Sulfoxide Crosslinking Agents for Controlled Elastomer Network Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crosslinking agents for elastomers, such as sulfur and organic peroxides, limit the variety and control of crosslink structures, affecting the properties of vulcanized rubber articles.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a crosslinking agent with at least two sulfoxide groups, capable of forming bonds with elastomers containing olefinic unsaturation, allowing for diverse crosslink structures and properties through a disulfoxide crosslinking agent with specific functional groups and linking moieties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional crosslinking agents (sulfur, organic peroxides) are used, then the crosslinking process is simple and well-established, but the variety and control of crosslink structures are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the crosslinking agent by introducing sulfoxide groups with specific structures (Formula I with varying R1-R6 groups and linking moieties L). This allows control over crosslink structure variety while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic molecular design
Solution Approach 2:
The crosslinking agent combines multiple functional elements (sulfoxide groups, reactive leaving groups, and diverse linking moieties including arylene groups) into a composite molecular structure that achieves versatile crosslinking capabilities
2Reliability
If crosslinks of different lengths and chemical structures are introduced, then the properties of the vulcanized rubber article are enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The crosslinking agent is segmented into distinct functional components: reactive leaving groups (X, X') for bond formation, sulfoxide groups for crosslinking functionality, and linking moieties (L) for structural diversity. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function efficiently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process
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
Enables the formation of crosslinks with varying lengths and chemical structures, enhancing the properties of the resulting crosslinked composition, including tire formation.
Implementation Method 1
a crosslinking agent includes at least two functional groups which are capable of forming a bond with an associated elastomer, the elastomer containing olefinic unsaturation. One or both of the at least two functional groups include a sulfoxide group.
Data Source
AI summary
A crosslinking agent includes two or more of functional that are capable of forming a bond with an elastomer containing olefinic unsaturation. One or both of these functional groups includes a sulfoxide group. The functional groups are linked by a linking moiety. A rubber composition may include the crosslinking agent, one or more vulcanizable elastomers, and optionally other rubber-forming additives, such as reinforcing fillers, processing aids, and/or curing aids. A tire tread or other shaped object may be formed from the rubber composition.