Tyre Tread Terpolymer Composition for Grip and Tear Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elastomeric compositions for high-performance tyres struggle to balance high grip, abrasion resistance, and low rolling resistance, with temperature-induced softness affecting grip performance, and existing polymers and copolymers fail to achieve optimal mechanical properties and durability.
Innovation Solution
A cross-linked elastomeric material comprising an iso-styrene/trans-butadiene/terpene random terpolymer with specific styrene, butadiene, and terpene content ranges is used, combined with a controlled copolymerization process and catalyst, to enhance grip, tear resistance, and hysteresis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If styrene-butadiene copolymers with high styrene content (≥40%) are used to increase hysteresis and grip, then grip is improved, but block copolymer formation occurs during polymerisation which compromises mechanical properties and abrasion resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing terpene monomers (1-15% by weight) in addition to styrene and butadiene. This creates a random terpolymer structure that prevents block copolymer formation while maintaining high styrene content (30-70%) for adequate hysteresis and grip performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer system by copolymerizing three different monomers (styrene, butadiene, and terpene) to form a random terpolymer. This composite structure combines the advantages of each monomer: styrene provides hysteresis, butadiene provides elasticity, and terpene prevents block formation while enhancing mechanical properties.
2Strength
If styrene-butadiene copolymers with high Tg values (>50°C) are used to achieve high grip, then grip is improved, but abrasion resistance is limited and rolling resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the glass transition temperature parameter by incorporating terpene monomers that lower the Tg of the elastomeric composition. This allows achieving adequate grip through hysteresis mechanisms rather than relying on high Tg, thereby improving abrasion resistance and reducing rolling resistance.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional polymerisation processes are used to produce styrene-butadiene copolymers, then production is simple, but the processes cannot achieve styrene content >40% without forming block copolymers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the monomer composition parameters by adding terpene monomers to the polymerisation system. This parameter change fundamentally alters the polymerisation behavior, enabling high styrene content (30-70%) to be achieved through random copolymerization without block formation, thus expanding the compositional flexibility while maintaining process simplicity.
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 solution provides improved grip, tear resistance, and reduced rolling resistance, maintaining mechanical properties across varying temperatures, enhancing tyre performance in extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a cross-linked elastomeric material obtained by means of cross-linking a cross-linkable elastomeric composition comprising at least one iso-styrene/trans-butadiene/terpene random terpolymer
Implementation Method 2
the use of polymers and/or copolymers with high styrene content allows increasing the hysteresis values of the finished tyre tread
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tyre for vehicle wheels, in particular automobile wheels, characterised by a tread comprising at least one iso-styrene/trans-butadiene/terpene random terpolymer. Said tread is characterised by a greater tear resistance and a greater grip of the tyre to the roadbed.