Surface-Modified Textile Coating for RF-Free Elastomeric Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The incompatibility between textiles and elastomeric compounds in tire production, particularly with polyester and aramid cords, results in inadequate bonding under mechanical stress, necessitating energy-intensive drying processes and the use of harmful chemicals like resorcinol and formaldehyde.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a first coating with a powder containing blocked isocyanate and epoxy compounds under an alternating electric field, followed by melting and heat-treatment, then a second coating with a latex-based composition, and further heat-treatment, to enhance adhesion and compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional RFL-containing dipping compositions are used to activate textile surfaces, then adequate bonding between textile and elastomeric compound is achieved, but harmful chemicals (resorcinol and formaldehyde) are introduced that are detrimental to health and the environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidharmful chemicals
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the harmful components (resorcinol and formaldehyde) from the traditional RFL dipping composition while retaining the essential functional components (epoxy compound and blocked isocyanate compound) that provide textile activation and bonding capabilities. This results in an RF-free aqueous dipping composition that eliminates toxic substances while maintaining effective textile reinforcement bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If polyester and aramid cords are used as textile reinforcements, then high strength and low elongation properties are achieved, but inadequate bonding with elastomeric compound occurs under mechanical stress due to inert surface properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetextile strengthVSAvoidbonding adequacy
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary surface activation treatment to polyester and aramid cords by immersing them in an aqueous dipping composition containing epoxy compounds and blocked isocyanate compounds before rubberization. This pre-treatment modifies the inert textile surfaces to create reactive sites that will form strong chemical bonds with the elastomeric compound during subsequent vulcanization, ensuring adequate bonding under mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dipping composition acts as an intermediary substance between the inert textile surface and the elastomeric compound. The epoxy and blocked isocyanate compounds in the dipping composition create a chemically active interface layer on the textile that facilitates strong adhesion to the rubber matrix, bridging the compatibility gap between polar textile surfaces and non-polar elastomeric compounds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If textiles are pre-treated with activation dips before rubberization, then bonding compatibility is improved, but energy-intensive drying processes are required to remove water from the textile surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding compatibilityVSAvoiddrying energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses blocked isocyanate compounds that remain stable in aqueous solution but become reactive under the specific temperature and pressure conditions of rubberization. This allows the dipping composition to be applied in aqueous form (avoiding energy-intensive drying) and then activated in-situ during the rubberization process, changing the reaction parameters from ambient stable conditions to elevated temperature/pressure reactive conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Improves adhesion and coverage of textiles in elastomeric articles, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for harmful chemicals, thus making the process more sustainable.

Implementation Method 1

coating a surface of a textile with a powder by simultaneously subjecting the textile and the powder to an alternating electric field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic deposition: Electrostatic Deposition

Implementation Method 2

melting the powder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

performing a first heat-treatment step of heat-treating the coated textile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat treatment: Heat Treatment

Data Source

PatentEP4624654A1Method of producing a surface-modified textile and surface-modified textile obtained by said method
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 KORDSA TEKNIK TEKSTIL AS
  • EP4624654A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4624654A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4624654A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of producing a surface-modified textile, which comprises in that order the following steps: (a) a first coating step of coating a surface of a textile with a powder by simultaneously subjecting the textile and the powder to an alternating electric field, wherein the powder comprises at least one blocked isocyanate group-containing compound and at least one epoxy group-containing compound; (b) melting the powder; (c) after step (b), performing a first heat-treatment step of heat-treating the coated textile; (d) a second coating step of coating a surface of the heat-treated coated textile with an aqueous composition, wherein the aqueous composition comprises at least one latex-based compound and at least one resin forming composition; (e) a drying step of drying the textile coated with the aqueous composition; and (f) a second heat-treatment step of heat-treating the dried textile. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a surface-modified textile obtained by said method as well as an elastomeric article comprising an elastomeric compound and said surface-modified textile.