Star-Shaped Silane-Modified Copolymer for Silica Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The tire industry faces challenges in uniformly distributing silica within modified copolymers of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon, affecting compatibility and mixing homogeneity, which impacts rolling resistance and wet skid resistance.
Innovation Solution
A polymerization method involving a multi-functional vinyl benzene-based compound reacted with an organic alkali metal compound to form a star-shaped compound with multiple active sites, followed by copolymerization with conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomers, and subsequent modification with a specific compound to enhance compatibility with silica.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If silica is used to replace carbon black to improve rolling resistance, then energy loss is reduced, but mixing homogeneity and compatibility between silica and modified copolymer deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silane-modified copolymer as an intermediary material that bridges silica and the base copolymer. The silane groups on the copolymer chains form chemical bonds with silica particles, creating a compatible interface that ensures uniform distribution while maintaining the energy-saving benefits of silica replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the copolymer by introducing silane functional groups through grafting or copolymerization. This parameter change transforms the copolymer from incompatible with silica to highly compatible, enabling excellent mixing homogeneity while preserving the low rolling resistance properties
2Loss of energy
If silica is used to replace carbon black to improve rolling resistance, then energy loss is reduced, but compatibility between silica and modified copolymer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The silane-modified copolymer acts as a compatibility intermediary, with silane groups that chemically bond to silica and copolymer chains that integrate into the rubber matrix. This intermediary structure enables silica to be effectively incorporated while maintaining compatibility and improving overall tire performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system consisting of silica particles, silane-modified copolymer chains, and base rubber matrix. This composite structure combines the advantages of silica (low rolling resistance) with improved compatibility through the modified copolymer component
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 resulting modified copolymer exhibits improved compatibility and mixing homogeneity with silica, leading to enhanced performance in wet skid resistance and rolling resistance, making it suitable for tire manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-functional vinyl benzene-based compound is reacted with an organic alkali metal compound to form a star-shaped compound with multiple active sites
Implementation Method 2
a conjugated diene monomer, a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer, and the star-shaped compound with multiple active sites are reacted to form a copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon
Implementation Method 3
the copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon is reacted with a modifier to form a modified copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a polymerization method of a modified copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon. A multi-functional vinyl benzene-based compound is reacted with an organic alkali metal compound to form a star shaped compound with multiple active sites. A conjugated diene monomer, a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer, and the star shaped compound with multiple active sites are reacted with each other to form a copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon. The copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon is then reacted with a modifier to form the modified copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon.The modifier is represented by formula 1,wherein R1 is a C2-C4 alkylene group; R2 is a group at least consisting of a C2-C4 alkylene group and a C1-C3 alkoxy group; m is an integer of 5 to 30; and n is an integer of 5 to 35.