Enhancing Tire Performance with Nanotechnology in Rubber
31 patents in this list
Updated:
In the world of high-performance tires, the quest for better grip, durability, and efficiency is relentless. Nanotechnology offers a promising path by enhancing the properties of rubber at the molecular level. By embedding nanomaterials into rubber matrices, manufacturers can significantly improve tire performance, addressing the industry's pressing demands for safety and sustainability.
The challenge lies in the even dispersion of these nanoparticles, which can clump together, reducing their effectiveness. Achieving uniform distribution is crucial to unlocking the full potential of nanotechnology in rubber. Variations in particle size, surface treatment, and compatibility with rubber compounds present additional hurdles that researchers must overcome to ensure consistent tire quality.
This page explores various research solutions and strategies, such as modified graphene, carbon nanotubes, and silica dispersions, which enhance rubber's mechanical properties. These approaches lead to tires that offer better traction, increased longevity, and improved fuel efficiency, meeting the rigorous demands of modern transportation without compromising safety.
1. Method for Preparing Modified Graphene and TiO2 Nanoparticles for Enhanced Dispersion in Nano Filler Composition
Shandong University of Technology, Shandong Linglong Tire Co., Ltd., Hubei Linglong Tire Co., Ltd., 2023
Preparation method to improve dispersion of high-dispersion anti-aging nano filler for tires. The method involves modifying graphene and TiO2 nanoparticles separately, then mixing them in a ball mill to obtain a nano filler with improved dispersion in rubber compounds. This improves tire performance by preventing aging and cracking when exposed to UV radiation during use. The modified graphene and TiO2 nanoparticles have synergistic effects that enhance dispersion when combined.
2. Un-Modified Fuller's Earth Nanoclay and Carbon Black Reinforced Elastomeric Nanocomposite
TVS SRICHAKRA LTD, 2021
Un-modified fuller’s earth nanoclay and carbon black reinforced elastomeric nanocomposite that gives excellent wet grip and superior processing characteristics for the tire tread. The composite is reinforced with dual filler composition, which comprises un-modified fuller’s earth nanoclay and primary filler as carbon black, in a tread portion.
3. Rubber Composition with Surface-Treated Carbon Nanotubes for Enhanced Dispersion
KUMHO TIRE CO INC, 2021
Rubber composition for tire treads that contains modified carbon nanotubes to improve wear resistance and tensile properties. The carbon nanotubes are surface-treated to disperse better in the rubber matrix and avoid agglomeration. The modified carbon nanotubes have specific length (10-15 μm) and bulk density (1-2 g/cm³) ranges to optimize dispersion without degrading rubber compound properties.
4. Tire with Metal Oxide Nanoparticle Dispersion Coating
DAIKU YUKI, HAMAMATSU NANO TECH INC, HAMAMATSU NANO TECHNOLOGY INC, 2021
Tire used for a vehicle or the like that improves the rolling resistance performance and resistance performance. The tire is adhered to the surface of the tire by using a dispersion liquid containing a metal oxide having a diameter of at least a single nano level.
5. Composite Biphase Nano Filler Comprising Spiral Carbon Fibers and Nanoscale TiO2 Particles for Styrene Butadiene Rubber
SICHUAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & ENGINEERING, UNIV SICHUAN SCI & ENG, 2021
A biphase nano filler for styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) that improves strength, elongation, and UV resistance compared to carbon black filler alone. The filler is a composite of spiral nano carbon fibers with nanoscale TiO2 particles loaded on the fiber surfaces. The spiral carbon fibers provide reinforcing properties, and the TiO2 enhances UV resistance. The composite filler can replace a small amount of carbon black in SBR formulations to significantly boost mechanical performance and UV stability.
6. Rubber Composition with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Enhanced Electrical Conductivity and Hardness
NEXEN TIRE CORP, 2020
Rubber composition for tire under tread that improves handling performance and electrical conductivity without compromising hysteresis. The composition contains 0.1-10 parts by weight of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) per 100 parts of rubber. This allows uniform dispersion of MWCNT in the rubber matrix without additional processing. The MWCNT have specific properties like diameter, length, density, and carbon purity to provide the desired balance between hardness, electrical conductivity, and hysteresis.
