Terminal Modified Diene Polymer Rubber Composition for Tire Tread
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubber compositions for automotive tires face challenges in achieving high performance with low hysteresis loss while maintaining abrasion resistance and breaking properties, as well as wet skid properties, which are often compromised in attempts to improve one aspect at the expense of others.
Innovation Solution
A terminal modified and conjugated diene-based polymer rubber composition is developed using an aminosilane-based terminal modifier, combined with a conjugated diene-based polymer, which is prepared by polymerizing conjugated diene-based monomers in the presence of an organometallic compound and then modified with an aminosilane-based terminal modifier, enhancing the polymer's properties when combined with silica for improved processability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rubber compositions are used to improve abrasion resistance and breaking properties, then mechanical strength is enhanced, but hysteresis loss increases and wet skid properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the rubber composition by introducing a terminal modified conjugated diene-based polymer with specific functional groups (aminosilane, hydroxyl, carboxyl, or isocyanate groups) at the polymer chain ends. This modification alters the molecular structure and reactivity of the rubber, enabling better interaction with silica fillers and improving the balance between mechanical strength, hysteresis loss, and wet skid properties without compromising abrasion resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite rubber composition by combining terminal modified conjugated diene-based polymer with silica filler. The functional groups at the polymer terminals form strong chemical bonds with silica, creating a synergistic composite material that simultaneously achieves low hysteresis loss, good wet skid properties, and maintained mechanical strength and abrasion resistance
2Strength
If conventional rubber compositions are used to improve mechanical strength, then abrasion resistance and breaking properties are enhanced, but wet skid properties worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal modification introduces specific functional groups that change the chemical reactivity and surface properties of the rubber polymer. These functional groups enhance the rubber-silica interface bonding, which improves wet skid properties while maintaining the mechanical strength provided by the rubber matrix and filler network
Solution Approach 2:
The composite formulation with silica filler and terminal modified polymer creates a dual-function system: the silica network provides mechanical reinforcement for abrasion and breaking resistance, while the functional group-mediated interface ensures good wet adhesion and skid properties, resolving the trade-off between strength and wet performance
3Ease of operation
If terminal modified conjugated diene-based polymer with aminosilane modifier is used, then processability and wet skid properties are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal modification is performed in advance during the polymerization process itself, incorporating the aminosilane modifier into the polymer chain ends before the rubber is compounded with other ingredients. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate modification steps later in manufacturing, simplifying the overall process despite the advanced chemistry involved
Solution Approach 2:
The aminosilane terminal modifier acts as an intermediary that bridges the organic rubber polymer and inorganic silica filler. This intermediary molecule with dual functionality (organic amine group for polymer compatibility and silane group for silica bonding) simplifies the interface between dissimilar materials, improving processability while reducing the complexity of achieving good interfacial adhesion
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 rubber composition exhibits excellent processability with low hysteresis loss, improved abrasion resistance, and enhanced wet skid properties, balancing performance requirements for tire tread materials.
Implementation Method 1
polymerizing a conjugated diene-based monomer, or a conjugated diene-based monomer and an aromatic vinyl-based monomer in a solvent in the presence of an organometallic compound to form an active polymer having an alkali metal terminal
Implementation Method 2
injecting a compound represented by the following Formula 1 or Formula 2 to the active polymer having an alkali metal terminal and modifying to form a terminal modified and conjugated diene-based polymer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a terminal modified and conjugated diene-based polymer rubber composition including a terminal modified and conjugated diene-based polymer which is characterized in that an aminosilane-based terminal modifier represented by Formula 1 or Formula 2 is combined at the terminal of a conjugated diene-based polymer, and a method for preparing the same.