EP2925539A1 - Vehicle tire having tread comprising a heat-expandable rubber composition - Google Patents

Vehicle tire having tread comprising a heat-expandable rubber composition

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Publication number
EP2925539A1
EP2925539A1 EP13798297.1A EP13798297A EP2925539A1 EP 2925539 A1 EP2925539 A1 EP 2925539A1 EP 13798297 A EP13798297 A EP 13798297A EP 2925539 A1 EP2925539 A1 EP 2925539A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
phr
acid
bandage according
tire
rubber composition
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP13798297.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Boyong XUE
Salvatore Pagano
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Michelin Recherche et Technique SA Switzerland
Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA
Michelin Recherche et Technique SA France
Original Assignee
Michelin Recherche et Technique SA Switzerland
Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA
Michelin Recherche et Technique SA France
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Michelin Recherche et Technique SA Switzerland, Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA, Michelin Recherche et Technique SA France filed Critical Michelin Recherche et Technique SA Switzerland
Publication of EP2925539A1 publication Critical patent/EP2925539A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60CVEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C1/00Tyres characterised by the chemical composition or the physical arrangement or mixture of the composition
    • B60C1/0016Compositions of the tread
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J9/00Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof
    • C08J9/0014Use of organic additives
    • C08J9/0023Use of organic additives containing oxygen
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J9/00Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof
    • C08J9/0061Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof characterized by the use of several polymeric components
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J9/00Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof
    • C08J9/0066Use of inorganic compounding ingredients
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J9/00Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof
    • C08J9/0066Use of inorganic compounding ingredients
    • C08J9/0071Nanosized fillers, i.e. having at least one dimension below 100 nanometers
    • C08J9/008Nanoparticles
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J9/00Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof
    • C08J9/0095Mixtures of at least two compounding ingredients belonging to different one-dot groups
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J9/00Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof
    • C08J9/04Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof using blowing gases generated by a previously added blowing agent
    • C08J9/06Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof using blowing gases generated by a previously added blowing agent by a chemical blowing agent
    • C08J9/08Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materials; After-treatment thereof using blowing gases generated by a previously added blowing agent by a chemical blowing agent developing carbon dioxide
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J2201/00Foams characterised by the foaming process
    • C08J2201/02Foams characterised by the foaming process characterised by mechanical pre- or post-treatments
    • C08J2201/026Crosslinking before of after foaming
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J2203/00Foams characterized by the expanding agent
    • C08J2203/02CO2-releasing, e.g. NaHCO3 and citric acid
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J2307/00Characterised by the use of natural rubber
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J2309/00Characterised by the use of homopolymers or copolymers of conjugated diene hydrocarbons
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J2319/00Characterised by the use of rubbers not provided for in groups C08J2307/00 - C08J2317/00
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J2407/00Characterised by the use of natural rubber
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J2409/00Characterised by the use of homopolymers or copolymers of conjugated diene hydrocarbons
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J2419/00Characterised by the use of rubbers not provided for in groups C08J2407/00 - C08J2417/00

Definitions

  • the invention relates to rubber compositions used as tire treads, pneumatic or non-pneumatic, for vehicles, in particular "winter” tires able to roll on floors covered with ice or ice without being provided with nails (also called “studless” bandages).
  • It relates more particularly to vehicle tires, especially winter tires, the tread of which is specifically adapted for driving under conditions called “dry ice” or “cold ice” corresponding to a temperature range typically below -5. ° C., while also satisfying the so-called “melting ice” conditions encountered in a temperature range of between -5 ° C. and 0 ° C., a range in which, in a known manner, the pressure of the tires at the passage of the vehicle causes a melting superficial ice which is covered with a thin film of water harmful to the adhesion of these bandages.
  • water-soluble powders include, for example, the use of cellulose powder, PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) or starch, powders of guar gum or xanthan gum, or powder magnesium or potassium sulphate (see, for example, patent applications JP 3-159803, JP 2002-211203, WO 2008/080750, WO 2008/080751, WO 2010/009850, WO 2011/073188, WO 2011/086061, WO 2012/052331, WO 2012/085063). These microparticles are however not adapted to the conditions of running on a dry ice.
  • the present invention relates to a tire whose tread comprises, in the unvulcanized state, a heat-expandable rubber composition comprising at least one diene elastomer, more than 50 phr of a reinforcing filler, between 2 and 60 phr of microparticles of water-soluble metal salt powder, between 2 and 25 phr of an expansion agent and between 2 and 25 phr of a hot-melt compound whose melting point is between 60 ° C. and 220 ° C.
  • the invention also relates to a bandage in the vulcanized state obtained after firing (vulcanization) of the green tire according to the invention as described above.
  • the bandages of the invention are particularly intended for equipping tourism-type motor vehicles, including 4x4 vehicles (four-wheel drive) and SUV vehicles ("Sport Utility Vehicles"), two-wheeled vehicles (including motorcycles) as vehicles.
  • industrial vehicles chosen in particular from vans and "heavy goods vehicles” (ie, metro, buses, road transport vehicles such as trucks, tractors).
  • any range of values designated by the expression “between a and b” represents the range of values greater than “a” and less than “b” (i.e., terminals a and b excluded). while any range of values designated by the term “from a to b” means the range of values from “a” to "b” (i.e. including the strict limits a and b).
  • the bandage of the invention therefore has the essential characteristic that its tread, in the uncured state, comprises a heat-expandable rubber composition (at least for the upper part of the tread which comes into direct contact with the tread).
  • the surface of the road comprising at least:
  • elastomer or rubber, the two terms being synonymous
  • dienes monomers carrying two double bonds carbon - carbon, conjugated or not
  • the diene elastomers can be classified in known manner into two categories: those known as “essentially unsaturated” and those known as “essentially saturated”. Butyl rubbers, as well as, for example, copolymers of dienes and alpha-olefins of the EPDM type, fall into the category of essentially saturated diene elastomers, having a level of diene origin units which is low or very low, always less than 15% (mole%).
  • essentially unsaturated diene elastomer is understood to mean a diene elastomer derived at least in part from conjugated diene monomers having a proportion of units or units of diene origin (conjugated dienes) which is greater than 15% (mol%). .
  • diene elastomers are understood to mean, in particular, "highly unsaturated” diene elastomer, a diene elastomer having a content of units of diene origin (conjugated dienes) which is greater than 50%. It is preferred to use at least one diene elastomer of the highly unsaturated type, in particular a diene elastomer chosen from the group consisting of natural rubber (NR), synthetic polyisoprenes (IR), polybutadienes (BR) and butadiene copolymers, copolymers of isoprene and mixtures of these elastomers.
  • NR natural rubber
  • IR synthetic polyisoprenes
  • BR polybutadienes
  • butadiene copolymers copolymers of isoprene and mixtures of these elastomers.
  • Such copolymers are more preferably selected from the group consisting of butadiene-styrene copolymers (SBR), isoprene-butadiene copolymers (BIR), isoprene-styrene copolymers (SIR), isoprene-copolymers of butadiene-styrene (SBIR) and mixtures of such copolymers.
  • SBR butadiene-styrene copolymers
  • BIR isoprene-butadiene copolymers
  • SIR isoprene-styrene copolymers
  • SBIR isoprene-copolymers of butadiene-styrene
  • the elastomers can be for example block, statistical, sequenced, microsequenced, and be prepared in dispersion or in solution; they may be coupled and / or starred or functionalized with a coupling agent and / or starring or functionalization.
  • a coupling agent for example, there may be mentioned for example functional groups comprising a C-Sn bond or amino functional groups such as benzophenone for example;
  • a reinforcing inorganic filler such as silica mention may be made, for example, of silanol or polysiloxane functional groups having a silanol end (as described, for example, in US Pat. No.
  • alkoxysilane groups as described, for example, in US 5,977,238), carboxylic groups (as described, for example, in US 6,815,473 or US 2006/0089445) or polyether groups (as described for example in US 6,503,973).
  • elastomers such as SBR, BR, NR or IR of the epoxidized type.
  • Polybutadienes and in particular those having a content of 1,2-units of between 4% and 80%, or those having a cis-1,4 content of greater than 80%, the polyisoprenes and the butadiene copolymers, are preferably used.
  • styrene and in particular those having a styrene content of between 5% and 50% by weight and more particularly between 20% and 40%, a 1,2-butadiene content of the butadiene part of between 4% and > and 65%>, a content of trans-1,4 bonds of between 20%> and 80%>, butadiene-isoprene copolymers and in particular those having an isoprene content of between 5% and 90% by weight and a glass transition temperature ("Tg" - measured according to ASTM D3418-82) from -40 ° C to -80 ° C, isoprene-styrene copolymers and in particular those having a styrene content between 5%> and 50%> in weight and a Tg between -25 ° C and -50 ° C.
  • Tg glass transition temperature
  • butadiene-styrene-isoprene copolymers those having a styrene content of between 5% and 50% by weight and more particularly of between 10% and 40%, and an isoprene content of between 15%, are especially suitable.
  • the diene elastomer is chosen from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprenes and polybutadienes having a cis-1,4 bond ratio greater than 90%, butadiene-styrene copolymers and mixtures of these elastomers.
  • the heat-expandable rubber composition comprises 50 to 100 phr of natural rubber or of synthetic polyisoprene, said synthetic rubber or synthetic polyisoprene can be used in particular in blending (mixing) with at most 50 phr of a polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 bond ratio greater than 90%.
  • the heat-expandable rubber composition comprises 50 to 100 phr of a polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 bond ratio greater than 90%, said polybutadiene being able to be used in particular in cutting with not more than 50 phr of natural rubber or synthetic polyisoprene.
  • the diene elastomers of the treads according to the invention could be associated, in a minor amount, synthetic elastomers other than diene, or even polymers other than elastomers, for example thermoplastic polymers.
  • Any known filler for its ability to reinforce a rubber composition is usable, for example an organic filler such as carbon black, or an inorganic filler such as silica to which is associated in a known manner a coupling agent.
  • Such a charge preferably consists of nanoparticles whose average size (in mass) is less than one micrometer, generally less than 500 nm, most often between 20 and 200 nm, in particular and more preferably between 20 and 150 nm.
  • the content of total reinforcing filler is between 50 and 150 phr.
  • a content equal to or greater than 50 phr is favorable for good mechanical strength; beyond 150 phr, there is a risk of excessive rigidity of the rubber layer.
  • the total reinforcing filler content is more preferably within a range of 70 to 120 phr.
  • Suitable carbon blacks are, for example, all the carbon blacks which are conventionally used in tires (so-called pneumatic grade blacks) such as blacks of the series 100, 200, 300 (ASTM grades), for example blacks NI 15, NI 34, N234, N326, N330, N339, N347, N375.
  • the carbon blacks could for example already be incorporated into the diene elastomer, in particular isoprenic elastomer, in the form of a masterbatch (see, for example, applications WO 97/36724 or WO 99/16600).
  • organic fillers other than carbon blacks mention may be made of functionalized polyvinyl organic fillers as described in applications WO-A-2006/069792 and WO-A-2006/069793, WO-A-2008/003434. and WO-A-2008/003435.
  • Reinforcing inorganic filler means any inorganic or mineral filler, irrespective of its color and origin (natural or synthetic), also called “white” filler, “clear” filler or even “non-black filler” "As opposed to carbon black, capable of reinforcing on its own, with no other means than an intermediate coupling agent, a rubber composition for the manufacture of tires, in other words able to replace, in its function of reinforcement, a conventional carbon black of pneumatic grade; such a filler is generally characterized, in known manner, by the presence of hydroxyl groups (-OH) on its surface.
  • -OH hydroxyl groups
  • Suitable reinforcing inorganic fillers are mineral fillers of the siliceous type, in particular silica (SiO 2 ).
  • the silica used may be any reinforcing silica known to those skilled in the art, in particular any precipitated or fumed silica having a BET surface and a CTAB specific surface both less than 450 m 2 / g, preferably from 30 to 400 m 2 / g, especially between 60 and 300 m 2 / g.
