Winter Tire Rubber Composition for Ice Grip and Low Rolling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current winter tires face challenges in providing optimal performance on ice while maintaining low rolling resistance, and there is a need for improved grip and handling in various weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A rubber composition combining low and high glass transition temperature polybutadiene rubbers with polyisoprene, along with high amounts of plasticizers and silica, to enhance grip and reduce rolling resistance, specifically designed for winter tires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rubber compositions are used in winter tires, then general winter performance is achieved, but ice grip and rolling resistance performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the glass transition temperatures of the rubber components. It uses polybutadiene rubber with Tg of -90°C or lower for low-temperature flexibility and polyisoprene rubber with Tg of -60°C to -75°C for optimal ice grip, while adjusting plasticizer Tg to -40°C to -110°C to balance grip and rolling resistance. This systematic parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between ice performance and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining three specific rubber polymers (polybutadiene, polyisoprene, and polyvinyl chloride) with silica filler and plasticizers in optimized ratios. This multi-component composite system achieves synergistic effects where each component contributes specific properties: polybutadiene provides low-temperature flexibility, polyisoprene enhances ice grip, and the composite structure reduces rolling resistance while maintaining reliability on ice.
2Reliability
If rubber composition is optimized for ice performance, then grip on ice improves, but performance on snow, wet and dry roads may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a rubber composition that performs across multiple weather conditions. The specific Tg ranges of the rubber components and plasticizers create a material that maintains flexibility and grip on ice while also providing adequate performance on snow, wet, and dry roads. The composite formulation ensures the tire adapts to various thermal and traction conditions without sacrificing ice-specific performance.
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 rubber composition achieves improved ice performance and reduced rolling resistance without compromising snow, wet, and dry handling, making it suitable for regions with frequent icy roads.
Implementation Method 1
from 40 phr to 120 phr of at least one plasticizer having a glass transition temperature within a range of −40° C. to −110° C.
Implementation Method 2
from 30 phr to 200 phr of at least one filler... good hysteresis properties which translate into a limited rolling resistance of the tire
Implementation Method 3
from 35 phr to 60 phr of a first polybutadiene rubber having a glass transition temperature within a range of −80° C. to −105° C.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a rubber composition comprising 35 phr to 60 phr of a first polybutadiene rubber having a glass transition temperature within a range of −80° C. to −105° C., 5 phr to 30 phr of a second polybutadiene rubber having a glass transition temperature within a range of −20° C. to −40° C., 10 phr to 60 phr of polyisoprene selected from one or more of synthetic polyisoprene and natural rubber, 30 phr to 200 phr of at least one filler, and 40 phr to 120 phr of at least one plasticizer having a glass transition temperature within a range of −40° C. to −110° C.Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a tire comprising the rubber composition.