Transparent Rubber Composition Abrasion Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current transparent rubber compositions for applications like shoe soles lack sufficient abrasion resistance while maintaining transparency and mechanical properties, particularly in sport shoes where lower abrasion resistance is required.
Innovation Solution
A curable transparent rubber composition comprising 35-60 wt.% of synthetic isoprene polymers and 35-60 wt.% of transparent polymers with similar refractive indices, along with a curing agent and additives, including 1-4 wt.% of polyalkenamers, to achieve haze less than 30% and total light transmission over 80%, enhancing abrasion resistance and transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional transparent rubber compositions are used, then transparency is achieved, but abrasion resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of polyisoprene rubber (providing transparency and rubber elasticity) combined with EAODM polymer (providing abrasion resistance). This composite approach allows both transparency and improved abrasion resistance to be achieved simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
2Strength
If carbon black and high amounts of additives are added to improve mechanical properties, then strength is improved, but transparency is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates carbon black and other opaque additives from the composition. Instead, it uses the EAODM polymer which provides the necessary mechanical properties (tear resistance and abrasion resistance) without compromising transparency, thus taking out the harmful opaque components while retaining beneficial properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compositional parameters by using a specific ratio of polyisoprene to EAODM polymer (with EAODM content optimized between 5-50 phr). This parameter optimization allows achieving adequate mechanical strength without adding opaque fillers, maintaining transparency while improving performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing transparent rubber formulations are used, then good transparency is achieved, but abrasion resistance remains insufficient for sport shoes
Solution Approach 1:
The EAODM polymer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides abrasion resistance, tear resistance, and maintains transparency. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall formulation complexity while achieving multiple performance requirements, particularly for sport shoe applications where abrasion resistance is critical.
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 achieves improved abrasion resistance, maintaining high transparency and mechanical properties, making it suitable for sport shoes and other applications with enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
A cured transparent rubber composition is a material which is tough while exhibiting rubber behavior
Implementation Method 2
through which visible light passes... total transmittance greater than 80%, with haze below 30%... Component (a): from 35-60 wt.% of one or more synthetic isoprene polymers having a refractive index of between 1.500 to 1.525 at 23°C; Component (b) from 35-60 wt.% of one or more transparent polymers different from isoprene polymers wherein the difference between the refractive indices of component (a) and (b) is 0.100 or less
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a solid curable transparent rubber composition containing one or more synthetic isoprene polymer, one or more transparent polymer, one or more curing agent, additives that do not influence transparency and one or more polyalkenamers. The solid curable transparent rubber composition, once cured, has a haze of less than 30% and a total light transmission of more than 80%. The disclosure further provides a cured transparent rubber composition made thereof, and a manufacturing process for the cured composition. The present disclosure also provides an article including the rubber composition, in particular shoes with transparent soles.