7. Rubber Composite Containing Silica and Amorphous Aluminosilicate Secondary Particles with Low Microporosity and Defined XRD Peak Intensity
LG CHEM LTD, 2019
Rubber composite for tires with improved balance of rolling resistance and wear resistance compared to conventional rubber compounds. The composite contains secondary particles formed by agglomeration of silica and amorphous aluminosilicate primary particles. The composite has micron-sized secondary particles with specific properties in the primary particles. The silica has low microporosity (<0.05 cm3/g) and the aluminosilicate has a maximum peak intensity (26-31° 2θ) in XRD. This composite enables uniform dispersion of the inorganic particles in the rubber matrix for enhanced reinforcing effect.
8. Rubber Member with Nanomaterial-Enhanced Surface Texture and Polar Group Content
BRIDGESTONE CORP, 2019
Rubber member with improved on-ice performance for tires. The rubber member contains a nanomaterial with a major axis less than 100 nm or minor axis less than 100 nm and major axis less than 1000 nm. The nanomaterial has a polar group content of 100 mg/kg or more. This unique nanomaterial composition provides a rougher tire surface that improves traction on ice compared to conventional rubber. The nanomaterial is dispersed in the rubber during vulcanization to form a rough texture. The nanomaterial can be added during the final vulcanization step or combined with a foaming agent in the initial rubber composition.
9. Tire Compound Incorporating Hydroxylated Carbon Nanotubes for Enhanced Dispersion in Rubber Matrix
Shandong Jiluer Tire Co., Ltd., 2018
High-performance, high-grip tire with improved winter traction and wear resistance using modified carbon nanotubes. The tire compound contains carbon nanotubes with hydroxylated surfaces, which are dispersed more effectively in the rubber matrix. The hydroxyl groups enhance nanotube-rubber interaction compared to pristine nanotubes. This allows higher nanotube loadings without agglomeration, improving grip and wear resistance in winter conditions without compromising other tire properties. The hydroxylated nanotubes are prepared by modifying the nanotube surface chemistry before compounding with the tire rubber.
10. Rubber Member with Surface Microrecesses Containing Size-Constrained Nanomaterials and Associated Manufacturing Method
Bridgestone Corporation, 2018
Rubber member, manufacturing method, and tire with improved on-ice performance. The rubber member has nanomaterials arranged inside microrecesses on the surface. The nanomaterials have specific size constraints (major axis < 100 nm for non-fibrous, minor axis < 100 nm, major axis < 1000 nm for fibrous) to enhance roughness and traction on ice. The nanomaterials are applied to the microrecesses after vulcanization instead of blending. This concentrates the nanomaterials inside the recesses for better ice performance without negatively affecting other rubber properties.
11. Rubber Composition Incorporating Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Silica with Dispersant
Nexen Tire Corporation, NEXEN TIRE CORP, 2012
Rubber composition for tire treads that improves electrical conductivity and wear resistance while maintaining other tire properties. It contains silica, carbon nanotubes, and a dispersant. The carbon nanotubes are multi-walled with high aspect ratio (>12,000), length (120 µm), density (0.01 g/cm3), and oriented aggregates (50 µm diameter). Using these nanotubes in the tread rubber composition, along with the dispersant, provides static electricity prevention without degrading tire properties like fatigue, rolling resistance, and braking on wet roads.
12. Rubber Composition with Amino Benzoic Acid Surface-Treated Ultra-Fine Carbon Black
HANKOOK TIRE CO LTD, 2012
Rubber composition for tire treads that balances grip performance, durability, and processability without the issues of high carbon black filler levels. The composition contains ultra-fine carbon black surface-treated with amino benzoic acid. This modified carbon black provides improved grip compared to untreated carbon black at lower filler loadings. It also improves durability and reduces processing issues compared to high carbon black loadings. The amino benzoic acid treatment modifies the surface of the carbon black to enhance its interaction with the rubber matrix. This provides better dispersion and distribution of the carbon black particles in the rubber, which improves grip and durability properties at lower filler loadings.
13. Acid-Treated Carbon Nanotubes Coated with Silica via Sonication in Sodium Silicate, Toluene, and Benzyl Alcohol
KUMHO TIRE CO INC, 2012
Method for producing carbon nanotubes coated on the surface of silica and using them to improve the wear resistance, rolling resistance, and wet road traction of tire tread rubber. The carbon nanotubes are first treated with acid to modify their surface. Then they are reacted with sodium silicate in the presence of toluene and benzyl alcohol while sonicating. This coats the carbon nanotubes with silica. The coated nanotubes can be used in tire tread rubber to enhance wear resistance, rolling resistance, and wet traction compared to uncoated nanotubes.