  • HDS highly dispersible precipitated silicas
  • the majority filler used is a reinforcing inorganic filler, in particular silica, at a level within a range from 70 to 120 phr, reinforcing inorganic filler to which may be added advantageously carbon black at a minority rate at most equal to 15 phr, in particular in a range from 1 to 10 phr.
  • an at least bifunctional coupling agent (or bonding agent) is used in a well-known manner to ensure a sufficient chemical and / or physical connection between the inorganic filler (surface of its particles) and the diene elastomer.
  • organosilanes or at least bifunctional polyorganosiloxanes are used.
  • polysulfide silanes, called “symmetrical” or “asymmetrical” silanes according to their particular structure, are used, as described for example in the applications WO03 / 002648 (or US 2005/016651) and WO03 / 002649 (or US 2005/016650).
  • polysulphide silanes having the following general formula (I) are not suitable for the following definition:
  • x is an integer of 2 to 8 (preferably 2 to 5);
  • the symbols A which are identical or different, represent a divalent hydrocarbon group (preferably an alkylene Ci-Cig or an arylene group C 6 -C 2, more particularly alkylene Ci-Cio, in particular C 1 -C 4 , especially propylene);
  • the radicals R 1 which may be substituted or unsubstituted, which are identical to or different from one another, represent a Ci-C18 alkyl, C 5 -C 8 cycloalkyl or C 6 -C 18 aryl group (preferably C 1 -C 8 alkyl groups); C 6 , cyclohexyl or phenyl, especially C 1 -C 4 alkyl groups, more particularly methyl and / or ethyl).
  • the radicals R 2 substituted or unsubstituted, identical or different, represent an alkoxy group or Ci-Ci 8 cycloalkoxy, C 5 -C 8 (preferably a group selected from alkoxyls Cg and C cycloalkoxyls 5 -C 8 , more preferably still a group selected from C 1 -C 4 alkoxyls, in particular methoxyl and ethoxyl).
  • silane polysulfides are more particularly the bis (mono, trisulfide or tetrasulfide) of bis (alkoxyl (Ci-C 4) alkyl (Ci-C 4) alkyl silyl (Ci-C 4 )), such as polysulfides of bis (3-trimethoxysilylpropyl) or bis (3-triethoxysilylpropyl).
  • TESPT bis (3-triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide
  • TESPD bis (3-triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide
  • TESPD bis-disulfide ( triethoxysilylpropyl)
  • polysulfides in particular disulfides, trisulphides or tetrasulphides
  • bis-monoethoxydimethylsilylpropyl tetrasulfide such as described in the aforementioned patent application WO 02/083782 (or US Pat. No. 7,217,751).
  • silanes carrying at least one thiol function (-SH) (called mercaptosilanes) and / or of at least one blocked thiol function, as described for example in patents or patent applications US 6,849,754, WO 99/09036, WO 2006/023815, WO 2007/098080.
  • the rubber compositions preferably comprise between 2 and 15 phr, more preferably between 3 and 12 phr of coupling agent.
  • microparticles of metal salt powder hydroso fad Another essential feature of the rubber composition of the tire tread of the invention is that it comprises between 2 and 60 phr of water-soluble metal salt powder microparticles.
  • microparticles is meant by definition and generally particles whose size (ie, diameter or the largest dimension in the case of anisometric particles) is micrometric, that is to say, whose median size (expressed by weight ) is between 1 ⁇ and 1 mm.
  • the median size is between 2 ⁇ and 800 ⁇ , more preferably between 3 and 600 ⁇ .
  • the intended technical effect namely the creation of a suitable micro-roughness
  • the intended technical effect may be insufficient
  • the microparticles have a median size of between 5 and 500 ⁇ , in particular in a range of 5 to 200 ⁇ . This area of particularly preferred size seems to correspond to an optimized compromise between on the one hand the desired surface roughness and on the other hand a good contact between the rubber composition and the ice.
  • the level of microparticles is preferably between 5 and 50 phr, more preferably in a range of 10 to 40 phr.
  • the water-soluble salt is chosen from the group consisting of chlorides, carbonates (including in particular hydroxycarbonates, bicarbonates), sulphates and mixtures of such salts. Even more preferentially, the salt chosen is a sulphate.
  • the metal of the metal salt is an alkali or alkaline earth metal, more preferentially selected from the group consisting of sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and mixtures of such metals. More preferably still, the metal is magnesium or potassium.
  • a magnesium sulphate or a potassium sulphate or a mixture of these two salts is used; such metal salts are known, they have been described in particular in the aforementioned patent applications WO 2010/009850, WO 2011/073188, WO 2011/086061, WO 2012/052331, WO 2012/085063. It will be possible more particularly to use microparticles of magnesium sulfate with a narrow size distribution as described in application WO 2012/052331 or potassium sulfate microparticles as described in application WO2012 / 085063.
  • blowing agent in English
  • a blowing agent is a thermally decomposable compound, intended to release during a thermal activation, for example during the vulcanization of the bandage, a significant amount of gas (for example nitrogen or carbon dioxide) and thus lead to the formation of bubbles.
  • gas for example nitrogen or carbon dioxide
  • chemical expansion agents of the endothermic or exothermic type.
  • chemical expansion agents are used, more preferably exothermic chemical expansion agents, for example diazo, dinitroso, hydrazide, carbazide, semi-carbazide, tetrazole, carbonate or citrate compounds, as they have been used. described especially in the aforementioned application WO 2011/064128.
  • the blowing agent preferably used is a carbonate or hydrogencarbonate, in particular a carbonate or hydrogencarbonate (also called bicarbonate) of sodium (Na), potassium (K) or ammonium (NH 4 ). More preferably, it is a carbonate selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogencarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium hydrogencarbonate, and mixtures of such carbonates (including, of course, their hydrated forms) .
  • a carbonate or hydrogencarbonate also called bicarbonate
  • it is a carbonate selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogencarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium hydrogencarbonate, and mixtures of such carbonates (including, of course, their hydrated forms) .
  • Such an expansion agent has the advantage of only releasing carbon dioxide and water during its decomposition; it is therefore particularly favorable to the environment. Hydrogen carbonate or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3) is particularly used.
  • the content of this blowing agent is between 5 and 25 phr, more preferably between 8 and 20 phr.
  • An essential characteristic of the invention is to add to the previously described blowing agent a hot-melt compound whose melting temperature is between 60 ° C and 220 ° C, preferably between 100 ° C and 200 ° C, more preferably between 120 ° C and 180 ° C.
  • the content of this hot-melt compound is between 2 and 25 phr, preferably between 2 and 20 phr, especially between 2 and 15 phr. Its function is to turn into a liquid in the specific temperature range indicated above, before or at the moment when the blowing agent thermally decomposes and releases gas bubbles.
  • any compound having a melting temperature in the areas indicated above is likely to be suitable.
  • the rubber additives known to those skilled in the art may be used as being compatible, both in their form (for example in powder form) and by their chemical nature, with conventional rubber compositions for bandages.
  • thermoplastic polymers such as polyethylene or polypropylene
  • thermoplastic hydrocarbon plasticizing resins with a high glass transition temperature (Tg) whose melting temperature (or what is considered equivalent here, the softening temperature measured for example according to the known "Ring and Bail” method - ISO 4625 standard ) is included in the above fields
  • Tg glass transition temperature
  • urea or a thermofusible derivative of urea such compounds have been described in more detail in the aforementioned application WO 2011/064128.
  • Melting temperature is a well-known basic physical constant (available for example in "Handbook of Chemistry and Physics") of hot melt compounds, organic or inorganic; it can be controlled by any known method, for example by the Thiele method, the Kofler bench method or by DSC analysis.
  • the hot melt compound preferably used is a carboxylic acid. Any carboxylic acid having a melting temperature between 60 ° C and 220 ° C (so solid at 23 ° C), preferably between 100 ° C and 200 ° C, in particular between 120 ° C and 180 ° C, is likely to be suitable.
  • this carboxylic acid has the function of chemically activating (ie, by chemical reaction) the blowing agent which, during its thermal decomposition, will release much more gas bubbles (C0 2 and H 2 0) than if it was used alone.
  • the pKa (Ka acid constant) of the carboxylic acid is greater than 1, more preferably between 2.5 and 12, in particular between 3 and 10.
  • the carboxylic acid comprises, along its hydrocarbon chain, from 2 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably from 4 to 20 carbon atoms.
  • the aliphatic monoacids preferably comprise, along their hydrocarbon chain, at least 16 carbon atoms; mention may be made, for example, of palmitic acid (Cl 6), stearic acid (Cl 8), nonadecanoic acid (Cl 9), behenic acid (C 20) and their various mixtures.
  • the aliphatic diacids preferably comprise, along their hydrocarbon chain, from 2 to 10 carbon atoms; mention may be made, for example, of oxalic acid (C2), malonic acid (C3), succinic acid (C4), glutaric acid (C5), adipic acid (C6), pimellic acid (C7), suberic acid (C8), azelaic acid (C9), sebacic acid (C10) and their various mixtures.
  • aromatic monoacid there may be mentioned for example benzoic acid.
  • the acids having functional groups may be monoacids, diacids or triacids, of the aliphatic type as aromatic; examples that may be mentioned include tartaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, glycolic acid, ⁇ -ketoglutaric acid, salicylic acid, phthalic acid or citric acid; .
  • the carboxylic acid is chosen from the group consisting of palmitic acid, stearic acid, nonadecanoic acid, behenic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimellic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, benzoic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, glycolic acid, ⁇ -ketoglutaric acid, salicylic acid, phthalic acid, citric acid and mixtures of these acids.
  • the carboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of malic acid, ⁇ -ketoglutaric acid, citric acid, stearic acid and mixtures thereof. More preferably still, citric acid, stearic acid or a mixture of these two acids is used.
  • the total amount of blowing agent (in particular of carbonate or hydrogencarbonate) and of hot-melt compound (in particular of carboxylic acid) is greater than 10 phr, preferably between 10 and 40 phr. This total amount is more preferably greater than 15 phr, in particular between 15 and 40 phr. 4.5.
  • blowing agent in particular of carbonate or hydrogencarbonate
  • hot-melt compound in particular of carboxylic acid
  • the heat-expandable rubber composition may also comprise all or part of the usual additives normally used in tread rubber compositions, such as, for example, protective agents such as anti-ozone waxes, chemical antiozonants, anti-oxidants , plasticizing agents, reinforcing resins, a crosslinking system based on either sulfur, or sulfur and / or peroxide and / or bismaleimide donors, vulcanization accelerators, vulcanization activators.
  • protective agents such as anti-ozone waxes, chemical antiozonants, anti-oxidants , plasticizing agents, reinforcing resins, a crosslinking system based on either sulfur, or sulfur and / or peroxide and / or bismaleimide donors, vulcanization accelerators, vulcanization activators.
  • thermo-expandable rubber composition also comprises a liquid plasticizer (at 20 ° C) whose function is to soften the matrix by diluting the diene elastomer and the reinforcing filler; its Tg (glass transition temperature) is by definition less than -20 ° C, preferably less than -40 ° C.
  • this liquid plasticizer is used at a relatively low level, such that the weight ratio reinforcing filler on liquid plasticizer is greater than 2.0, more preferably greater than 2.5, especially greater than 3.0.
  • any extender oil whether aromatic or non-aromatic, any liquid plasticizer known for its plasticizing properties vis-à-vis diene elastomers, is usable.
  • these plasticizers or these oils are liquids (that is to say, as a reminder, substances having the capacity to eventually take on the shape of their container) , in contrast to, in particular, hydrocarbon plasticizing resins which are inherently solid at room temperature.
  • liquid plasticizers selected from the group consisting of naphthenic oils (low or high viscosity, including hydrogenated or not), paraffinic oils, MES oils (Medium Extracted Solvates), oils DAE (Distillate Aromatic Extracts), Treated Distillate Aromatic Extracts (TDAE) oils, Residual Aromatic Extract oils (RAE), Treated Residual Aromatic Extract (TREE) oils, Safety Residual Aromatic Extract oils (S RAE), mineral oils, vegetable oils, ethers plasticizers, ester plasticizers, phosphate plasticizers, sulphonate plasticizers and mixtures of these compounds.
