Actinic-Curable Tire Elastomer Formulation for 3D Crosslinking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current additive manufacturing methods for producing three-dimensional polymeric products, such as tires and tire components, face limitations in using actinic radiation curable polymeric mixtures that require specific formulations and processing conditions to achieve desired properties like crosslinking and molecular weight, which can be challenging to control for achieving optimal mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A process involving an actinic radiation curable polymeric mixture comprising a polyfunctionalized diene monomer-containing polymer, chain extender, photoinitiator, and crosslinker, used in additive manufacturing with specific additives like fillers and photosensitizers, to produce cured elastomeric products with controlled molecular weight and mechanical properties, suitable for tire components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If actinic radiation curable polymeric mixtures are used in additive manufacturing, then three-dimensional polymeric products can be produced, but control over crosslinking and molecular weight becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the polymeric mixture into separate components (polymer, crosslinker, photoinitiator) that are combined in specific ratios. This segmentation allows independent control of each component's properties while achieving desired overall crosslinking and molecular weight in the final cured product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls crosslinking and molecular weight by adjusting parameters such as the ratio of polymer to crosslinker, photoinitiator concentration, and actinic radiation exposure conditions. These parameter changes enable precise control over the curing process and final material properties.
2Strength
If specific formulations and processing conditions are used to achieve desired properties, then optimal mechanical properties can be obtained, but the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal polymeric mixture formulation that can produce optimal mechanical properties across different additive manufacturing applications. The standardized composition of polymer, crosslinker, and photoinitiator creates a multi-functional system that simplifies processing while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material formulation combining organic polymer, inorganic crosslinker, and photoinitiator components. This composite approach achieves optimal mechanical properties through synergistic interactions between components while providing a systematic framework that reduces formulation complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If polyfunctionalized diene monomer-containing polymer with crosslinker is used, then crosslinking is achieved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using polyfunctionalized diene monomer-containing polymer where functional groups are positioned at specific locations (end groups or side chains). This localized functional group placement enables controlled crosslinking at specific sites within the polymer structure, achieving stable crosslinked networks with reduced formulation complexity.
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 process enables the production of tires and tire components with improved mechanical properties and specific designs, such as void structures, by effectively crosslinking the polymeric mixture, resulting in enhanced performance and manufacturing flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
using actinic radiation to cure each layer; at least one actinic radiation sensitive photoinitiator
Implementation Method 2
optionally, a photosensitizer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to actinic radiation curable polymeric mixtures, cured polymeric mixtures, tires and tire components made from the foregoing, and related processes.