14. Tire Composition with Diene-Based Rubber, Silica, Carbon Black, and Carbon Nanotubes for Electrical Conductivity
GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER, THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY, 2011
Tire composition and method to enable static electricity dissipation in tires to prevent voltage buildup and sparking. The composition contains a rubber compound with diene-based rubber, silica filler, carbon black, and carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes with lengths of at least 1 micron provide electrical conductivity. The tire made with this compound has a volume resistivity below 10^9 ohm-cm, enabling safe static discharge.
15. Rubber Composition with Helical Nanostructured Filler and Tire Incorporating Same
KUMHO TIRE CO INC, 2011
Rubber composition and tire using nanostructured filler with a helical shape to improve elasticity and reduce heat generation compared to linear fillers like carbon nanotubes. The filler has a nano-size and helical structure that allows better bonding with the rubber. The composition contains 1-80 parts by weight of the helical nano-filler per 100 parts rubber. This improves elastic properties while reducing heat generation during stress compared to linear fillers. The helical filler shape allows better energy storage and disperses better in the rubber.
16. Nanostructured Diene Polymers with Bimodal Molar Mass Distribution and Low Gel Content via Rare Earth Catalyst and Nano-Coupling Agent
ARLANXEO DEUTSCHLAND GMBH, 2010
Nanostructured diene polymers with improved properties for rubber applications like tires, golf balls, and industrial products. The polymers are made by polymerizing a conjugated diene with a rare earth catalyst, followed by reaction with a nano-coupling agent having a high molecular weight fraction. The resulting polymer has a bimodal molar mass distribution with a high molecular weight fraction of 1-20% based on the total polymer. This provides a nanostructured polymer with a molar mass above 5,000 g/mol and less than 1% gel content. The nano-coupling agent adds a high molecular weight component to the polymer while maintaining low gel content. The nanostructured polymer has better processing performance and compounded properties compared to conventional diene polymers.
17. Tire Tread Rubber Composition with Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes and Carbon Black via High Energy Irradiation
NANOHUB, 2010
Tire tread rubber composition with improved wear resistance and heat generation compared to conventional tread rubber compositions. The composition includes carbon nanotubes and carbon black functionalized with high energy, as well as a silane coupling agent. The carbon nanotubes and carbon black are functionalized using high energy irradiation to improve dispersion in the rubber matrix. The silane coupling agent further improves nanotube dispersion. This composition provides better wear resistance and reduced heat generation compared to using unfunctionalized carbon nanotubes.
18. Super Branched Polymer Grafted Inorganic Nano Powder for Engineering Tire Tread Rubber Compounds
SHANGHAI UNIVERSITY, UNIV SHANGHAI, 2009
Enhancing the adhesion properties of engineering tire tread rubber compounds using a super branched polymer modified nano powder. The method involves grafting a super branched polymer onto the surface of inorganic nano powder like aluminum oxide. This modification improves compatibility between the nano powder and rubber molecules, allowing better dispersion and processing of the powder in the rubber compound. The modified nano powder is then added to the tire tread rubber formulation to enhance adhesion performance in demanding off-road applications where the tire tread is subjected to harsh environments and loads.
19. Rubber Compound Incorporating Surfactant-Coated Inorganic Nanopowders for Enhanced Medium Resistance
SHANGHAI UNIVERSITY, UNIV SHANGHAI, 2009
Enhancing medium resistance of rubber compounds for off-road tires by using inorganic nanometer functional powders. The method involves coating the nanopowders with surfactants like sodium stearate to improve dispersion in the rubber matrix. The coated nanopowders are added to the rubber compound at low loadings to reinforce medium resistance against punctures, cuts, and abrasions. The coating prevents agglomeration and improves compatibility with the rubber molecules. The functionalized nanopowders provide better reinforcement compared to uncoated nanopowders, without compromising other rubber properties.
20. Pneumatic Tire Tread Compound with Carbon Nanotubes for Enhanced Thermal and Electrical Conductivity
CONTINENTAL AG, CONTINENTAL AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, 2009
A pneumatic tire tread compound that improves grip on snow and ice by using carbon nanotubes to increase thermal conductivity. The nanotubes allow heat to dissipate quickly from the tire contact patch, preventing excessive melting of the snow/ice and improving traction. The higher thermal conductivity of the compound helps prevent the formation of a thin water layer between the tire and surface, which is the main cause of low friction on snow/ice. The nanotubes also improve electrical conductivity of the compound.
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