Tire Tread Wet Grip via Silica and Plasticizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tire tread compositions face challenges in achieving a balance between low rolling resistance, high wear resistance, and improved grip on both dry and wet surfaces, particularly on wet surfaces, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A tire tread composition incorporating a rubber mixture with 20 to 100 phr of a diene elastomer carrying SiOR functions, 100 to 160 phr of a reinforcing inorganic filler, and a plasticizing system comprising a hydrocarbon resin and a liquid plasticizing agent, optimized to enhance grip performance on wet surfaces while maintaining low rolling resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional rubber compositions with carbon black are used, then rolling resistance and wear resistance are improved, but grip on wet surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing carbon black with highly dispersible silica (HDS) as the primary reinforcing filler, and by incorporating specific plasticizers (polyester plasticizer at 5-20 phr and polyol plasticizer at 5-20 phr) to modify the rubber matrix properties. This parameter change enables the tire to achieve low rolling resistance through silica reinforcement while simultaneously improving wet grip through the plasticizer-modified matrix that enhances adhesion to wet road surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite rubber composition combining natural rubber or synthetic rubber with highly dispersible silica and specific plasticizers. This composite material system leverages the reinforcing properties of silica for low rolling resistance while the plasticizer-rubber-silica interaction creates a composite matrix that improves wet surface grip, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and wet traction.
2Loss of energy
If highly dispersible silica is used to reduce rolling resistance, then wear resistance improves, but grip on wet surfaces remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces plasticizers as intermediary substances that mediate between the silica filler and the rubber matrix. The polyester plasticizer and polyol plasticizer act as intermediaries that enhance the interaction between silica particles and rubber, creating a optimized composite structure that simultaneously achieves low rolling resistance through silica reinforcement and improved wet grip through the plasticizer-facilitated adhesion mechanism.
3Reliability
If more plasticizer is added to improve wet grip, then grip on wet surfaces improves, but rolling resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the plasticizer content parameters within specific ranges (polyester plasticizer at 5-20 phr and polyol plasticizer at 5-20 phr) to achieve the desired balance. By controlling these parameters and combining multiple plasticizer types, the composition achieves sufficient wet grip enhancement while limiting the increase in rolling resistance, as the plasticizers work synergistically with silica to improve adhesion without excessive softening of the tread compound.
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 composition significantly improves wet braking performance by up to 10% without compromising rolling resistance, demonstrating enhanced grip and durability.
Implementation Method 1
20 to 100 phr of a first diene elastomer carrying at least one SiOR function, R being hydrogen or a hydrocarbon radical
Implementation Method 2
100 to 160 phr of a reinforcing inorganic filler
Implementation Method 3
a plasticizing system comprising: according to a rate A of between 5 and 60 phr, a hydrocarbon resin having a Tg greater than 20°C; according to a rate B of between 5 and 60 phr of a liquid plasticizing agent
Data Source
AI summary
A tyre with improved grip on wet ground, the tread of which comprises a rubber composition comprising at least (parts by weight per hundred parts of elastomer): - 20 to 100 phr of a first diene elastomer bearing at least one SiOR function, R being hydrogen or a hydrocarbon-based radical; - optionally, 0 to 80 phr of a second diene elastomer; - 100 to 160 phr of a reinforcing inorganic filler; - and a plasticizing system comprising: - in an amount A of between 5 and 60 phr, a hydrocarbon-based resin which has a Tg above 20°C; - and in an amount B of between 5 and 60 phr, a liquid plasticizer; - it being understood that the total amount A + B is greater than 45 phr.