Tyre Tread Composition for Wet and Dry Grip Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tire tread compositions face challenges in achieving a balance between low rolling resistance, high wear resistance, and grip performance on both dry and wet surfaces, with existing rubber compositions often compromising on grip performance on dry ground when optimizing for low rolling resistance.
Innovation Solution
A tire tread composition featuring a rubber matrix with a diene elastomer carrying silanol and amine functions, silica, a coupling agent, and a specific plasticizing system comprising hydrocarbon resin and liquid plasticizing agents, optimized to enhance grip on both dry and wet surfaces while maintaining low rolling resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a weakly hysteretic rubber composition with high silica content is used to reduce rolling resistance, then rolling resistance and wet grip are improved, but grip performance on dry ground deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the rubber compound by incorporating specific functional elastomers (carrying silanol and amine functions) and optimizing the plasticizer system (combining hydrocarbon resin with Tg > 20°C and liquid plasticizing agents). This chemical parameter modification allows the rubber to maintain higher hysteresis for dry grip while still achieving low rolling resistance through the silica reinforcement, thus resolving the contradiction between rolling resistance and dry grip performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite rubber composition by combining multiple components with specific functions: functional elastomers (providing grip), silica (reducing rolling resistance), coupling agents (enhancing interfacial adhesion), and a dual plasticizer system (optimizing both wet and dry grip). This composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of conflicting properties by leveraging the synergistic effects of different materials
2Loss of energy
If the hysteretic potential of the rubber composition is reduced to improve rolling resistance, then rolling resistance is improved, but grip properties on both dry and wet surfaces deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the functional requirements of different tread regions through compositional design. The specific plasticizer system (hydrocarbon resin with Tg > 20°C combined with liquid plasticizing agents) provides localized optimization for dry grip in the contact patch, while the silica-reinforced matrix maintains low rolling resistance during rolling. The functional elastomers with silanol and amine groups provide localized adhesion enhancement where needed
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 an improved performance compromise between grip on wet and dry surfaces, as demonstrated by higher tan(δ) values, indicating enhanced traction and durability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomer matrix comprising more than 50% by weight of a first diene elastomer which carries a silanol function and a pendant amine function; silica present at a level of between 120 and 140 phr; a coupling agent
Implementation Method 2
a plasticizing system comprising: according to an A content ranging from 5 to 60 phr, a hydrocarbon resin having a Tg greater than 20°C; according to a content B ranging from 0 to 60 phr a liquid plasticizing agent; it being understood that the total rate A+B is at least equal to 60 pce
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a tyre tread that comprises a rubber composition made of at least: an elastomer matrix including more than 50 wt % of a first diene elastomer with a silanol function and a pendant amine function; a silica in a proportion of 120 to 140 phr; a coupling agent; a plasticising system including: in a proportion A of 5 to 60 phr, a hydrocarbon resin having a Tg higher than 20 °C; and in a proportion B of 0 to 60 phr, a liquid plasticising agent; wherein the total proportion A+B is no lower than 60 phr, and preferably 60 to 90 phr. The tread of the invention makes it possible to improve the compromise between grip on wet ground and grip on dry ground with low rolling resistance.