  • the liquid plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of MES oils, TDAE oils, naphthenic oils, vegetable oils and mixtures of these oils.
  • phosphate plasticizers for example, mention may be made of those containing from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, for example trioctyl phosphate.
  • ester plasticizers mention may be made in particular of compounds selected from the group consisting of trimellitates, pyromellitates, phthalates, 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylates, adipates, azelates, sebacates, glycerol and mixtures of these compounds.
  • glycerol triesters preferably consisting predominantly (for more than 50%, more preferably more than 80% by weight) of an unsaturated fatty acid Ci 8 is that is to say selected from the group consisting of oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid and mixtures of these acids. More preferably, whether of synthetic or natural origin (for example vegetable oils of sunflower or rapeseed), the fatty acid used is more than 50% by weight, more preferably still more than 80% by weight. % by weight of oleic acid.
  • Such triesters (trioleates) with high oleic acid content are well known, they have been described for example in the application WO 02/088238, as plasticizers in bandage treads.
  • the rubber composition according to the invention may also comprise, as a solid plasticizer (at 23 ° C.), a plasticizing hydrocarbon resin having a Tg greater than + 20 ° C., preferably greater than + 30 ° C, as described for example in the applications WO 2005/087859, WO 2006/061064 or WO 2007/017060.
  • a solid plasticizer at 23 ° C.
  • a plasticizing hydrocarbon resin having a Tg greater than + 20 ° C., preferably greater than + 30 ° C, as described for example in the applications WO 2005/087859, WO 2006/061064 or WO 2007/017060.
  • Hydrocarbon resins are polymers that are well known to those skilled in the art, essentially based on carbon and hydrogen, and therefore inherently miscible in diene (s) elastomer compositions when they are further qualified as "plasticisers". ". They may be aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic / aromatic type that is to say based on aliphatic and / or aromatic monomers. They may be natural or synthetic, whether or not based on petroleum (if this is the case, also known as resins of oil). They are preferably exclusively hydrocarbon-based, that is to say they contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms.
  • the plasticizing hydrocarbon resin has at least one, more preferably all, of the following characteristics: a Tg greater than 20 ° C (more preferably between 40 and 100 ° C);
  • Mn a number-average molecular weight (Mn) of between 400 and 2000 g / mol (more preferentially between 500 and 1500 g / mol);
  • the Tg of this resin is measured in a known manner by DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), according to the ASTM D3418 standard.
  • the macrostructure (Mw, Mn and Ip) of the hydrocarbon resin is determined by steric exclusion chromatography (SEC): tetrahydroiurane solvent; temperature 35 ° C; concentration 1 g / 1; flow rate 1 ml / min; filtered solution on 0.45 ⁇ porosity filter before injection; Moore calibration with polystyrene standards; set of 3 "WATERS" columns in series (“STYRAGEL” HR4E, HR1 and HR0.5); differential refractometer detection ("WATERS 2410") and its associated operating software (“WATERS EMPOWER”).
  • the plasticizing hydrocarbon resin is chosen from the group consisting of cyclopentadiene homopolymer or copolymer resins (abbreviated to CPD), dicyclopentadiene homopolymer or copolymer resins (abbreviated to DCPD), terpene homopolymer or copolymer resins, homopolymer or C5 cut copolymer resins, homopolymer or C9 cut copolymer resins, alpha-methyl-styrene homopolymer or copolymer resins and mixtures thereof. resins.
  • CPD cyclopentadiene homopolymer or copolymer resins
  • DCPD dicyclopentadiene homopolymer or copolymer resins
  • terpene homopolymer or copolymer resins homopolymer or C5 cut copolymer resins
  • homopolymer or C9 cut copolymer resins homopolymer or C9 cut copolymer resins
  • copolymer resins are more preferably used those selected from the group consisting of (D) CPD / vinylaromatic copolymer resins, (D) CPD / terpene copolymer resins, copolymer resins (D) CPD / C5 cut, (D) CPD / C9 cut copolymer resins, terpene / vinylaromatic copolymer resins, terpene / phenol copolymer resins, C5 / vinylaromatic cut copolymer resins, C9 / vinylaromatic cut copolymer resins, and mixtures of these resins.
  • pene here combines in a known manner the alpha-pinene, beta-pinene and limonene monomers; preferably, a limonene monomer is used which is in a known manner in the form of three possible isomers: L-limonene (laevorotatory enantiomer), D-limonene (dextrorotatory enantiomer), or the dipentene, racemic of the dextrorotatory and levorotatory enantiomers. .
  • vinylaromatic monomer are suitable for styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, ortho-, meta-, para-methylstyrene, vinyltoluene, para-tert-butylstyrene, methoxystyrenes, chlorostyrenes, hydroxystyrenes, vinylmesitylene, divinylbenzene, vinylnaphthalene and the like.
  • any vinylaromatic monomer from a C 9 cut (or more generally from a C 8 to C 10 cut).
  • the vinyl-aromatic compound is styrene or a vinylaromatic monomer derived from a C 9 cut (or more generally from a C 8 to C 10 cut).
  • the vinylaromatic compound is the minor monomer, expressed as a mole fraction, in the copolymer under consideration.
  • the content of hydrocarbon resin is preferably between 3 and 60 phr, more preferably between 3 and 40 phr, especially between 5 and 30 phr.
  • reinforcing resins eg acceptors and donors of methylene
  • the heat-expandable rubber composition may also contain coupling enhancers when a coupling agent is used, inorganic filler recovery agents when an inorganic filler is used, or more generally, bleaching agents.
  • implementation likely in a known manner, through an improvement of the dispersion of the load in the rubber matrix and a lowering of the viscosity of the compositions, to improve their processability in the green state; these agents are for example hydroxysilanes or hydrolysable silanes such as alkyl-alkoxysilanes, polyols, polyethers, amines, hydroxylated or hydrolysable polyorganosiloxanes.
  • the rubber compositions are manufactured in suitable mixers, for example using three successive preparation phases according to a general procedure known to those skilled in the art: a first phase of work or thermomechanical mixing (sometimes referred to as a "non-productive" phase ) at a high temperature, up to a maximum temperature between 130 ° C and 200 ° C, preferably between 145 ° C and 185 ° C, followed by a second phase (non-productive) at lower temperature (preferably less than 100 ° C) during which the blowing agent is incorporated, and finally a third phase of mechanical work (sometimes referred to as a "productive" phase) at low temperature, typically less than 120 ° C, for example between 60 ° C and 100 ° C, finishing phase during which is incorporated the crosslinking system or vulcanization.
  • a first phase of work or thermomechanical mixing (sometimes referred to as a "non-productive" phase ) at a high temperature, up to a maximum temperature between 130 ° C and 200 ° C, preferably between 145
  • a process that can be used for the manufacture of such rubber compositions comprises, for example, and preferably the following steps: incorporating in a mixer, at least one of the elastomer or elastomer mixture, at least the reinforcing filler, the microparticles of metal salt powder water-soluble, the hot-melt compound, optional optional additives, by thermomechanically kneading the whole, in one or more times, until a maximum temperature of between 130 ° C and 200 ° C; cool the assembly to a temperature below 100 ° C;
  • thermomechanical work falling and cooling of the mixture thus obtained, a second (non-productive) phase of thermomechanical work is then conducted in the same internal mixer, during which phase the blowing agent is incorporated at a more moderate temperature. (eg 60 ° C), to reach a maximum temperature of fall below 100 ° C.
  • the low temperature crosslinking system is then incorporated, usually in an external mixer such as a roll mill; the whole is then mixed (productive phase) for a few minutes, for example between 5 and 15 min.
  • the actual crosslinking system is preferably based on sulfur and a primary vulcanization accelerator, in particular a sulfenamide type accelerator.
  • a primary vulcanization accelerator in particular a sulfenamide type accelerator.
  • various known secondary accelerators or vulcanization activators such as zinc oxide, stearic acid, guanidine derivatives (especially diphenylguanidine), etc.
  • the sulfur content is preferably between 0.5 and 5 phr, that of the primary accelerator is preferably between 0.5 and 8 phr.
  • accelerator any compound capable of acting as accelerator for vulcanization of diene elastomers in the presence of sulfur, in particular thiazole-type accelerators and their derivatives, accelerators of the thiuram type, zinc dithiocarbamates.
  • accelerators are for example chosen in the group consisting of 2-mercaptobenzothiazyl disulfide (abbreviated as "MBTS”), tetrabenzylthiuram disulfide (“TBZTD”), N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazyl sulfenamide (“CBS”), N, N-dicyclohexyl-2-benzothiazyl sulfenamide ( “DCBS”), N-tert-butyl-2-benzothiazylsulfenamide (“TBBS”), N-tert-butyl-2-benzothiazylsulfenimide (“TBSI”), zinc dibenzyldithiocarbamate (“ZBEC”) and mixtures thereof. compounds.
  • MBTS 2-mercaptobenzothiazyl disulfide
  • TBZTD tetrabenzylthiuram disulfide
  • CBS N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazyl s
  • a carboxylic acid is used as a hot-melt compound, the latter having the effect of reducing the induction time (that is to say the time required for the beginning of the vulcanization reaction) during the baking of the composition it is advantageous to use a vulcanization retarder to counteract this phenomenon, and thus to provide the rubber composition with the time necessary for complete expansion prior to vulcanization.
  • the level of this vulcanization retarder is preferably between 0.5 and 10 phr, more preferably between 1 and 5 phr, in particular between 1 and 3 phr. Vulcanization retarders are well known to those skilled in the art.
  • N-cyclohexylthiophthalimide sold under the name "Vulkalent G” by the company Lanxess
  • N- (trichloromethylthio) benzenesulfonamide sold under the name "Vulkalent E / C” by Lanxess
  • phthalic anhydride sold under the name "Vulkalent B / C” by Lanxess
  • N-cyclohexylthiophthalimide abbreviated as "CTP" is used.
  • the final composition thus obtained is then calendered, for example in the form of a sheet or a plate, in particular for a characterization in the laboratory, or else calendered or extruded in the form of a heat-expandable tread.
  • the density or density denoted Di of the heat-expandable rubber composition is preferably between 1, 100 and 1, 400 g / cm 3 , more preferably in a range from 1.50 to 1. 350 g / cm 3 .
  • the vulcanization (or cooking) is conducted in a known manner at a temperature generally between 130 ° C and 200 ° C, for a sufficient time which may vary for example between 5 and 90 min depending in particular on the cooking temperature, the system of vulcanization adopted and the kinetics of vulcanization of the composition under consideration. It is during this vulcanization step that the blowing agent will release a significant amount of gas, lead to bubble formation in the foam rubber composition and eventually expand.
  • the density denoted D 2 of the rubber composition once expanded is preferably between 0.700 to 1.000 g / cm 3 , more preferably within a range of 0.750 to 0.950 g / cm 3 .
  • Its volume expansion rate T E (expressed in%) is preferably between 25% and 75% o, more preferably in a range of 30 to 60%>, this expansion rate T E being calculated in a known manner from densities Di and D 2 above, as follows:
  • T E [(D 1 / D 2 ) - 1] x 100.
  • the rubber composition thus formulated offers the bandages of the invention a very good adhesion on ice, both on dry ice and on melting ice.

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle tire, in particular a tire for winter, the tread of which comprises a rubber composition that is heat-expandable in the non-vulcanized state, and expanded in the vulcanized state; said composition, when in the non-vulcanized state, comprises at least one diene elastomer such as natural and/or polybutadiene rubber, more than 50 pce of a reinforcing filler, such as silica or carbon black, 2 to 60 pce in microparticles of a hydrosoluble metal salt powder, such as magnesium or potassium sulfate microparticles, 2 to 25 pce of an expansion agent, such as sodium or potassium (hydrogen) carbonate, and 2 to 25 pce of a hot-melt compound having a melting temperature of 60°C to 220°C, such as citric acid, for example. The combined use of said various compounds, at the anticipated rates, enables good adhesion to both dry ice and melting ice.

