Triglyceride-Extended Styrene/Butadiene Elastomer Viscosity Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

High molecular weight uncured styrene/butadiene elastomers with high Mooney viscosity pose processing difficulties in rubber manufacturing and tire component preparation, necessitating the evaluation of alternative viscosity reduction methods, such as using triglyceride-based vegetable oils instead of petroleum-based oils.

Innovation Solution

The method involves anionically initiating polymerization of styrene and 1,3-butadiene monomers in an organic solvent solution, followed by blending triglyceride vegetable oils like soybean, sunflower, or canola oil with the styrene/butadiene elastomer before recovery, to create a composite with reduced Mooney viscosity, facilitating easier processing and improved physical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If high molecular weight SSBR is used to achieve desired physical properties for cured rubber compositions, then the physical properties are improved, but the processing difficulty increases significantly due to high Mooney viscosity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical properties of cured rubberVSAvoidprocessing ease of uncured elastomer

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A triglyceride-based extender oil is introduced as an intermediary substance between the high molecular weight SSBR and the processing equipment. This extender oil acts as a mediator that reduces the viscosity of the uncured elastomer, enabling easier processing while allowing the high molecular weight SSBR to retain its superior physical properties in the cured state. The extender oil temporarily modifies the rheological properties during processing but does not compromise the final cured rubber performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If petroleum-based oil is used to extend SSBR and reduce viscosity, then processing is improved, but the molecular weight and Mooney viscosity of the elastomer are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing of elastomerVSAvoidmolecular weight of elastomer

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameter of the extender oil from petroleum-based to triglyceride-based. This parameter change fundamentally alters the interaction between the oil and the SSBR polymer chains. Triglyceride-based extender oils provide effective viscosity reduction during processing while being compatible with high molecular weight elastomers, thereby maintaining the molecular weight and Mooney viscosity necessary for superior cured rubber properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If triglyceride-based vegetable oil is used instead of petroleum-based oil to extend SSBR, then viscosity is reduced enabling processing of higher molecular weight elastomer, but the compatibility and performance must be evaluated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capability of high molecular weight SSBRVSAvoidperformance consistency of extended elastomer

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the performance of triglyceride-extended SSBR is continuously evaluated through Mooney viscosity measurements and cured rubber property testing. This feedback loop ensures that the triglyceride-based extender oil maintains compatibility and performance consistency, allowing optimization of the extension process while guaranteeing reliable results in the final product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 use of triglyceride extended styrene/butadiene elastomers results in significantly reduced Mooney viscosity, enhancing processing capabilities and promoting better physical properties for rubber compositions, particularly in tire components, with soybean oil extension demonstrating improved processing and abrasion resistance compared to petroleum oil extension.

Implementation Method 1

blending from 5 to 60, alternately from 10 to 40, phr of triglyceride vegetable oils (other than petroleum based oil)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBlending:

Implementation Method 2

anionically initiating polymerization of monomers comprising styrene and 1,3-butadiene in an organic solvent solution to form a synthetic styrene/butadiene elastomer (SSBR)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnionic polymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP2657262B1Triglyceride containing solution polymerization prepared styrene/butadiene elastomer and tire with component

Publication Date: 2014.11.26 THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO

AI summary

A method of preparing a triglyceride extended organic solution polymerization prepared styrene/butadiene elastomer is disclosed. The method comprises, based on parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of elastomer (phr): anionically initiating a polymerization of monomers comprising styrene and 1,3-butadiene in an organic solvent solution to form a synthetic styrene/butadiene elastomer (SSBR) contained in a cement comprising said SSBR and solvent; terminating said polymerization of said monomers in said cement; blending from 5 to 60, alternately from 10 to 40, phr of at least one triglyceride vegetable oil; and recovering said SSBR as a composite of said SSBR and said triglyceride. Also, a respective composite and a rubber composition and article of manufacture such as a tire comprising such a composite is disclosed.