Thio-Substituted Silanes for Elastomer-Filler Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling agents for mineral-filled elastomers do not fully meet the requirements for mechanical properties such as elongation, break, modulus, compression set, and heat buildup, and pose processing safety concerns during mixing with fillers.
Innovation Solution
The use of thio-substituted silanes or their oligomeric hydrolysis products as coupling agents to enhance the coupling of white reinforcing fillers with elastomers, specifically incorporating these compounds into the elastomer composition and vulcanizing it to improve mechanical properties and processing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coupling agents are used, then the elastomer can be processed, but the mechanical properties (elongation, break, modulus, compression set, heat buildup) are not fully satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the coupling agent by using thio-substituted silanes with specific functional groups (thiol, sulfide, or disulfide) instead of conventional silane coupling agents. This chemical parameter change enables the coupling agent to form stronger bonds with both the elastomer and white filler, simultaneously improving mechanical properties and processing safety without compromising either aspect.
2Strength
If white reinforcing filler is added to elastomer, then reinforcement is achieved, but processing safety during mixing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The thio-substituted silane acts as an intermediary coupling agent between the white filler and elastomer. Its dual functionality allows it to bond with both the filler surface and the elastomer matrix, creating a stable interface that prevents harmful interactions during mixing while maintaining reinforcement benefits. The coupling agent mediates the interface between the two materials, eliminating processing safety issues.
3Ease of operation
If conventional coupling agents are used, then mixing can proceed, but final mechanical properties such as elongation and break are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite coupling system where thio-substituted silane molecules form a multi-functional interface between the white filler and elastomer. The coupling agent comprises multiple functional groups (silane backbone for filler bonding, thiol/sulfide/disulfide groups for elastomer bonding) that work together as a composite chemical structure, simultaneously ensuring easy mixing and optimized mechanical properties like elongation and break.
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 thio-substituted silanes or their oligomeric hydrolysis products effectively improve the mechanical properties of elastomers, including elongation, break, modulus, compression set, and heat buildup, while ensuring safe processing and stable performance.
Implementation Method 1
as coupling agent at least a thio substituted silane or an oligomeric hydrolysis product thereof
Implementation Method 2
oligomeric hydrolysis product thereof
Implementation Method 3
incorporating into the elastomer at least a thio substituted silane or an oligomeric hydrolysis product thereof and vulcanizing the composition
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a composition comprising a) a naturally occurring or synthetic elastomer susceptible to oxidative, thermal, dynamic, light-induced and/or ozone-induced degradation, b) a white reinforcing filler, and c) as coupling agent, at least one compound of the formula (I) wherein the general symbols are as defined in claim 1, or an oligomeric hydrolysis product of the compound of the formula (I).