Description

BANDAGE POUR VÉHICULE DONT LA BANDE DE ROULEMENT COMPORTE UNE COMPOSITION DE CAOUTCHOUC THERMO-EXPANSIBLE  VEHICLE BANDAGE WITH TREAD BAND COMPRISING THERMO-EXPANDABLE RUBBER COMPOSITION
1. DOMAINE DE L'INVENTION 1. DOMAIN OF THE INVENTION
L'invention est relative aux compositions caoutchouteuses utilisées comme bandes de roulement de bandages, pneumatiques ou non-pneumatiques, pour véhicules, en particulier de bandages « hiver » aptes à rouler sur des sols recouverts de glace ou verglas sans être pourvus de clous (aussi appelés bandages "studless"). The invention relates to rubber compositions used as tire treads, pneumatic or non-pneumatic, for vehicles, in particular "winter" tires able to roll on floors covered with ice or ice without being provided with nails (also called "studless" bandages).
Elle est plus particulièrement relative aux bandages pour véhicule, notamment bandages hiver, dont la bande de roulement est spécifiquement adaptée à un roulage sous des conditions dites de "glace sèche" ou "glace froide" correspondant à un domaine de températures typiquement inférieures à -5°C, tout en satisfaisant aussi aux conditions dites de "glace fondante" rencontrées dans un domaine de températures comprises entre -5°C et 0°C, domaine dans lequel de manière connue, la pression des bandages au passage du véhicule provoque une fusion superficielle de la glace qui se recouvre d'un mince film d'eau nuisible à l'adhérence de ces bandages. It relates more particularly to vehicle tires, especially winter tires, the tread of which is specifically adapted for driving under conditions called "dry ice" or "cold ice" corresponding to a temperature range typically below -5. ° C., while also satisfying the so-called "melting ice" conditions encountered in a temperature range of between -5 ° C. and 0 ° C., a range in which, in a known manner, the pressure of the tires at the passage of the vehicle causes a melting superficial ice which is covered with a thin film of water harmful to the adhesion of these bandages.
2. ETAT DE LA TECHNIQUE Pour éviter les effets néfastes des clous, notamment leur forte action abrasive sur le revêtement du sol lui-même et un comportement routier notablement dégradé sur sol sec, les manufacturiers de bandages ont proposé différentes solutions consistant à modifier la formulation des compositions de caoutchouc elles-mêmes. Ainsi, il a été proposé tout d'abord d'incorporer des particules solides à grande dureté, telle que par exemple du carbure de silicium (voir par exemple US 3 878 147), dont certaines viennent affleurer la surface de la bande de roulement au fur et à mesure de l'usure de cette dernière, et entrent donc en contact avec la glace. De telles particules, aptes à agir en définitive comme des micro-clous sur de la glace dure, grâce à un effet de "griffe" bien connu, restent relativement agressives vis-à-vis du sol ; elles ne sont pas bien adaptées aux conditions de roulage sur une glace fondante. 2. STATE OF THE ART To avoid the harmful effects of nails, in particular their strong abrasive action on the floor covering itself and a markedly degraded road behavior on dry ground, the bandage manufacturers have proposed various solutions of modifying the formulation. rubber compositions themselves. Thus, it has been proposed first of all to incorporate solid particles of high hardness, such as, for example, silicon carbide (see, for example, US Pat. No. 3,878,147), some of which are flush with the surface of the tread. as it wears, and thus come into contact with the ice. Such particles, able to act finally as micro-nails on hard ice, thanks to a well known "claw" effect, remain relatively aggressive vis-à-vis the ground; they are not well adapted to driving conditions on melting ice.
D'autres solutions ont donc été proposées, consistant notamment à incorporer des poudres hydroso lubies (i.e., qui peuvent se dissoudre dans l'eau) dans la composition constitutive de la bande de roulement. De telles poudres se solubilisent plus ou moins au contact de la neige ou de la glace fondue, ce qui permet d'une part la création à la surface de la bande de roulement de porosités susceptibles d'améliorer l'accrochage de la bande de roulement sur le sol et d'autre part la création de gorges jouant le rôle de canaux d'évacuation du film liquide créé entre le bandage et le sol. A titre d'exemples de telles poudres hydrosolubles, on peut citer par exemple l'emploi de poudre de cellulose, de PVA (alcool polyvinylique) ou d'amidon, de poudres de gomme de guar ou de gomme de xanthane, ou encore de poudre de sulfate de magnésium ou de potassium (voir par exemple demandes de brevet JP 3-159803, JP 2002- 211203, WO 2008/080750, WO 2008/080751, WO 2010/009850, WO 2011/073188, WO 2011/086061, WO 2012/052331, WO 2012/085063). Ces microparticules ne sont toutefois pas adaptées aux conditions de roulage sur une glace sèche. Other solutions have therefore been proposed, consisting in particular of incorporating hydrosoluble powders (ie, which can dissolve in water) in the constitutive composition of the tread. Such powders solubilize more or less on contact with the snow or melted ice, which allows on the one hand the creation on the surface of the tread porosities may improve the attachment of the tread on the ground and on the other hand the creation of grooves playing the role of evacuation channels of the liquid film created between the bandage and the ground. Examples of such water-soluble powders include, for example, the use of cellulose powder, PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) or starch, powders of guar gum or xanthan gum, or powder magnesium or potassium sulphate (see, for example, patent applications JP 3-159803, JP 2002-211203, WO 2008/080750, WO 2008/080751, WO 2010/009850, WO 2011/073188, WO 2011/086061, WO 2012/052331, WO 2012/085063). These microparticles are however not adapted to the conditions of running on a dry ice.
3. BREVE DESCRIPTION DE L'INVENTION Au cours de leurs recherches sur la technologie ci-dessus relative à l'utilisation de poudres hydrosolubles, les Demanderesses ont découvert une formulation spécifique à base de microparticules de poudre hydrosoluble spécifique, d'un agent d'expansion et d'un composé thermofusible combinés, qui permet d'obtenir une très bonne adhérence sur glace, à la fois sur glace sèche et sur glace fondante. 3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the course of their research on the above technology relating to the use of water-soluble powders, the Applicants have discovered a specific formulation based on microparticles of water-soluble powder specific, an agent of expansion and a hot-melt compound combined, which allows to obtain a very good adhesion on ice, both on dry ice and melting ice.
En conséquence, la présente invention concerne un bandage dont la bande de roulement comporte, à l'état non vulcanisé, une composition de caoutchouc thermo-expansible comportant au moins un élastomère diénique, plus de 50 pce d'une charge renforçante, entre 2 et 60 pce de microparticules de poudre de sel métallique hydrosoluble, entre 2 et 25 pce d'un agent d'expansion et entre 2 et 25 pce d'un composé thermofusible dont la température de fusion est comprise entre 60°C et 220°C. Consequently, the present invention relates to a tire whose tread comprises, in the unvulcanized state, a heat-expandable rubber composition comprising at least one diene elastomer, more than 50 phr of a reinforcing filler, between 2 and 60 phr of microparticles of water-soluble metal salt powder, between 2 and 25 phr of an expansion agent and between 2 and 25 phr of a hot-melt compound whose melting point is between 60 ° C. and 220 ° C.
L'invention concerne également un bandage à l'état vulcanisé obtenu après cuisson (vulcanisation) du bandage cru conforme à l'invention tel que décrit ci-dessus. The invention also relates to a bandage in the vulcanized state obtained after firing (vulcanization) of the green tire according to the invention as described above.
Les bandages de l'invention sont particulièrement destinés à équiper des véhicules à moteur de type tourisme, incluant les véhicules 4x4 (à quatre roues motrices) et véhicules SUV {"Sport Utility Vehicles"), des véhicules deux roues (notamment motos) comme des véhicules industriels choisis en particulier parmi camionnettes et "poids-lourd" (i.e., métro, bus, engins de transport routier tels que camions, tracteurs). The bandages of the invention are particularly intended for equipping tourism-type motor vehicles, including 4x4 vehicles (four-wheel drive) and SUV vehicles ("Sport Utility Vehicles"), two-wheeled vehicles (including motorcycles) as vehicles. industrial vehicles chosen in particular from vans and "heavy goods vehicles" (ie, metro, buses, road transport vehicles such as trucks, tractors).
L'invention ainsi que ses avantages seront aisément compris à la lumière de la description et des exemples de réalisation qui suivent. 4. DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE L'INVENTION The invention as well as its advantages will be readily understood in the light of the description and the following exemplary embodiments. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Dans la présente description, sauf indication expresse différente, tous les pourcentages (%) indiqués sont des % en masse. L'abréviation "pce" signifie parties en poids pour cent parties d'élastomère (du total des élastomères si plusieurs élastomères sont présents). In the present description, unless expressly indicated otherwise, all the percentages (%) indicated are% by weight. The abbreviation "pce" means parts by weight per hundred parts of elastomer (of the total elastomers if several elastomers are present).
D'autre part, tout intervalle de valeurs désigné par l'expression "entre a et b" représente le domaine de valeurs supérieur à "a" et inférieur à "b" (c'est-à-dire bornes a et b exclues) tandis que tout intervalle de valeurs désigné par l'expression "de a à b" signifie le domaine de valeurs allant de "a" jusqu'à "b" (c'est-à-dire incluant les bornes strictes a et b). On the other hand, any range of values designated by the expression "between a and b" represents the range of values greater than "a" and less than "b" (i.e., terminals a and b excluded). while any range of values designated by the term "from a to b" means the range of values from "a" to "b" (i.e. including the strict limits a and b).
Le bandage de l'invention a donc pour caractéristique essentielle que sa bande de roulement, à l'état non vulcanisé, comporte une composition de caoutchouc thermo-expansible (au moins pour la partie supérieure de la bande de roulement qui vient directement en contact avec la surface de la route) comportant au moins: The bandage of the invention therefore has the essential characteristic that its tread, in the uncured state, comprises a heat-expandable rubber composition (at least for the upper part of the tread which comes into direct contact with the tread). the surface of the road) comprising at least:
- un (au moins un) élastomère diénique ; a (at least one) diene elastomer;
- plus de 50 pce d'une (au moins une) charge renforçante ;  - more than 50 phr of a (at least one) reinforcing filler;
entre 2 et 60 pce de microparticules de poudre de sel métallique hydrosoluble;  between 2 and 60 phr of microparticles of water-soluble metal salt powder;
- entre 2 et 25 pce d'un (au moins un) agent d'expansion ; et  between 2 and 25 phr of a (at least one) blowing agent; and
entre 2 et 25 pce d'un (au moins un) composé thermofusible dont la température de fusion est comprise entre 60°C et 220°C.  between 2 and 25 phr of a (at least one) hot melt compound whose melting temperature is between 60 ° C and 220 ° C.
Les différents composants ci-dessus sont décrits en détail ci-après. The various components above are described in detail below.
4.1. Elastomère diénique 4.1. Diene elastomer
Par élastomère (ou caoutchouc, les deux termes étant synonymes) du type "diénique", on rappelle que doit être entendu un élastomère issu au moins en partie (i.e. un homopolymère ou un copolymère) de monomères diènes (monomères porteurs de deux doubles liaisons carbone- carbone, conjuguées ou non). By elastomer (or rubber, the two terms being synonymous) of the "diene" type, it is recalled that must be understood an elastomer derived at least in part (ie a homopolymer or a copolymer) of monomers dienes (monomers carrying two double bonds carbon - carbon, conjugated or not).
