SSBR Silica Rubber Composition for Winter Tire Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developing advanced winter tires that simultaneously improve snow, wet, and ice traction while reducing rolling resistance without compromising wear characteristics or wet performance has proven challenging, as existing solutions often require trade-offs between these properties.
Innovation Solution
A vulcanizable rubber composition comprising solution-polymerized styrene butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, silica, hydrocarbon resin, and vegetable oil, optimized in specific proportions and types, to balance rolling resistance, snow performance, and wet grip, with the inclusion of sulfur-containing organosilicon compounds to enhance silica binding and improve traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If rolling resistance is reduced to improve energy efficiency, then fuel economy is improved, but wet grip performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the glass transition temperature of SSBR within -50°C to -85°C and optimizing the silica content (100-150 phr) and resin-to-oil ratio (35-50 phr total). These parameter adjustments modify the rubber compound's viscoelastic properties to reduce hysteresis losses at rolling speeds while preserving adhesion at wet interfaces, thereby reducing rolling resistance without sacrificing wet grip performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining SSBR with silica and resin-oil systems to create a multi-component rubber compound. The silica provides reinforcement and wet grip enhancement, while the resin-oil combination (with specific Tg ranges) modulates the compound's flexibility and energy dissipation characteristics. This composite structure enables simultaneous optimization of rolling resistance and wet performance through synergistic interactions between components.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If treadwear characteristics are improved, then durability is enhanced, but snow and wet performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials to resolve the treadwear-performance contradiction. The silica reinforcement (100-150 phr) provides wear resistance through its high modulus and abrasion resistance, while the SSBR-silica-resin-oil matrix maintains flexibility for snow and wet performance. The composite structure allows the silica to bear the mechanical wear load while the polymer matrix preserves elastomeric properties for traction, enabling simultaneous improvement of durability and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the resin content (15-40 phr) and oil content (5-25 phr) within the constrained sum of 35-50 phr. This precise parameter control adjusts the compound's crosslink density and free volume, balancing wear resistance with flexibility. The specific Tg ranges of all components are tuned to ensure the compound maintains adequate elongation and adhesion for snow/wet performance while achieving sufficient hardness and abrasion resistance for durability.
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 composition achieves a balanced performance across snow, wet, and ice conditions with reduced rolling resistance, enhancing fuel economy and maintaining excellent treadwear, as demonstrated by improved mechanical test results compared to control samples.
Implementation Method 1
the inclusion of sulfur-containing organosilicon compounds to enhance silica binding and improve traction
Implementation Method 2
from 15 phr to 40 phr of at least one resin, preferably at least one hydrocarbon resin, and from 5 phr to 25 phr of at least one oil
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a vulcanizable rubber composition comprising based on 100 parts by weight of elastomer (phr) from 80 phr to 100 phr of at least one SSBR having a glass transition temperature Tg ranging from -50°C to -85°C; optionally from 0 phr to 20 phr of polybutadiene having a glass transition temperature ranging from -85°C to -115°C; from 100 phr to 150 phr of silica; and an amount A of 15 phr to 40 phr of hydrocarbon resin and an amount B of 5 phr to 25 phr of an oil, wherein the sum of the amount A and the amount B is between 35 phr and 50 phr. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a vulcanized rubber composition based on said vulcanizable rubber composition. Moreover, the present invention is directed to a tire comprising a tread with such a vulcanizable or vulcanized rubber composition.