Tire Tread Rubber Composition with Dual-Tg Elastomer System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Formulating tire tread rubber compositions that balance improvements in rolling resistance with maintaining dry traction is challenging, as changes in formulation often lead to deterioration in one property at the expense of another.
Innovation Solution
A tire tread rubber composition comprising specific ratios of elastomers, reinforcing silica fillers, hydrocarbon resins, and a cure package, including natural rubber, polybutadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, and silica fillers, optimized to achieve a balance in properties such as rolling resistance and dry traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the rubber composition is formulated to improve rolling resistance, then rolling resistance is reduced, but dry traction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the elastomer components. Specifically, it uses a first elastomer with Tg of -50°C to -100°C and a second elastomer with Tg of -100°C or lower, creating a dual-Tg system that optimizes both rolling resistance and dry traction through temperature-dependent polymer chain mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple elastomer types with different Tg values in a single rubber composition. This multi-component elastomer system (including polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene rubber, and/or polyisoprene) creates a composite material that exhibits both low rolling resistance and high dry traction performance
2Reliability
If the rubber composition is formulated to improve dry traction, then dry traction is enhanced, but rolling resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the Tg distribution of the elastomer blend. The specific Tg range of -50°C to -100°C for the first elastomer and -100°C or lower for the second elastomer creates optimal chain flexibility and hysteresis characteristics that simultaneously improve dry traction and minimize rolling resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones within the elastomer system through the Tg differentiation. The first elastomer (higher Tg) provides structure and dry traction, while the second elastomer (lower Tg) provides flexibility and low rolling resistance, with each component performing its specialized function
3Loss of energy
If the formulation is changed to reduce rolling resistance, then rolling resistance improves, but other properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by creating a multi-elastomer system where polybutadiene rubber (providing low Tg and low rolling resistance) is combined with styrene-butadiene rubber and/or polyisoprene (providing higher Tg and good dry traction). This composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of multiple performance parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the Tg distribution across multiple elastomer components. The specific Tg ranges (-50°C to -100°C for first elastomer, -100°C or lower for second elastomer) are optimized to balance rolling resistance, dry traction, and overall durability
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are tire tread rubber compositions comprising a specified elastomer component, reinforcing silica filler, a specified hydrocarbon resin, a cure package, and optionally oil. The elastomer component includes styrene-butadiene rubber; polybutadiene; and guayule natural rubber.