Les élastomères diéniques peuvent être classés de manière connue en deux catégories : ceux dits "essentiellement insaturés" et ceux dits "essentiellement saturés". Les caoutchoucs butyl, ainsi que par exemple les copolymères de diènes et d'alpha-oléfines type EPDM, entrent dans la catégorie des élastomères diéniques essentiellement saturés, ayant un taux de motifs d'origine diénique qui est faible ou très faible, toujours inférieur à 15% (% en moles). A contrario, par élastomère diénique essentiellement insaturé, on entend un élastomère diénique issu au moins en partie de monomères diènes conjugués, ayant un taux de motifs ou unités d'origine diénique (diènes conjugués) qui est supérieur à 15% (% en moles). Dans la catégorie des élastomères diéniques "essentiellement insaturés", on entend en particulier par élastomère diénique "fortement insaturé" un élastomère diénique ayant un taux de motifs d'origine diénique (diènes conjugués) qui est supérieur à 50%. On préfère utiliser au moins un élastomère diénique du type fortement insaturé, en particulier un élastomère diénique choisi dans le groupe constitué par le caoutchouc naturel (NR), les polyisoprènes de synthèse (IR), les polybutadiènes (BR), les copolymères de butadiène, les copolymères d'isoprène et les mélanges de ces élastomères. De tels copolymères sont plus préférentiellement choisis dans le groupe constitué par les copolymères de butadiène-styrène (SBR), les copolymères d'isoprène-butadiène (BIR), les copolymères d'isoprène-styrène (SIR), les copolymères d'isoprène-butadiène-styrène (SBIR) et les mélanges de tels copolymères. The diene elastomers can be classified in known manner into two categories: those known as "essentially unsaturated" and those known as "essentially saturated". Butyl rubbers, as well as, for example, copolymers of dienes and alpha-olefins of the EPDM type, fall into the category of essentially saturated diene elastomers, having a level of diene origin units which is low or very low, always less than 15% (mole%). By contrast, essentially unsaturated diene elastomer is understood to mean a diene elastomer derived at least in part from conjugated diene monomers having a proportion of units or units of diene origin (conjugated dienes) which is greater than 15% (mol%). . In the category "essentially unsaturated" diene elastomers are understood to mean, in particular, "highly unsaturated" diene elastomer, a diene elastomer having a content of units of diene origin (conjugated dienes) which is greater than 50%. It is preferred to use at least one diene elastomer of the highly unsaturated type, in particular a diene elastomer chosen from the group consisting of natural rubber (NR), synthetic polyisoprenes (IR), polybutadienes (BR) and butadiene copolymers, copolymers of isoprene and mixtures of these elastomers. Such copolymers are more preferably selected from the group consisting of butadiene-styrene copolymers (SBR), isoprene-butadiene copolymers (BIR), isoprene-styrene copolymers (SIR), isoprene-copolymers of butadiene-styrene (SBIR) and mixtures of such copolymers.
Les élastomères peuvent être par exemple à blocs, statistiques, séquencés, microséquencés, et être préparés en dispersion ou en solution ; ils peuvent être couplés et/ou étoilés ou encore fonctionnalisés avec un agent de couplage et/ou d'étoilage ou de fonctionnalisation. Pour un couplage à du noir de carbone, on peut citer par exemple des groupes fonctionnels comprenant une liaison C-Sn ou des groupes fonctionnels aminés tels que benzophénone par exemple ; pour un couplage à une charge inorganique renforçante telle que silice, on peut citer par exemple des groupes fonctionnels silanol ou polysiloxane ayant une extrémité silanol (tels que décrits par exemple dans US 6 013 718), des groupes alkoxysilanes (tels que décrits par exemple dans US 5 977 238), des groupes carboxyliques (tels que décrits par exemple dans US 6 815 473 ou US 2006/0089445) ou encore des groupes polyéthers (tels que décrits par exemple dans US 6 503 973). A titre d'autres exemples de tels élastomères fonctionnalisés, on peut citer également des élastomères (tels que SBR, BR, NR ou IR) du type époxydés. The elastomers can be for example block, statistical, sequenced, microsequenced, and be prepared in dispersion or in solution; they may be coupled and / or starred or functionalized with a coupling agent and / or starring or functionalization. For coupling with carbon black, there may be mentioned for example functional groups comprising a C-Sn bond or amino functional groups such as benzophenone for example; for coupling with a reinforcing inorganic filler such as silica, mention may be made, for example, of silanol or polysiloxane functional groups having a silanol end (as described, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,013,718), alkoxysilane groups (as described, for example, in US 5,977,238), carboxylic groups (as described, for example, in US 6,815,473 or US 2006/0089445) or polyether groups (as described for example in US 6,503,973). By way of other examples of such functionalized elastomers, mention may also be made of elastomers (such as SBR, BR, NR or IR) of the epoxidized type.
A titre préférentiel conviennent les polybutadiènes et en particulier ceux ayant une teneur en unités -1,2 comprise entre 4% et 80% ou ceux ayant une teneur en cis-1,4 supérieure à 80%>, les polyisoprènes, les copolymères de butadiène-styrène et en particulier ceux ayant une teneur en styrène comprise entre 5%> et 50%> en poids et plus particulièrement entre 20%> et 40%>, une teneur en liaisons -1,2 de la partie butadiénique comprise entre 4%> et 65 %> , une teneur en liaisons trans-1,4 comprise entre 20%> et 80%>, les copolymères de butadiène-isoprène et notamment ceux ayant une teneur en isoprène comprise entre 5% et 90% en poids et une température de transition vitreuse ("Tg" - mesurée selon ASTM D3418-82) de -40°C à -80°C, les copolymères isoprène-styrène et notamment ceux ayant une teneur en styrène comprise entre 5%> et 50%> en poids et une Tg comprise entre -25°C et -50°C. Polybutadienes, and in particular those having a content of 1,2-units of between 4% and 80%, or those having a cis-1,4 content of greater than 80%, the polyisoprenes and the butadiene copolymers, are preferably used. styrene and in particular those having a styrene content of between 5% and 50% by weight and more particularly between 20% and 40%, a 1,2-butadiene content of the butadiene part of between 4% and > and 65%>, a content of trans-1,4 bonds of between 20%> and 80%>, butadiene-isoprene copolymers and in particular those having an isoprene content of between 5% and 90% by weight and a glass transition temperature ("Tg" - measured according to ASTM D3418-82) from -40 ° C to -80 ° C, isoprene-styrene copolymers and in particular those having a styrene content between 5%> and 50%> in weight and a Tg between -25 ° C and -50 ° C.
Dans le cas des copolymères de butadiène-styrène-isoprène conviennent notamment ceux ayant une teneur en styrène comprise entre 5% et 50% en poids et plus particulièrement comprise entre 10%> et 40%>, une teneur en isoprène comprise entre 15%> et 60%> en poids et plus particulièrement entre 20% et 50%>, une teneur en butadiène comprise entre 5% et 50%> en poids et plus particulièrement comprise entre 20%> et 40%>, une teneur en unités -1,2 de la partie butadiénique comprise entre 4% et 85%, une teneur en unités trans -1,4 de la partie butadiénique comprise entre 6%> et 80%, une teneur en unités -1,2 plus -3,4 de la partie isoprénique comprise entre 5% et 70% et une teneur en unités trans -1,4 de la partie isoprénique comprise entre 10% et 50%>, et plus généralement tout copolymère butadiène- styrène-isoprène ayant une Tg comprise entre -20°C et -70°C. In the case of butadiene-styrene-isoprene copolymers, those having a styrene content of between 5% and 50% by weight and more particularly of between 10% and 40%, and an isoprene content of between 15%, are especially suitable. and 60%> by weight and more particularly between 20% and 50%, a butadiene content of between 5% and 50% by weight and more particularly between 20% and 40%, a 1,2-butadiene content of the butadiene part being between 4% and 85%, a trans-1,4 content of the butadiene part of between 6%> and 80%, a content of -1,2 units plus -3,4 of the isoprenic part of between 5% and 70% and a trans-1,4-unit content of the isoprene portion of between 10% and 50%, and more generally any butadiene-styrene-isoprene copolymer having a Tg of between -20 ° C and -70 ° C. .
Selon un mode de réalisation particulièrement préférentiel de l'invention, l'élastomère diénique est choisi dans le groupe constitué par le caoutchouc naturel, les polyisoprènes de synthèse, les polybutadiènes ayant un taux de liaisons cis-1,4 supérieur à 90%>, les copolymères de butadiène-styrène et les mélanges de ces élastomères. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the diene elastomer is chosen from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprenes and polybutadienes having a cis-1,4 bond ratio greater than 90%, butadiene-styrene copolymers and mixtures of these elastomers.
Selon un mode de réalisation plus particulier et préférentiel, la composition de caoutchouc thermo-expansible comporte 50 à 100 pce de caoutchouc naturel ou de polyisoprène de synthèse, ledit caoutchouc naturel ou polyisoprène de synthèse pouvant être utilisé notamment en coupage (mélange) avec au plus 50 pce d'un polybutadiène ayant un taux de liaisons cis-1,4 supérieur à 90%>. Selon un autre mode de réalisation particulier et préférentiel, la composition de caoutchouc thermo-expansible comporte 50 à 100 pce d'un polybutadiène ayant un taux de liaisons cis-1,4 supérieur à 90%>, ledit polybutadiène pouvant être utilisé notamment en coupage avec au plus 50 pce de caoutchouc naturel ou polyisoprène de synthèse. Aux élastomères diéniques des bandes de roulement selon l'invention pourraient être associés, en quantité minoritaire, des élastomères synthétiques autres que diéniques, voire des polymères autres que des élastomères, par exemple des polymères thermoplastiques. According to a more particular and preferred embodiment, the heat-expandable rubber composition comprises 50 to 100 phr of natural rubber or of synthetic polyisoprene, said synthetic rubber or synthetic polyisoprene can be used in particular in blending (mixing) with at most 50 phr of a polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 bond ratio greater than 90%. According to another particular and preferred embodiment, the heat-expandable rubber composition comprises 50 to 100 phr of a polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 bond ratio greater than 90%, said polybutadiene being able to be used in particular in cutting with not more than 50 phr of natural rubber or synthetic polyisoprene. To the diene elastomers of the treads according to the invention could be associated, in a minor amount, synthetic elastomers other than diene, or even polymers other than elastomers, for example thermoplastic polymers.
4.2. Charge 4.2. Charge
Toute charge connue pour ses capacités à renforcer une composition de caoutchouc est utilisable, par exemple une charge organique telle que du noir de carbone, ou encore une charge inorganique telle que de la silice à laquelle est associé de manière connue un agent de couplage. Any known filler for its ability to reinforce a rubber composition is usable, for example an organic filler such as carbon black, or an inorganic filler such as silica to which is associated in a known manner a coupling agent.
Une telle charge consiste préférentiellement en des nanoparticules dont la taille moyenne (en masse) est inférieure au micromètre, généralement inférieure à 500 nm, le plus souvent comprise entre 20 et 200 nm, en particulier et plus préférentiellement comprise entre 20 et 150 nm. De manière préférentielle, le taux de charge renforçante totale (en particulier de la silice ou du noir de carbone ou un mélange de silice et de noir de carbone) est compris entre 50 et 150 pce. Une teneur égale ou supérieure à 50 pce est favorable à une bonne tenue mécanique ; au-delà de 150 pce, il existe un risque de rigidité excessive de la couche de caoutchouc. Pour ces raisons, le taux de charge renforçante totale est plus préférentiellement compris dans un domaine de 70 à 120 pce. Such a charge preferably consists of nanoparticles whose average size (in mass) is less than one micrometer, generally less than 500 nm, most often between 20 and 200 nm, in particular and more preferably between 20 and 150 nm. Preferably, the content of total reinforcing filler (in particular silica or carbon black or a mixture of silica and carbon black) is between 50 and 150 phr. A content equal to or greater than 50 phr is favorable for good mechanical strength; beyond 150 phr, there is a risk of excessive rigidity of the rubber layer. For these reasons, the total reinforcing filler content is more preferably within a range of 70 to 120 phr.
