Surface-Modified Carbon Black for Low-Hysteresis Tire Compounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire compounds face challenges in simultaneously improving rolling resistance, wet traction, and wear resistance, particularly in truck tires, due to the inconsistent properties of low hysteresis carbon blacks and the use of silica, which complicates processing and increases costs while compromising durability and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A surface-modified low hysteresis carbon black (SMLHCB) is produced by treating low hysteresis carbon black with a surface modifying agent containing amine and thiol groups, followed by heat treatment, to enhance polymer-filler interactions and reduce filler-filler networking, resulting in improved tire compound properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silica-based solutions are used to improve rolling resistance and wet traction, then tire performance is enhanced, but manufacturing costs increase and environmental concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of carbon black by introducing surface modifiers with specific functional groups (amine, thiol, carboxyl, hydroxyl) to alter the surface properties. This transforms conventional carbon black into a material with silica-like performance characteristics, allowing it to resolve the contradiction between performance and cost by modifying rather than replacing the base material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining carbon black particles with organic surface modifiers. The resulting surface-modified carbon black exhibits properties that are composite in nature, blending the cost advantages of carbon black with the performance advantages typically associated with silica, thereby resolving the technical contradiction
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional carbon blacks are used to maintain cost-effectiveness, then manufacturing cost is controlled, but optimal performance in rolling resistance, wet traction, and wear resistance cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies surface modification techniques that change the chemical and physical parameters of conventional carbon black. By controlling the type and amount of surface modifiers (amines, thiols, carboxyls, hydroxyls), the patent optimizes parameters such as hysteresis, wet traction, and wear resistance while maintaining the cost-effectiveness of carbon black as the base material
Solution Approach 2:
The surface modifiers act as intermediaries between the carbon black surface and the rubber matrix. These modifiers improve the interaction and adhesion between carbon black and polymer, enabling traditional carbon black to achieve performance levels previously only attainable with silica or specialized carbon blacks
3Reliability
If surface modifier concentration is increased to improve polymer-filler interactions, then wet traction and wear resistance improve, but filler-filler networking increases which worsens rolling resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of surface modifiers to achieve a balance. By controlling the amount of amine, thiol, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups on the carbon black surface, the patent maximizes polymer-filler interactions for improved wet traction and wear resistance while minimizing filler-filler networking that would increase rolling resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The surface modifiers are distributed on the carbon black surface to create local regions of enhanced polymer interaction. This localized modification ensures that the benefits of improved adhesion and wet traction are achieved without creating excessive filler-filler networks throughout the entire material structure
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 SMLHCB enhances rolling resistance, wet traction, and wear resistance in truck tires without compromising tear strength or manufacturing efficiency, offering better fuel economy and durability compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the surface modifying agent is linked to the carbon black surface via thermochemical coupling
Implementation Method 2
followed by a heat treatment wherein the surface modifier comprises at least one amine group and at least one thiol group
Data Source
AI summary
A method of producing a surface modified low hysteresis carbon black or a refined surface modified low hysteresis carbon black compound includes treating a surface of a low hysteresis carbon black with about 0.1% weight by volume to about 50% weight by volume of surface modifying agent in a solvent, and heat treating the surface of the low hysteresis carbon black following the treatment of the surface with the surface modifying agent to form a surface modified low hysteresis carbon black compound, wherein the surface modifier includes at least one amine group and at least one thiol group and/or di- and/or polysulfidic linkage.