Winter Tire Rubber Composition Ice Grip and Abrasion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rubber compositions for studless winter tires face challenges in achieving excellent grip performance on ice, abrasion resistance, and handling stability while maintaining a balance between these properties, with existing solutions often compromising on one or more of these aspects due to reduced abrasion resistance or inadequate ice grip.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition comprising 10 to 150 parts by mass of silica, 10 to 30 parts by mass of a diene rubber gel with a glass transition temperature of -40°C to 0°C, and a rubber component with 30 to 90% butadiene rubber and 10 to 60% of another diene rubber with a glass transition temperature of -60°C or lower, along with a processing aid, which improves grip performance on ice and abrasion resistance while maintaining handling stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If butadiene rubber with low glass transition temperature is used to ensure grip performance on ice, then grip performance on ice is improved, but abrasion resistance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite rubber composition containing butadiene rubber (30-90 parts), another diene rubber with Tg of -60°C or lower (10-60 parts), and silica (10-150 parts). This composite structure combines the low-temperature flexibility of butadiene rubber with the abrasion resistance provided by silica and the complementary properties of the second diene rubber, resolving the contradiction between ice grip and abrasion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the glass transition temperature parameters of the rubber components. By selecting butadiene rubber (Tg: -110°C) combined with another diene rubber having Tg of -60°C or lower, and controlling the overall composition to achieve specific tan δ characteristics, the patent balances the softness needed for ice grip with the durability required for abrasion resistance.
2Reliability
If additives like Pana-Tetra, volcanic ash, eggshell powder, crushed walnut, or foamed rubber are added to improve grip performance on ice, then grip performance on ice is improved, but abrasion resistance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using specific diene rubbers with controlled glass transition temperatures and combining them with silica in optimized ratios. This chemical parameter optimization provides ice grip enhancement without the abrasion penalty associated with physical additives like crushed walnut or Pana-Tetra.
3Reliability
If rubber composition is optimized for grip performance on ice, then grip performance on ice is improved, but handling stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the glass transition temperature parameters of the rubber components. By using butadiene rubber (Tg: -110°C) combined with another diene rubber (Tg: -60°C or lower) in specific proportions, the patent achieves a balanced tan δ profile that provides both ice grip and handling stability through optimized viscoelastic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite rubber system where butadiene rubber provides low-temperature flexibility for ice grip, while the second diene rubber and silica provide structural stability for handling. This composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of both grip performance and handling stability.
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 proposed rubber composition effectively enhances grip performance on ice, abrasion resistance, and handling stability, as evidenced by the detection of two clear peak tops in the tan δ-temperature distribution curve, indicating improved interaction between the rubber components and silica, leading to better performance on ice and longer tire mileage.
Implementation Method 1
a diene rubber gel that contains a hydroxy group and has a glass transition temperature of -40°C to 0°C
Implementation Method 2
butadiene rubber with a low glass transition temperature (Tg)
Implementation Method 3
10 to 150 parts by mass of silica
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(I)~2(II)
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a rubber composition for a tire excellent in grip performance on ice, abrasion resistance, and handling stability, and a pneumatic tire formed therefrom. The present invention relates to a rubber composition for a tire including, per 100 parts by mass of a rubber component: 10 to 150 parts by mass of silica and 10 to 30 parts by mass of a diene rubber gel that contains a hydroxy group and has a glass transition temperature of -40°C to 0°C, the rubber component including, based on 100% by mass of the rubber component: (a) 30 to 90% by mass of butadiene rubber and (b) 10 to 60% by mass of a diene rubber that is other than the butadiene rubber (a) and has a glass transition temperature of -60°C or lower.