Comme noirs de carbone conviennent par exemple tous les noirs de carbone qui sont conventionnellement utilisés dans les pneumatiques (noirs dits de grade pneumatique) tels que les noirs des séries 100, 200, 300 (grades ASTM), comme par exemple les noirs NI 15, NI 34, N234, N326, N330, N339, N347, N375. Les noirs de carbone pourraient être par exemple déjà incorporés à l'élastomère diénique, notamment isoprénique, sous la forme d'un masterbatch (voir par exemple demandes WO 97/36724 ou WO 99/16600). Comme exemples de charges organiques autres que des noirs de carbone, on peut citer les charges organiques de polyvinyle fonctionnalisé telles que décrites dans les demandes WO-A- 2006/069792, WO-A-2006/069793, WO-A-2008/003434 et WO-A-2008/003435. Suitable carbon blacks are, for example, all the carbon blacks which are conventionally used in tires (so-called pneumatic grade blacks) such as blacks of the series 100, 200, 300 (ASTM grades), for example blacks NI 15, NI 34, N234, N326, N330, N339, N347, N375. The carbon blacks could for example already be incorporated into the diene elastomer, in particular isoprenic elastomer, in the form of a masterbatch (see, for example, applications WO 97/36724 or WO 99/16600). As examples of organic fillers other than carbon blacks, mention may be made of functionalized polyvinyl organic fillers as described in applications WO-A-2006/069792 and WO-A-2006/069793, WO-A-2008/003434. and WO-A-2008/003435.
Par "charge inorganique renforçante", doit être entendu ici toute charge inorganique ou minérale, quelles que soient sa couleur et son origine (naturelle ou de synthèse), encore appelée charge "blanche", charge "claire" ou même charge "non-noir" par opposition au noir de carbone, capable de renforcer à elle seule, sans autre moyen qu'un agent de couplage intermédiaire, une composition de caoutchouc destinée à la fabrication de pneumatiques, en d'autres termes apte à remplacer, dans sa fonction de renforcement, un noir de carbone conventionnel de grade pneumatique ; une telle charge se caractérise généralement, de manière connue, par la présence de groupes hydroxyle (-OH) à sa surface. "Reinforcing inorganic filler" means any inorganic or mineral filler, irrespective of its color and origin (natural or synthetic), also called "white" filler, "clear" filler or even "non-black filler" "As opposed to carbon black, capable of reinforcing on its own, with no other means than an intermediate coupling agent, a rubber composition for the manufacture of tires, in other words able to replace, in its function of reinforcement, a conventional carbon black of pneumatic grade; such a filler is generally characterized, in known manner, by the presence of hydroxyl groups (-OH) on its surface.
Comme charges inorganiques renforçantes conviennent notamment des charges minérales du type siliceuse, en particulier de la silice (Si02). La silice utilisée peut être toute silice renforçante connue de l'homme du métier, notamment toute silice précipitée ou pyrogénée présentant une surface BET ainsi qu'une surface spécifique CTAB toutes deux inférieures à 450 m2/g, de préférence de 30 à 400 m2/g, notamment entre 60 et 300 m2/g. A titres de silices précipitées hautement dispersibles (dites "HDS"), on citera par exemple les silices "Ultrasil" 7000 et "Ultrasil" 7005 de la société Evonik, les silices "Zeosil" 1165MP, 1135MP et 1115MP de la société Rhodia, la silice "Hi-Sil" EZ150G de la société PPG, les silices "Zeopol" 8715, 8745 et 8755 de la Société Huber. Suitable reinforcing inorganic fillers are mineral fillers of the siliceous type, in particular silica (SiO 2 ). The silica used may be any reinforcing silica known to those skilled in the art, in particular any precipitated or fumed silica having a BET surface and a CTAB specific surface both less than 450 m 2 / g, preferably from 30 to 400 m 2 / g, especially between 60 and 300 m 2 / g. As highly dispersible precipitated silicas (called "HDS"), mention may be made, for example, of the "Ultrasil" 7000 and "Ultrasil" silicones 7005 from the Evonik company, the "Zeosil" 1165MP, 1135MP and 1115MP silicas from the Rhodia company. silica "Hi-Sil" EZ150G from the company PPG, the silicas "Zeopol" 8715, 8745 and 8755 of the Huber Company.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation particulièrement préférentiel, on utilise comme charge majoritaire une charge inorganique renforçante, en particulier de la silice, à un taux compris dans un domaine de 70 à 120 pce, charge inorganique renforçante à laquelle peut être ajoutée avantageusement du noir de carbone à un taux minoritaire au plus égal à 15 pce, en particulier compris dans un domaine de 1 à 10 pce. According to another particularly preferred embodiment, the majority filler used is a reinforcing inorganic filler, in particular silica, at a level within a range from 70 to 120 phr, reinforcing inorganic filler to which may be added advantageously carbon black at a minority rate at most equal to 15 phr, in particular in a range from 1 to 10 phr.
Pour coupler la charge inorganique renforçante à l'élastomère diénique, on utilise de manière bien connue un agent de couplage (ou agent de liaison) au moins bifonctionnel destiné à assurer une connexion suffisante, de nature chimique et/ou physique, entre la charge inorganique (surface de ses particules) et l'élastomère diénique. On utilise en particulier des organosilanes ou des polyorganosiloxanes au moins bifonctionnels. On utilise notamment des silanes polysulfurés, dits "symétriques" ou "asymétriques" selon leur structure particulière, tels que décrits par exemple dans les demandes WO03/002648 (ou US 2005/016651) et WO03/002649 (ou US 2005/016650). In order to couple the reinforcing inorganic filler to the diene elastomer, an at least bifunctional coupling agent (or bonding agent) is used in a well-known manner to ensure a sufficient chemical and / or physical connection between the inorganic filler (surface of its particles) and the diene elastomer. In particular, organosilanes or at least bifunctional polyorganosiloxanes are used. In particular, polysulfide silanes, called "symmetrical" or "asymmetrical" silanes according to their particular structure, are used, as described for example in the applications WO03 / 002648 (or US 2005/016651) and WO03 / 002649 (or US 2005/016650).
Conviennent en particulier, sans que la définition ci-après soit limitative, des silanes polysulfurés répondant à la formule générale (I) suivante: In particular, polysulphide silanes having the following general formula (I) are not suitable for the following definition:
(I) Z - A - Sx - A - Z , dans laquelle: (I) Z - A - S x - A - Z, wherein:
- x est un entier de 2 à 8 (de préférence de 2 à 5) ; x is an integer of 2 to 8 (preferably 2 to 5);
- les symboles A, identiques ou différents, représentent un radical hydrocarboné divalent (de préférence un groupement alkylène en Ci-Cig ou un groupement arylène en C6-Ci2, plus particulièrement un alkylène en Ci-Cio, notamment en C1-C4, en particulier le propylène) ; - the symbols A, which are identical or different, represent a divalent hydrocarbon group (preferably an alkylene Ci-Cig or an arylene group C 6 -C 2, more particularly alkylene Ci-Cio, in particular C 1 -C 4 , especially propylene);
- les symboles Z, identiques ou différents, répondent à l'une des trois formules ci-après:  the symbols Z, identical or different, correspond to one of the three formulas below:
-
dans lesquelles: in which:
- les radicaux R1, substitués ou non substitués, identiques ou différents entre eux, représentent un groupe alkyle en Ci-Cig, cycloalkyle en C5-Ci8 ou aryle en C6-Ci8 (de préférence des groupes alkyle en Ci-C6, cyclohexyle ou phényle, notamment des groupes alkyle en C1-C4, plus particulièrement le méthyle et/ou l'éthyle). the radicals R 1 , which may be substituted or unsubstituted, which are identical to or different from one another, represent a Ci-C18 alkyl, C 5 -C 8 cycloalkyl or C 6 -C 18 aryl group (preferably C 1 -C 8 alkyl groups); C 6 , cyclohexyl or phenyl, especially C 1 -C 4 alkyl groups, more particularly methyl and / or ethyl).
- les radicaux R2, substitués ou non substitués, identiques ou différents entre eux, représentent un groupe alkoxyle en Ci-Ci8 ou cycloalkoxyle en C5-Ci8 (de préférence un groupe choisi parmi alkoxyles en Ci-Cg et cycloalkoxyles en C5-C8, plus préférentiellement encore un groupe choisi parmi alkoxyles en C1-C4, en particulier méthoxyle et éthoxyle). Dans le cas d'un mélange d'alkoxysilanes polysulfurés répondant à la formule (I) ci-dessus, notamment des mélanges usuels disponibles commercialement, la valeur moyenne des "x" est un nombre fractionnaire de préférence compris entre 2 et 5, plus préférentiellement proche de 4. Mais l'invention peut être aussi avantageusement mise en œuvre par exemple avec des alkoxysilanes disulfurés (x = 2). - the radicals R 2, substituted or unsubstituted, identical or different, represent an alkoxy group or Ci-Ci 8 cycloalkoxy, C 5 -C 8 (preferably a group selected from alkoxyls Cg and C cycloalkoxyls 5 -C 8 , more preferably still a group selected from C 1 -C 4 alkoxyls, in particular methoxyl and ethoxyl). In the case of a mixture of polysulfurized alkoxysilanes corresponding to formula (I) above, in particular common commercially available mixtures, the average value of "x" is a fractional number preferably of between 2 and 5, more preferably close to 4. But the invention can also be advantageously implemented for example with disulfide alkoxysilanes (x = 2).
A titre d'exemples de silanes polysulfurés, on citera plus particulièrement les polysulfurés (notamment disulfurés, trisulfures ou tétrasulfures) de bis-(alkoxyl(Ci-C4)-alkyl(Ci-C4)silyl- alkyl(Ci-C4)), comme par exemple les polysulfurés de bis(3-triméthoxysilylpropyl) ou de bis(3-triéthoxysilylpropyl). Parmi ces composés, on utilise en particulier le tétrasulfure de bis(3-triéthoxysilylpropyl), en abrégé TESPT, de formule [(C2H50)3Si(CH2)3S2]2 ou le disulfure de bis-(triéthoxysilylpropyle), en abrégé TESPD, de formule [(C2H50)3Si(CH2)3S]2. On citera également à titre d'exemples préférentiels les polysulfurés (notamment disulfurés, trisulfures ou tétrasulfures) de bis-(monoalkoxyl(Ci-C4)-dialkyl(Ci-C4)silylpropyl), plus particulièrement le tétrasulfure de bis-monoéthoxydiméthylsilylpropyl tel que décrit dans la demande de brevet WO 02/083782 précitée (ou US 7 217 751). As examples of silane polysulfides, are more particularly the bis (mono, trisulfide or tetrasulfide) of bis (alkoxyl (Ci-C 4) alkyl (Ci-C 4) alkyl silyl (Ci-C 4 )), such as polysulfides of bis (3-trimethoxysilylpropyl) or bis (3-triethoxysilylpropyl). Among these compounds, bis (3-triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide, abbreviated to TESPT, of formula [(C 2 H 5 O) 3 Si (CH 2 ) 3 S 2 ] 2 or bis-disulfide ( triethoxysilylpropyl), abbreviated TESPD, of formula [(C 2 H 5 O) 3 Si (CH 2 ) 3 S] 2 . Mention may also be made, by way of preferred examples, of polysulfides (in particular disulfides, trisulphides or tetrasulphides) of bis- (C 1 -C 4 monoalkoxyl) -dialkyl (C 1 -C 4 ) silylpropyl), more particularly bis-monoethoxydimethylsilylpropyl tetrasulfide, such as described in the aforementioned patent application WO 02/083782 (or US Pat. No. 7,217,751).
A titre d'exemple d'agents de couplage autres qu'un alkoxysilane polysulfuré, on citera notamment des POS (polyorganosiloxanes) bifonctionnels ou encore des polysulfurés d'hydroxysilane (R2 = OH dans la formule I ci-dessus) tels que décrits par exemple dans les demandes de brevet WO 02/30939 (ou US 6 774 255), WO 02/31041 (ou US 2004/051210), et WO 2007/061550, ou encore des silanes ou POS porteurs de groupements fonctionnels azo-dicarbonyle, tels que décrits par exemple dans les demandes de brevet WO 2006/125532, WO 2006/125533, WO 2006/125534. By way of example of coupling agents other than a polysulphurized alkoxysilane, mention may be made in particular of bifunctional POS (polyorganosiloxanes) or hydroxysilane polysulfides (R 2 = OH in formula I above) as described by US Pat. for example in patent applications WO 02/30939 (or US Pat. No. 6,774,255), WO 02/31041 (or US 2004/051210), and WO 2007/061550, or else silanes or POS bearing functional azo-dicarbonyl groups, as described for example in patent applications WO 2006/125532, WO 2006/125533, WO 2006/125534.
