Unsaturated TPS Copolymer Rubber Tread for Wear and Wet Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tire treads face challenges in achieving a balance between low rolling resistance, high wear resistance, and excellent grip on both dry and wet roads, with existing rubber compositions often compromising on these properties.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition comprising between 20 and 90 phr of styrene-butadiene copolymer, between 5 and 60 phr of polybutadiene, and more than 10 to less than 40 phr of unsaturated thermoplastic styrenic copolymer, along with a reinforcing filler, which improves wear resistance while maintaining wet grip performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional rubber compositions are used to achieve low rolling resistance, then energy efficiency is improved, but wear resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite rubber composition combining multiple elastomers (SBR, BR, and unsaturated TPS copolymer) with specific inorganic fillers (HDS silica and carbon black). This composite approach allows the tread to simultaneously achieve low rolling resistance through the low-hysteresis properties of the elastomer blend and high wear resistance through the reinforcing effect of the filler combination, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters including the styrene content (20-40% by weight) and butadiene content (60-80% by weight) in the unsaturated TPS copolymer, along with controlled vinyl bond content (10-60%) and specific surface area of silica filler (50-400 m²/g). These parameter adjustments fine-tune the balance between hysteresis (affecting rolling resistance) and mechanical strength (affecting wear resistance), enabling simultaneous improvement of both properties.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If rubber compositions are optimized for wear resistance, then durability is improved, but grip on wet roads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite system combining unsaturated TPS copolymer with specific inorganic fillers (HDS silica and carbon black) in optimized ratios. The unsaturated TPS copolymer provides good wet grip through its specific molecular structure and surface properties, while the inorganic fillers enhance wear resistance. The synergistic interaction between these components allows simultaneous achievement of high wear resistance and excellent wet road grip.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different fillers with distinct properties to different functional requirements: HDS silica provides reinforcement and wear resistance, while carbon black contributes to wet grip and overall performance. The specific surface area and structure of each filler are optimized for its intended function, allowing the tread to exhibit locally optimized properties for both durability and wet road performance.
3Reliability
If unsaturated TPS copolymer is added to improve wet grip and wear resistance, then performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines specific parameter ranges for the unsaturated TPS copolymer (styrene content: 20-40%, butadiene content: 60-80%, vinyl bond content: 10-60%) that balance performance improvement with manufacturing feasibility. By establishing these quantitative guidelines, the patent simplifies the selection and processing of the copolymer, reducing the complexity associated with handling this advanced material while maintaining the performance benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rubber composition including a styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBR), a polybutadiene (BR), an unsaturated thermoplastic styrene (TPS) copolymer and a reinforcing filler. The invention also relates to the use of such a composition for making a tyre tread having improved properties with respect to wear resistance, while maintaining a very good level of grip on wet ground.