Silica-Graphenic Carbon Composite Fillers for Reinforced Elastomers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastomeric compositions face challenges in reinforcing rubber without negatively affecting properties such as viscosity, elongation, and hysteresis when high filler loadings are added for improved performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of silica-graphenic carbon composite particles, which are uniformly distributed in an elastomeric material, forming a continuous matrix that enhances mechanical properties like stiffness, elongation, and abrasion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If significant amounts of filler are added to reinforce rubber and improve certain performance characteristics, then reinforcement and mechanical properties are improved, but viscosity, elongation and hysteresis are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining silica particles with graphenic carbon coatings to create a hybrid filler system. This composite structure allows the material to achieve reinforcement benefits while the graphenic carbon layer prevents excessive viscosity increase by improving dispersion and reducing filler-filler interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface properties of silica particles by coating them with graphenic carbon, which alters the interfacial characteristics between filler and rubber matrix. This parameter change enables better stress transfer and reduces the harmful effects on viscosity and hysteresis while maintaining reinforcement.
2Strength
If significant amounts of filler are added to reinforce rubber, then reinforcement is improved, but elongation is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The silica-graphenic carbon composite creates a more flexible filler network that can accommodate polymer chain extension during elongation. The graphenic carbon coating acts as a flexible interface that maintains reinforcement while allowing greater elastic deformation compared to untreated silica.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphenic carbon coating provides localized flexibility at the filler-rubber interface, allowing the filler particles to maintain their reinforcing function while permitting the surrounding rubber matrix to undergo greater elongation without restriction.
3Strength
If significant amounts of filler are added to reinforce rubber, then reinforcement is improved, but hysteresis is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The silica-graphenic carbon composite reduces hysteresis by creating a more efficient stress transfer interface. The graphenic carbon coating minimizes energy dissipation at the filler-rubber interface through improved adhesion and reduced slippage, thereby lowering hysteresis losses while maintaining reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
Changing the surface properties of silica with graphenic carbon coating alters the interfacial friction and adhesion characteristics, reducing energy loss during cyclic deformation. This parameter change decreases hysteresis by optimizing the interaction between filler and rubber matrix.
Data Source
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AI summary
Composite particles may be produced by drying slurries containing silica particles and graphenic carbon particles in a liquid carrier. Elastomeric formulations comprising a base elastomer composition and the silica-graphenic carbon composite particles are also disclosed. The formulations possess favorable properties such as increased stiffness and are useful for many applications such as tire treads.