A titre d'exemples d'autres silanes sulfurés, on citera par exemple les silanes porteurs d'au moins une fonction thiol (-SH) (dits mercaptosilanes) et/ou d'au moins une fonction thiol bloqué, tels que décrits par exemple dans les brevets ou demandes de brevet US 6 849 754, WO 99/09036, WO 2006/023815, WO 2007/098080. As examples of other sulphurized silanes, mention may be made, for example, of silanes carrying at least one thiol function (-SH) (called mercaptosilanes) and / or of at least one blocked thiol function, as described for example in patents or patent applications US 6,849,754, WO 99/09036, WO 2006/023815, WO 2007/098080.
Bien entendu pourraient être également utilisés des mélanges des agents de couplage précédemment décrits, comme décrit notamment dans la demande WO 2006/125534 précitée. Lorsqu'elles sont renforcées par une charge inorganique telle que silice, les compositions en caoutchouc comportent préférentiellement entre 2 et 15 pce, plus préférentiellement entre 3 et 12 pce d'agent de couplage. Of course, it would also be possible to use mixtures of the coupling agents described above, as described in particular in the aforementioned application WO 2006/125534. When they are reinforced with an inorganic filler such as silica, the rubber compositions preferably comprise between 2 and 15 phr, more preferably between 3 and 12 phr of coupling agent.
4.3. Microparticules de poudre de sel métallique hydroso lubie La composition de caoutchouc de la bande de roulement du bandage de l'invention a pour autre caractéristique essentielle de comporter entre 2 et 60 pce de microparticules de poudre de sel métallique hydrosoluble. Par microparticules, on entend par définition et de manière générale des particules dont la taille (i.e., diamètre ou la plus grande dimension dans le cas de particules anisométriques) est micrométrique, c'est-à-dire dont la taille médiane (exprimée en poids) est comprise entre 1 μιη et 1 mm. De préférence, la taille médiane est comprise entre 2 μιη et 800 μιη, plus préférentiellement entre 3 et 600 μιη. 4.3. Microparticles of metal salt powder hydroso fad Another essential feature of the rubber composition of the tire tread of the invention is that it comprises between 2 and 60 phr of water-soluble metal salt powder microparticles. By microparticles is meant by definition and generally particles whose size (ie, diameter or the largest dimension in the case of anisometric particles) is micrometric, that is to say, whose median size (expressed by weight ) is between 1 μιη and 1 mm. Preferably, the median size is between 2 μιη and 800 μιη, more preferably between 3 and 600 μιη.
En dessous des minima indiqués ci-dessus, l'effet technique visé (à savoir la création d'une microrugosité adaptée) risque d'être insuffisant alors qu'au-delà des maxima indiqués, on peut s'exposer à différents inconvénients : outre une perte d'esthétique possible (particules trop visibles à la surface de la bande de roulement) et un risque de décohésion, lors du roulage, d'éléments de sculpture de taille relativement importante, on a constaté que la performance d'adhérence sur glace fondante pouvait être dégradée. Below the minima indicated above, the intended technical effect (namely the creation of a suitable micro-roughness) may be insufficient, whereas beyond the maximum values indicated, there may be various disadvantages: a possible loss of aesthetics (particles too visible on the surface of the tread) and a risk of loosening, when rolling, relatively large tread elements, it was found that the performance of adhesion on ice melting could be degraded.
Pour toutes ces raisons, on préfère que les microparticules aient une taille médiane comprise entre 5 et 500 μιη, en particulier dans un domaine de 5 à 200 μιη. Ce domaine de taille particulièrement préférentiel semble correspondre à un compromis optimisé entre d'une part la rugosité de surface recherchée et d'autre part un bon contact entre la composition de caoutchouc et la glace. For all these reasons, it is preferred that the microparticles have a median size of between 5 and 500 μιη, in particular in a range of 5 to 200 μιη. This area of particularly preferred size seems to correspond to an optimized compromise between on the one hand the desired surface roughness and on the other hand a good contact between the rubber composition and the ice.
D'autre part, pour des raisons identiques à celles exposées ci-dessus, le taux de microparticules est de préférence compris entre 5 et 50 pce, plus préférentiellement compris dans un domaine de 10 à 40 pce. On the other hand, for reasons identical to those set out above, the level of microparticles is preferably between 5 and 50 phr, more preferably in a range of 10 to 40 phr.
Selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel, le sel hydrosoluble est choisi dans le groupe constitué par les chlorures, les carbonates (incluant notamment les hydroxycarbonates, les bicarbonates), les sulfates et les mélanges de tels sels. Plus préférentiellement encore, le sel choisi est un sulfate. According to a preferred embodiment, the water-soluble salt is chosen from the group consisting of chlorides, carbonates (including in particular hydroxycarbonates, bicarbonates), sulphates and mixtures of such salts. Even more preferentially, the salt chosen is a sulphate.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation préférentiel, le métal du sel métallique est un métal alcalin ou alcalino-terreux, plus préférentiellement choisi dans le groupe constitué par sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnésium (Mg), calcium (Ca) et les mélanges de tels métaux. Plus préférentiellement encore, le métal est le magnésium ou le potassium. According to another preferred embodiment, the metal of the metal salt is an alkali or alkaline earth metal, more preferentially selected from the group consisting of sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and mixtures of such metals. More preferably still, the metal is magnesium or potassium.
Plus préférentiellement encore, on utilise un sulfate de magnésium ou un sulfate de potassium, ou un mélange de ces deux sels ; de tels sels métalliques sont connus, ils ont été notamment décrits dans les demandes de brevet précitées WO 2010/009850, WO 2011/073188, WO 2011/086061, WO 2012/052331, WO 2012/085063. On pourra utiliser plus particulièrement des microparticules de sulfate de magnésium à distribution de taille étroite telles que décrites dans la demande WO 2012/052331 ou des microparticules de sulfate de potassium telles que décrites dans la demande WO2012/085063. Even more preferentially, a magnesium sulphate or a potassium sulphate or a mixture of these two salts is used; such metal salts are known, they have been described in particular in the aforementioned patent applications WO 2010/009850, WO 2011/073188, WO 2011/086061, WO 2012/052331, WO 2012/085063. It will be possible more particularly to use microparticles of magnesium sulfate with a narrow size distribution as described in application WO 2012/052331 or potassium sulfate microparticles as described in application WO2012 / 085063.
Pour l'analyse de la granulométrie et le calcul de la taille médiane des microparticules (ou diamètre médian pour des microparticules supposées sensiblement sphériques), différentes méthodes connues sont applicables, par exemple par diffraction laser (par exemple selon normes ISO-8130-13 ou ISO 13320-1 citées notamment dans les demandes ci-dessus). For the analysis of the particle size and the calculation of the median size of the microparticles (or median diameter for microparticles supposed to be substantially spherical), various known methods are applicable, for example by laser diffraction (for example according to ISO-8130-13 standards or ISO 13320-1 cited in particular in the above applications).
On peut aussi utiliser de manière simple, et préférentielle, une analyse de la granulométrie par un tamisage mécanique ; l'opération consiste à tamiser une quantité définie d'échantillon (par exemple 200 g) sur une table vibrante pendant 30 min avec des diamètres de tamis différents (par exemple, selon une raison de progression égale à 1,26, avec des mailles de 1000, 800, 630, 500, 400, ... 100, 80, 63 μιη, etc.) ; les refus récoltés sur chaque tamis sont pesés sur une balance de précision ; on en déduit le % de refus pour chaque diamètre de maille par rapport au poids total de produit ; la taille médiane (ou diamètre médian) est finalement calculée de manière connue à partir de l'histogramme de la distribution granulométrique. 4.4. Agent d'expansion et composé thermofusible associé It is also possible, in a simple and preferential manner, to use particle size analysis by mechanical sieving; the operation consists in sieving a defined quantity of sample (for example 200 g) on a vibrating table for 30 min with different sieve diameters (for example, according to a progression reason equal to 1.26, with meshes of 1000, 800, 630, 500, 400, ... 100, 80, 63 μιη, etc.); the refusals collected on each sieve are weighed on a precision scale; we deduce the% of refusal for each mesh diameter with respect to the total weight of product; the median size (or median diameter) is finally calculated in a known manner from the histogram of the particle size distribution. 4.4. Expansion agent and associated hot melt compound
De manière connue, un agent d'expansion (« blowing agent » en anglais) est un composé décomposable thermiquement, destiné à libérer lors d'une activation thermique, par exemple lors de la vulcanisation du bandage, une quantité importante de gaz (par exemple azote ou dioxyde carbone) et ainsi conduire à la formation de bulles. La libération de gaz dans la composition de caoutchouc provient donc de cette décomposition thermique de l'agent d'expansion. In known manner, a blowing agent ("blowing agent" in English) is a thermally decomposable compound, intended to release during a thermal activation, for example during the vulcanization of the bandage, a significant amount of gas (for example nitrogen or carbon dioxide) and thus lead to the formation of bubbles. The release of gas in the rubber composition therefore comes from this thermal decomposition of the blowing agent.
Il existe des agents d'expansion physiques ou chimiques, du type endothermiques ou exothermiques. On utilise préférentiellement des agents d'expansion chimiques, plus préférentiellement des agents d'expansion chimiques du type exothermiques comme par exemple des composés diazo, dinitroso, hydrazides, carbazides, semi-carbazides, tétrazoles, carbonates, citrates, tels qu'ils ont été décrits notamment dans la demande précitée WO 2011/064128. There are physical or chemical expansion agents, of the endothermic or exothermic type. Preferably, chemical expansion agents are used, more preferably exothermic chemical expansion agents, for example diazo, dinitroso, hydrazide, carbazide, semi-carbazide, tetrazole, carbonate or citrate compounds, as they have been used. described especially in the aforementioned application WO 2011/064128.
L'agent d'expansion utilisé préférentiellement est un carbonate ou hydrogénocarbonate, en particulier un carbonate ou hydrogénocarbonate (aussi appelé bicarbonate) de sodium (Na), de potassium (K) ou d'ammonium (NH4). Plus préférentiellement, il s'agit d'un carbonate choisi dans le groupe constitué par carbonate de sodium, hydrogénocarbonate de sodium, carbonate de potassium, hydrogénocarbonate de potassium, et les mélanges de tels carbonates (y compris, bien entendu, leurs formes hydratées). Un tel agent d'expansion a l'avantage de ne dégager que du dioxyde de carbone et de l'eau lors de sa décomposition ; il est donc particulièrement favorable à l'environnement. On utilise particulièrement l'hydrogénocarbonate ou bicarbonate de sodium (NaHCOs). The blowing agent preferably used is a carbonate or hydrogencarbonate, in particular a carbonate or hydrogencarbonate (also called bicarbonate) of sodium (Na), potassium (K) or ammonium (NH 4 ). More preferably, it is a carbonate selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogencarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium hydrogencarbonate, and mixtures of such carbonates (including, of course, their hydrated forms) . Such an expansion agent has the advantage of only releasing carbon dioxide and water during its decomposition; it is therefore particularly favorable to the environment. Hydrogen carbonate or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3) is particularly used.
Préférentiellement, le taux de cet agent d'expansion est compris entre 5 et 25 pce, plus préférentiellement entre 8 et 20 pce. Preferably, the content of this blowing agent is between 5 and 25 phr, more preferably between 8 and 20 phr.
Une caractéristique essentielle de l'invention est d'ajouter à l'agent d'expansion précédemment décrit un composé thermofusible dont la température de fusion est comprise entre 60°C et 220°C, de préférence entre 100°C et 200°C, plus préférentiellement entre 120°C et 180°C. Le taux de ce composé thermofusible est compris entre 2 et 25 pce, de préférence entre 2 et 20 pce, notamment entre 2 et 15 pce. Il a pour fonction de se transformer en liquide dans le domaine de température spécifique indiqué ci-dessus, avant que ou au moment où l'agent d'expansion se décompose thermiquement et libère des bulles de gaz. An essential characteristic of the invention is to add to the previously described blowing agent a hot-melt compound whose melting temperature is between 60 ° C and 220 ° C, preferably between 100 ° C and 200 ° C, more preferably between 120 ° C and 180 ° C. The content of this hot-melt compound is between 2 and 25 phr, preferably between 2 and 20 phr, especially between 2 and 15 phr. Its function is to turn into a liquid in the specific temperature range indicated above, before or at the moment when the blowing agent thermally decomposes and releases gas bubbles.
