Tyre Elastomer Composition With Silicate Fibres for Lower Rolling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The incorporation of needle-shaped morphology silicate fibres of nanometric size into elastomeric compositions for tyres is challenging due to their high powderiness, leading to handling difficulties, environmental contamination, and conductivity issues when replacing carbon black, which also increases hysteresis and rolling resistance.
Innovation Solution
A combination of finely dispersed carbon black with needle-shaped morphology silicate fibres in the form of a solid masterbatch or microbeads is used in elastomeric compositions, addressing conductivity issues and reducing hysteresis and Payne effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If needle-shaped morphology silicate fibres of nanometric size are incorporated into elastomeric compositions to replace carbon black, then hysteresis and rolling resistance are reduced, but handling difficulties and environmental contamination occur due to high powderiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines needle-shaped morphology silicate fibres with diene elastomeric polymer to create a composite elastomeric composition. The silicate fibres (5-50 phr) are incorporated into the elastomeric matrix, creating a composite material that maintains the benefits of reduced hysteresis and rolling resistance while the elastomeric binder provides manageable physical form and prevents excessive powderiness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies optimal concentration ranges for silicate fibres (5-50 phr per 100 phr elastomer) to achieve the right balance between performance benefits and handling characteristics. By controlling the fibre content within this range and using appropriate particle size distributions, the composition achieves reduced rolling resistance while maintaining manageable physical properties
2Loss of energy
If needle-shaped morphology silicate fibres of nanometric size are incorporated into elastomeric compositions to replace carbon black, then hysteresis is reduced, but conductivity issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite elastomeric composition combining silicate fibres with diene elastomeric polymer. This composite approach allows optimization of hysteresis properties through silicate fibre content (5-50 phr) while the elastomeric matrix provides the necessary physical continuity and mechanical properties, achieving a balance between reduced hysteresis and functional performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by distributing silicate fibres throughout the elastomeric matrix at controlled concentrations (5-50 phr). This uniform distribution ensures that the hysteresis-reducing effect is achieved throughout the material while maintaining consistent mechanical and functional properties, rather than having concentrated regions of fibres that would cause handling or performance issues
3Strength
If needle-shaped morphology silicate fibres of nanometric size are incorporated into elastomeric compositions, then mechanical properties are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to dispersibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies optimal fibre content ranges (5-50 phr per 100 phr elastomer) and controls particle size parameters to achieve good dispersibility. By maintaining fibres within nanometric size ranges and controlling the elastomeric matrix composition, the patent ensures that fibres disperse uniformly without excessive aggregation, balancing mechanical property enhancement with manufacturing ease
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves uniform local distribution of silicate fibres throughout the elastomeric matrix by controlling fibre concentration (5-50 phr) and size parameters. This uniform local quality ensures consistent mechanical properties throughout the material while preventing fibre aggregation that would complicate manufacturing and processing
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
This combination results in improved static mechanical properties, reduced rolling resistance, and lower fuel consumption, while maintaining mechanical performance and avoiding additional production complexities.
Implementation Method 1
add reinforcing fillers to the elastomeric compositions in order to improve the mechanical properties and the abrasion resistance of the elastomeric materials obtained therefrom by vulcanisation
Implementation Method 2
maintaining a sufficient reinforcement... proved to give the tyres reduced rolling resistance, better stiffness and abrasion resistance
Implementation Method 3
a vulcanised elastomeric compound obtained by vulcanising a vulcanisable elastomeric compound
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tyre for vehicle wheels comprising at least one structural component comprising a vulcanised elastomeric compound obtained by vulcanising a vulcanisable elastomeric compound made by mixing an elastomeric composition comprising (i) at least one diene elastomeric polymer, and (ii) a reinforcing filler comprising (a) needle-shaped morphology silicate fibres having nanometric size, and (b) finely dispersed carbon black having a surface area NSA greater than 100 m2/g and a surface area OAN greater than 100 ml/100 g, and (c) optionally, conventional silica.