Tire Wire-Coat Rubber Composition for Lower Rolling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire rubber compositions do not adequately reduce rolling resistance and internal heat generation, which limits fuel efficiency and tire performance, particularly in heavy-duty applications.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition incorporating interconnected crystalline carbon nanofilaments as a filler and silica, along with specific additives like coupling agents and antioxidants, to enhance hysteresis, strength, and wire coat adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional carbon black or silica fillers are used in tire rubber compositions, then rolling resistance and fuel economy can be improved to some extent, but internal heat generation and hysteresis are not sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite filler system combining carbon-based inorganic compounds (interconnected crystalline carbon nanofilaments) with silica particles. This composite approach creates a synergistic effect where the carbon nanofilaments form a conductive network that reduces hysteresis and heat generation, while silica provides reinforcement and further reduces rolling resistance. The combination achieves superior energy efficiency compared to conventional single-fillers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise compositional parameters: carbon-based inorganic compound at 15-70 phr, silica at 5-30 phr, and specific surface area ranges for both fillers. By optimizing these parameters, the composition achieves the desired balance between rolling resistance reduction and heat generation minimization, with the carbon nanofilaments' unique crystalline structure playing a critical role in reducing tan delta and hysteresis.
2Strength
If filler content is increased to improve strength and reduce rolling resistance, then tire performance improves, but hysteresis and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates distinct functional zones within the rubber composition: carbon nanofilaments form a percolating network primarily responsible for reducing hysteresis and improving energy efficiency, while silica particles provide localized reinforcement for strength. This spatial differentiation of filler functions allows the composition to achieve both high strength and low hysteresis simultaneously, as each filler type operates in its optimal role.
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 reduces rolling resistance, improves fuel efficiency, and enhances tire performance by lowering hysteresis and internal heat generation, as evidenced by increased rebound and reduced tan delta values.
Implementation Method 1
Predictive beneficially reduced hysteresis for a rubber composition is normally evidenced by at least one of increased rebound physical property and decreased tangent delta (tan delta) physical property for the cured rubber composition
Implementation Method 2
the carbon-based inorganic compound comprises interconnected crystalline carbon nanofilaments
Implementation Method 3
the use of silica in tire rubber compositions which has resulted in improved rolling resistance (fuel economy)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rubber composition comprising rubber, a first filler comprising a carbon-based inorganic compound, wherein the carbon-based inorganic compound comprises interconnected crystalline carbon nanofilaments and a second filler comprising silica. Said rubber composition can be used for coating wires or cords which are used for reinforcing rubber products such as tires. It can be used in tires such as in carcass plies, belt plies, ply strips and overlay plies. The present invention further relates to a pneumatic tire comprising said rubber composition.