Surface-Modified Carbon Black for Low-Hysteresis Tire Treads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon black compositions used in tire tread compounds struggle to simultaneously improve rolling resistance, wet traction, and wear resistance, and the use of silica as a filler introduces processing difficulties and environmental challenges.
Innovation Solution
Chemically modify low hysteresis carbon black with surface modifiers containing amine and thiol groups to increase polymer-filler interactions while reducing filler-filler networking, resulting in a surface modified low hysteresis carbon black (SMLHCB) that can be used in rubber compounds for improved tire performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If silica-based compounds are used to improve rolling resistance and wet traction, then fuel economy and wet grip are enhanced, but manufacturing costs increase and environmental concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the surface chemistry of carbon black particles by introducing amine and thiol functional groups, changing the chemical parameters of the filler material. This transformation allows conventional carbon black to achieve performance characteristics previously associated with more expensive silica-based compounds, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining fuel economy benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive silica-based compounds with a modified version of conventional carbon black that uses cheaper raw materials. The surface-modified carbon black provides comparable performance at lower cost, effectively substituting a premium material with a more economical alternative
2Use of energy by moving object
If silica-based compounds are used to improve rolling resistance and wet traction, then fuel economy and wet grip are enhanced, but environmental concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes silica-based compounds with surface-modified carbon black, eliminating environmental concerns associated with silica production and disposal while maintaining the fuel economy benefits. The modified carbon black uses environmentally friendly amine and thiol functional groups that do not pose the same environmental risks as silica
3Strength
If conventional carbon black is used to maintain wear resistance, then abrasion resistance is preserved, but rolling resistance and wet traction performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local chemical modification to specific regions of the carbon black particle surface, creating discrete spaced-apart regions with amine and thiol functional groups. This localized functionalization enhances polymer-filler interactions at the interface without fundamentally altering the bulk properties of the carbon black, thereby maintaining wear resistance while improving rolling resistance and wet traction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the surface chemical parameters of carbon black by introducing reactive amine and thiol groups, which modify the interfacial interactions between filler and polymer. This parameter change enables the material to achieve lower rolling resistance and better wet traction while preserving the mechanical strength and wear resistance characteristics of conventional carbon black
4Strength
If surface modifier is attached densely on carbon black surface, then polymer-filler interactions increase, but filler-filler networking increases leading to higher hysteresis
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a non-uniform distribution of surface modifiers on the carbon black particles, with discrete spaced-apart regions rather than continuous coverage. This local quality approach allows sufficient polymer-filler interaction at the functionalized sites while maintaining adequate spacing to prevent excessive filler-filler networking and keep hysteresis low
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial surface modification rather than complete coverage, using about 0.1% to about 50% surface coverage of the modifying agent. This partial action is sufficient to enhance polymer-filler interactions and improve performance while avoiding the excessive modification that would lead to increased filler-filler networking and higher hysteresis losses
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, offering better tire-vehicle fuel economy and maintaining tear strength, while reducing compound hysteresis and processing issues associated with silica.
Implementation Method 1
the surface modifier comprises at least one amine group and at least one thiol group and/or di- and/or polysulfidic linkage thereof
Implementation Method 2
followed by a heat treatment wherein the surface modifier comprises at least one amine group and at least one thiol group and/or di- and/or polysulfidic linkage
Data Source
AI summary
A surface modified and functionalized carbon black for use in a rubber compound suitable for tire tread compounds which can be described as a surface modified low hysteresis carbon black. The modified carbon black contains a chemical consisting of at least one amine group and at least one thiol group and/or di- and/or polysulfidic linkage. The surface modified low hysteresis carbon black in a representative rubber tire tread compound shows improved rolling resistance, improved wet traction, and improved or maintained abrasion resistance, being superior to compounds containing N234 carbon black or silica. The improved tire rolling resistance obtained by using a compound containing a surface modified low hysteresis carbon black is highly desirable for reduced CO2 emissions, reduced pollution, sustainability, and protection of the environment.