Tyre Elastomer with Silicate Fibres and Nanotubes
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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 static electricity accumulation, while replacing carbon black results in increased hysteresis and rolling resistance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reinforcing filler comprising needle-shaped morphology silicate fibres and carbon nanotubes, optionally with carbon black and/or conventional silica, into elastomeric compositions for tyres, which addresses conductivity issues and reduces hysteresis and rolling resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If needle-shaped morphology silicate fibres are incorporated into elastomeric compositions, 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 carbon nanotubes to create a composite reinforcing filler system. The carbon nanotubes provide conductivity and structural reinforcement while the silicate fibres reduce hysteresis and rolling resistance, creating a synergistic composite material that addresses both performance and handling issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the silicate fibres through surface treatment and derivatisation processes. This changes their surface properties to reduce powderiness and improve handling characteristics while maintaining their reinforcing efficiency and hysteresis-reducing properties
2Loss of energy
If needle-shaped morphology silicate fibres are used as reinforcing filler, then rolling resistance is reduced, but static electricity accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different reinforcing fillers - needle-shaped morphology silicate fibres and carbon nanotubes - into a single composite system. The silicate fibres provide low rolling resistance while the conductive carbon nanotubes dissipate static electricity, combining the benefits of both materials to eliminate their respective drawbacks
Solution Approach 2:
The carbon nanotubes act as an intermediary conductive network within the elastomeric composition, providing a pathway for static electricity dissipation without interfering with the hysteresis-reducing properties of the silicate fibres. This intermediary element mediates between the insulating silicate fibres and the conductive requirements of the tyre
3Object-affected harmful factors
If carbon black is replaced with needle-shaped morphology silicate fibres, then environmental impact is reduced, but handling and dispersibility problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies surface treatment and derivatisation to the needle-shaped morphology silicate fibres, changing their surface chemical parameters to improve compatibility with the elastomeric matrix. This enhances their dispersibility and reduces powderiness while maintaining their environmental benefits as a carbon black alternative
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite reinforcing filler system combining silicate fibres with carbon nanotubes and optionally carbon black or silica. This composite approach leverages the environmental benefits of silicate fibres while using carbon nanotubes to improve dispersibility and provide additional functional benefits
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 achieves reduced hysteresis and Payne effect, resulting in lower rolling resistance, fuel consumption, and environmental impact, while maintaining mechanical performance.
Implementation Method 1
a reinforcing filler comprising (a) needle-shaped morphology silicate fibres having nanometric size, (b) carbon nanotubes
Implementation Method 2
a vulcanised elastomeric compound obtained by vulcanising a vulcanisable elastomeric compound
Implementation Method 3
needle-shaped morphology silicate fibres having nanometric size... proved to give the tyres reduced rolling resistance
Data Source
Figure 1
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, (b) carbon nanotubes, and (c) optionally, carbon black and/or conventional silica.