in a low predetermined amount to facilitate coagulation of silica and diene elastomer latex in the liquid phase, without additional additives or coagulating agents, achieving a high yield and good dispersion of silica in the elastomer matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If inorganic fillers like silica are used to reinforce elastomer matrices, then wear resistance is improved, but the fillers tend to agglomerate and dispersion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a silane coupling agent as an intermediary substance that chemically bonds to both the silica filler particles and the elastomer matrix. This coupling agent prevents silica agglomeration by creating a bridging connection, thereby improving dispersion homogeneity while maintaining wear resistance enhancement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties of silica particles through silane treatment, changing their chemical parameters to improve compatibility with the elastomer matrix. This parameter change reduces interparticle attraction and prevents agglomeration, enabling better dispersion
2Strength
If high specific surface silicas are used to enhance interactions, then reinforcing properties are improved, but processability becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The silane coupling agent serves as a mediator that reduces the strong interparticle interactions characteristic of high specific surface silicas. By creating a protective interface layer, it prevents excessive aggregation while maintaining the high surface area benefits for reinforcement, thus improving processability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface chemical parameters of the silica through silane modification, reducing surface energy and interparticle attraction forces. This parameter change maintains the high specific surface area for reinforcement while improving flow and mixing characteristics during processing
3Loss of energy
If inorganic fillers are used to reduce rolling resistance, then energy efficiency is improved, but dispersion and reinforcing properties are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The silane coupling agent acts as an intermediary that ensures uniform distribution of silica particles in the elastomer matrix, preventing agglomeration that would otherwise limit both dispersion quality and reinforcing properties, while maintaining the low rolling resistance benefit
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
This method allows for a silica/elastomer masterbatch with a coagulation yield greater than 80% and improved filler dispersion, enhancing the reinforcing properties of tire treads while maintaining low rolling resistance.
Implementation Method 1
bringing into contact and mixing an elastomer latex and the aqueous silica dispersion in the presence of a calcium salt, in order to obtain a coagulum
Data Source
AI summary
Preparation of a masterbatch of diene elastomer and silica including preparing at least one silica dispersion in water; bringing into contact and mixing an elastomer latex and the aqueous silica dispersion in the presence of a calcium salt in order to obtain a coagulum; and recovering the coagulum and drying the recovered coagulum in order to obtain the masterbatch. The molar content of calcium cations, defined as the number of moles of calcium cations of the calcium salt per BET unit area of the silica, is between 1.19*10−6 and 2.81*10−6 mol/m2.