Multi-Functional SSBR for Low Rolling Resistance Tire
With the advent of the recent era of electric vehicles, fuel efficiency and abrasion resistance of tires has become more important than ever. Solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene (f-SSBR) rubbers with multi-functionality in the polymer offer tremendous potential to improve rubber-silica compatibility and reduce the hysteresis of the composite. As expected, improved rubber filler interaction and filler dispersion significantly improved tire performance (abrasion resistance, wet grip and fuel efficiency). Reactive new functional groups (terminal modifiers and third monomers) chemically anchored at the chain of f-SSBR play an important role in tire performance. The tight polymer filler interaction between f-SSBR and silica lowers hysteresis during dynamic deformation and consequently improves tire fuel efficiency and abrasion resistance. This presentation will introduce the reaction mechanism and analysis results of f-SSBR and silica, as well as a study on the fifth generation f-SSBR performance of silica tires.
SPEAKER: Jae-young Ko, Principal Researcher, Kumho Petrochemical
Developments in Non-Metal Rubber Impregnated Cord Reinforcements for Tires
The non-plastic non-metal cords for tyres, based upon glass, aramid and carbon fibers are considered. Aramid cords are commonly dipped with RFL, leaving the middle of the strand not impregnated. Impregnation will cover every fiber with RFL. The fatigue life of dipped versus impregnated aramid cords is presented. Continuous cords can be used for belt reinforcements and can be used for rubber impregnated chopped strands. During mixing, the lengths break down to about 100-200µ and give directional reinforcement. The RFL treatment assures full incorporation and excellent distribution throughout the compound. The compound properties for different RICS are compared.
SPEAKER: Chris Stevens, Ph. D., Technical Director, NGF Europe, Ltd
Surface Enhancement of Tire Treads for Durability by Incorporation of Magnetic Particles by Electromagnetic Molds
The main cause of tire failure is the wearing away of tire tread as a result of friction from moving contact with road surfaces. Having tire treads that are worn away or beginning to wear away is a dangerous problem for all motorists. I propose to infuse high-strength magnetic particles onto the tread surfaces of tires to reduce micro tears and fibrillation leading to tread wear, while at the same time increasing the heat transfer and durability of the rubber. However, simply adding magnetic elements to the master batch of the various components that make a tire does not work. Such a method of magnetic element incorporation is inefficient, expensive and does not allow for the localization of the magnetic elements close to the surface of the tire tread. Therefore, I propose an electro-magnetized tire mold that holds magnetic particles and then applies these particles to the surfaces of the tire during the molding process. The addition of magnetic particles is accomplished by the following process steps: 1) The magnetic particles held by the electro-magnetized mold are brought into contact with the surface of the tread surface being molded; 2) The magnetism of the magnetized mold is eliminated, and; 3) It is withdrawn from contact with the surface of the tread, thereby leaving behind the magnetic particles on the tacky surface of the tread being molded at elevated temperature. The magnetic particles can be nickel or iron powders, their combinations, organic or mineral-based inorganic or carbonized particles rendered magnetic by nickel or iron coating.
SPEAKER: Erol Sancaktar, Ph. D., Professor, Polymer Engineering Department, University of Akron
Automation, Digitalization and AI for Material Development
The goal of this talk is to outline the benefits of utilizing automation and AI to improve material development in both R&D and production. As systems become more connected and Industry 4.0 becomes prevalent in all aspects of manufacturing it is important to begin to look at how these new technologies can be implemented in R&D/production labs. Throughout this talk we will begin by first introducing automation, Industry 4.0, AI and what all these terms meet. Following this review, the next part of the presentation will show how all these aspects are being implemented today and what is currently being worked on across the industry. By the end of this talk, with a base of understanding of Industry 4.0 and examples to accompany it, the goal is to have everyone in the audience thinking about new ways to implement these new technologies to improve all aspects of material development.
SPEAKER: Khaled Boqaileh, CEO, LabsCubed Inc.