Vinylsilane-Modified Elastomeric Polymers for Tire Rolling Resistance and Wet Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tire formulations face a trade-off between reduced hysteresis loss for improved rolling resistance and compromised wet grip performance, as evidenced by tan δ values at 60° C and 0° C, which are difficult to balance effectively in rubber compositions.
Innovation Solution
The polymerization of conjugated diene monomers, such as 1,3-butadiene and isoprene, in the presence of specific vinylsilane compounds, which include a combination of amino and siloxy groups, to produce elastomeric polymers that exhibit improved tan δ values, thereby balancing rolling resistance and wet grip performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the polystyrene unit concentration is reduced in random SSBR, then the glass transition temperature is reduced and tan δ at 60°C is reduced, but tan δ at 0°C is also reduced, corresponding to improved rolling resistance but deteriorated wet grip performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vinylsilane compounds with specific molecular structures (containing silicon, oxygen, and nitrogen atoms in defined ratios) to modify the polymer composition. This changes the chemical parameters of the rubber material, enabling simultaneous optimization of tan δ at 60°C and tan δ at 0°C, thus resolving the contradiction between rolling resistance and wet grip performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite elastomeric polymer system by incorporating vinylsilane compounds into the conventional SSBR matrix. This composite material combines the base polymer with functional silane modifiers, achieving improved balance between energy loss and wet grip properties that cannot be achieved with the base polymer alone
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 resulting elastomeric polymer compositions demonstrate a better balance of low rolling resistance and high wet grip, particularly when silica and/or carbon black are used as fillers, leading to improved tire performance.
Implementation Method 1
carrying out the polymerization of conjugated diene monomers such as 1,3-butadiene (''butadiene'') and isoprene in the presence of a specific vinylsilane compound
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to novel vinylsilane compounds which are useful as modifying monomers in the polymerization of conjugated diene monomers, optionally together with aromatic vinyl monomers, thus producing polymers, specifically elastomeric polymers, which can favorably be used in rubber articles such as tires.