Two-Wheeler Tread Compound Using Dual Carbon Blacks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Two-wheeler tire treads face a trade-off between low abrasion and low rolling resistance, and good grip on both wet and dry surfaces, as these properties often behave oppositely in rubber mixtures.

Innovation Solution

A sulfur-crosslinkable rubber mixture containing natural polyisoprene from dandelion and specific carbon blacks with varying surface areas, optimizing the ratio of rolling resistance and wet braking behavior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If natural rubber is used for tire treads, then good grip and abrasion resistance are achieved, but rolling resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip and abrasion resistanceVSAvoidrolling resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite rubber composition combining natural rubber (10-50 phr) with synthetic polyisoprene (50-90 phr) and specific carbon black combinations to achieve a balance between grip/abrasion resistance and rolling resistance. The composite approach allows optimizing both contradictory properties through synergistic material interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for carbon black iodine adsorption numbers (40-75 and 80-110 g/kg) and DBP numbers (120-200 and 100-170 mL/100g) to control the rubber compound's viscoelastic properties. By changing these parameters within defined ranges, the patent optimizes the balance between wet grip and rolling resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If carbon black with high surface area is used, then wet braking performance improves, but rolling resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewet braking performanceVSAvoidrolling resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the carbon black reinforcement system into two distinct components with different surface areas: a first carbon black (40-75 g/kg iodine adsorption) and a second carbon black (80-110 g/kg iodine adsorption). This segmentation allows each carbon black to fulfill specific functions - one for wet grip enhancement and the other for rolling resistance control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent assigns different local qualities to different carbon black components: the first carbon black with higher surface area (lower iodine adsorption) provides wet braking performance, while the second carbon black with lower surface area (higher iodine adsorption) controls rolling resistance. Each component is optimized for its specific function within the composite system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 rubber mixture significantly improves the balance between rolling resistance and wet braking performance, achieving low rolling resistance and excellent wet braking with good tear properties.

Implementation Method 1

a first carbon black A having an iodine adsorption number according to ASTM D 1510 of 40 to 75 g/kg and a DBP number according to ASTM D 2414 of 130 to 200 mL/100 g

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

a sulfur-crosslinkable rubber mixture for two-wheel tire treads

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSulfur crosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3782824B1Rubber composition for bicycle tire treads
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a sulfur-crosslinkable rubber compound for two-wheeler tire treads. Furthermore, the invention relates to a two-wheeler tire whose tread consists of the sulfur-crosslinked rubber compound. To resolve the conflict between wet grip and rolling resistance, the rubber compound contains at least the following components: - 10 to 100 phr of natural polyisoprene and - 15 to 75 phr of at least one first carbon black A with an iodine adsorption number according to ASTM D 1510 of 40 to 75 g/kg and a DBP number according to ASTM D 2414 of 130 to 200 mL/100 g and - 15 to 75 phr of at least one second carbon black B with an iodine adsorption number according to ASTM D 1510 of 100 to 140 g/kg and a DBP number according to ASTM D 2414 of 100 to 170 mL/100 g, wherein the weight ratio of carbon black A to carbon black B is between 5:1 and 1:5 and wherein the total amount of carbon black in the rubber compound is 30 to 150 phr amounts.