Tout composé présentant une température de fusion dans les domaines indiqués ci-dessus est susceptible de convenir. On pourra utiliser notamment les additifs de caoutchouterie connus de l'homme du métier comme étant compatibles, tant sous leur forme (par exemple sous forme de poudre) que par leur nature chimique, avec des compositions de caoutchouc usuelles pour bandages. A titre d'exemples, on peut citer notamment des polymères thermoplastiques telles que polyéthylène ou polypropylène ; des résines plastifiantes hydrocarbonées thermoplastiques à haute température de transition vitreuse (Tg), dont la température de fusion (ou ce qui est ici considéré comme équivalent, la température de ramollissement mesurée par exemple selon le méthode connue "Ring and Bail" - norme ISO 4625) est comprise dans les domaines ci- dessus ; de l'urée ou un dérivé thermofusible de l'urée ; de tels composés ont été décrits plus en détail dans la demande précitée WO 2011/064128. Any compound having a melting temperature in the areas indicated above is likely to be suitable. In particular, the rubber additives known to those skilled in the art may be used as being compatible, both in their form (for example in powder form) and by their chemical nature, with conventional rubber compositions for bandages. By way of examples, there may be mentioned in particular thermoplastic polymers such as polyethylene or polypropylene; thermoplastic hydrocarbon plasticizing resins with a high glass transition temperature (Tg), whose melting temperature (or what is considered equivalent here, the softening temperature measured for example according to the known "Ring and Bail" method - ISO 4625 standard ) is included in the above fields; urea or a thermofusible derivative of urea; such compounds have been described in more detail in the aforementioned application WO 2011/064128.
La température de fusion est une constante physique de base bien connue (disponible par exemple dans "Handbook of Chemistry and Physics") des composés thermofusibles, organiques ou inorganiques ; elle pourra être contrôlée par toute méthode connue, par exemple par la méthode de Thiele, la méthode du banc de Kôfler ou encore par analyse DSC. Melting temperature is a well-known basic physical constant (available for example in "Handbook of Chemistry and Physics") of hot melt compounds, organic or inorganic; it can be controlled by any known method, for example by the Thiele method, the Kofler bench method or by DSC analysis.
Le composé thermofusible préférentiellement utilisé est un acide carboxylique. Tout acide carboxylique présentant une température de fusion comprise entre 60°C et 220°C (donc solide à 23°C), de préférence entre 100°C et 200°C, en particulier entre 120°C et 180°C, est susceptible de convenir. The hot melt compound preferably used is a carboxylic acid. Any carboxylic acid having a melting temperature between 60 ° C and 220 ° C (so solid at 23 ° C), preferably between 100 ° C and 200 ° C, in particular between 120 ° C and 180 ° C, is likely to be suitable.
En se dispersant de manière homogène dans la composition, lors de sa fusion dans le domaine de température spécifique indiqué ci-dessus, cet acide carboxylique a pour fonction d'activer chimiquement (i.e., par réaction chimique) l'agent d'expansion qui, lors de sa décomposition thermique, va ainsi libérer beaucoup plus de bulles de gaz (C02 et H20) que s'il était utilisé seul. Les acides carboxyliques peuvent être des monoacides, diacides ou triacides, ils peuvent être aliphatiques ou aromatiques ; ils peuvent également comporter des groupements fonctionnels supplémentaires (autres que COOH) tels que des groupes hydroxyle (OH), des groupes cétone (C=0) ou encore des groupes porteurs d' insaturation éthylénique. Selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel, le pKa (Ka constante d'acidité) de l'acide carboxylique est supérieur à 1, plus préférentiellement compris entre 2,5 et 12, en particulier compris entre 3 et 10. By dispersing homogeneously in the composition, during its melting in the specific temperature range indicated above, this carboxylic acid has the function of chemically activating (ie, by chemical reaction) the blowing agent which, during its thermal decomposition, will release much more gas bubbles (C0 2 and H 2 0) than if it was used alone. The carboxylic acids may be monoacids, diacids or triacids, they may be aliphatic or aromatic; they may also comprise additional functional groups (other than COOH) such as hydroxyl groups (OH), ketone groups (C = O) or groups bearing ethylenic unsaturation. According to a preferred embodiment, the pKa (Ka acid constant) of the carboxylic acid is greater than 1, more preferably between 2.5 and 12, in particular between 3 and 10.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation préférentiel, combiné ou non au précédent, l'acide carboxylique comporte, le long de sa chaîne hydrocarbonée, de 2 à 22 atomes de carbone, de préférence de 4 à 20 atomes de carbone. According to another preferred embodiment, combined or otherwise with the preceding, the carboxylic acid comprises, along its hydrocarbon chain, from 2 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably from 4 to 20 carbon atoms.
Les monoacides aliphatiques comportent de préférence, le long de leur chaîne hydrocarbonée, au moins 16 atomes de carbone ; on peut citer à titre d'exemples l'acide palmitique (Cl 6), l'acide stéarique (Cl 8), l'acide nonadécanoique (Cl 9), l'acide béhénique (C20) et leurs différents mélanges. Les diacides aliphatiques comportent de préférence, le long de leur chaîne hydrocarbonée, de 2 à 10 atomes de carbone ; on peut citer à titre d'exemples l'acide oxalique (C2), l'acide malonique (C3), l'acide succinique (C4), l'acide glutarique (C5), l'acide adipique (C6), l'acide pimellique (C7), l'acide subérique (C8), l'acide azélaique (C9), l'acide sébacique (C10) et leurs différents mélanges. A titre de monoacide aromatique, on peut citer par exemple l'acide benzoïque. Les acides comportant des groupes fonctionnels peuvent être des monoacides, diacides ou triacides, du type aliphatiques comme aromatiques ; on peut citer à titre d'exemples l'acide tartrique, l'acide malique, l'acide maléique, l'acide glycolique, l'acide α-cétoglutarique, l'acide salycilique, l'acide phtalique ou encore l'acide citrique. The aliphatic monoacids preferably comprise, along their hydrocarbon chain, at least 16 carbon atoms; mention may be made, for example, of palmitic acid (Cl 6), stearic acid (Cl 8), nonadecanoic acid (Cl 9), behenic acid (C 20) and their various mixtures. The aliphatic diacids preferably comprise, along their hydrocarbon chain, from 2 to 10 carbon atoms; mention may be made, for example, of oxalic acid (C2), malonic acid (C3), succinic acid (C4), glutaric acid (C5), adipic acid (C6), pimellic acid (C7), suberic acid (C8), azelaic acid (C9), sebacic acid (C10) and their various mixtures. As aromatic monoacid, there may be mentioned for example benzoic acid. The acids having functional groups may be monoacids, diacids or triacids, of the aliphatic type as aromatic; examples that may be mentioned include tartaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, glycolic acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, salicylic acid, phthalic acid or citric acid; .
De manière préférentielle, l'acide carboxylique est choisi dans le groupe constitué par l'acide palmitique, l'acide stéarique, l'acide nonadécanoique, l'acide béhénique, l'acide oxalique, l'acide malonique, l'acide succinique, l'acide glutarique, l'acide adipique, l'acide pimellique, l'acide subérique, l'acide azélaique, l'acide sébacique, l'acide benzoïque, l'acide tartrique, l'acide malique, l'acide maléique, l'acide glycolique, l'acide α-cétoglutarique, l'acide salycilique, l'acide phtalique, l'acide citrique et les mélanges de ces acides. Preferably, the carboxylic acid is chosen from the group consisting of palmitic acid, stearic acid, nonadecanoic acid, behenic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimellic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, benzoic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, glycolic acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, salicylic acid, phthalic acid, citric acid and mixtures of these acids.
Plus particulièrement, l'acide carboxylique est choisi dans le groupe constitué par l'acide malique, l'acide α-cétoglutarique, l'acide citrique, l'acide stéarique et leurs mélanges. Plus préférentiellement encore, est utilisé l'acide citrique, l'acide stéarique ou un mélange de ces deux acides. More particularly, the carboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of malic acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, citric acid, stearic acid and mixtures thereof. More preferably still, citric acid, stearic acid or a mixture of these two acids is used.
Préférentiellement, pour l'obtention d'une adhérence optimale de la bande de roulement sur la glace, la quantité totale d'agent d'expansion (en particulier de carbonate ou hydrogénocarbonate) et de composé thermofusible (en particulier d'acide carboxylique) est supérieure à 10 pce, de préférence comprise entre 10 et 40 pce. Cette quantité totale est plus préférentiellement supérieure à 15 pce, en particulier comprise entre 15 et 40 pce. 4.5. Additifs divers Preferably, in order to obtain optimum adhesion of the tread on the ice, the total amount of blowing agent (in particular of carbonate or hydrogencarbonate) and of hot-melt compound (in particular of carboxylic acid) is greater than 10 phr, preferably between 10 and 40 phr. This total amount is more preferably greater than 15 phr, in particular between 15 and 40 phr. 4.5. Various additives
La composition de caoutchouc thermo-expansible peut comporter également tout ou partie des additifs usuels habituellement utilisés dans les compositions de caoutchouc pour bandes de roulement, comme par exemple des agents de protection tels que cires anti-ozone, anti- ozonants chimiques, anti-oxydants, des agents plastifiants, des résines renforçantes, un système de réticulation à base soit de soufre, soit de donneurs de soufre et/ou de peroxyde et/ou de bismaléimides, des accélérateurs de vulcanisation, des activateurs de vulcanisation. The heat-expandable rubber composition may also comprise all or part of the usual additives normally used in tread rubber compositions, such as, for example, protective agents such as anti-ozone waxes, chemical antiozonants, anti-oxidants , plasticizing agents, reinforcing resins, a crosslinking system based on either sulfur, or sulfur and / or peroxide and / or bismaleimide donors, vulcanization accelerators, vulcanization activators.
Selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel, la composition de caoutchouc thermo-expansible comporte également un agent plastifiant liquide (à 20°C) dont la fonction est de ramollir la matrice en diluant l'élastomère diénique et la charge renforçante ; sa Tg (température de transition vitreuse) est par définition inférieure à -20°C, de préférence inférieure à -40°C. According to a preferred embodiment, the thermo-expandable rubber composition also comprises a liquid plasticizer (at 20 ° C) whose function is to soften the matrix by diluting the diene elastomer and the reinforcing filler; its Tg (glass transition temperature) is by definition less than -20 ° C, preferably less than -40 ° C.
Plus préférentiellement, pour une performance optimale de la bande de roulement du bandage de l'invention, ce plastifiant liquide est utilisé à un taux relativement réduit, tel que le rapport pondéral charge renforçante sur agent plastifiant liquide soit supérieur à 2,0, plus préférentiellement supérieur à 2,5, en particulier supérieur à 3,0. More preferably, for optimum performance of the tread of the bandage of the invention, this liquid plasticizer is used at a relatively low level, such that the weight ratio reinforcing filler on liquid plasticizer is greater than 2.0, more preferably greater than 2.5, especially greater than 3.0.
Toute huile d'extension, qu'elle soit de nature aromatique ou non-aromatique, tout agent plastifiant liquide connu pour ses propriétés plastifiantes vis-à-vis d'élastomères diéniques, est utilisable. A température ambiante (20°C), ces plastifiants ou ces huiles, plus ou moins visqueux, sont des liquides (c'est-à-dire, pour rappel, des substances ayant la capacité de prendre à terme la forme de leur contenant), par opposition notamment à des résines plastifiantes hydrocarbonées qui sont par nature solides à température ambiante. Conviennent particulièrement les plastifiants liquides choisis dans le groupe constitué par les huiles naphténiques (à basse ou haute viscosité, notamment hydrogénées ou non), les huiles paraffïniques, les huiles MES (Médium Extracted Solvates), les huiles DAE (Distillate Aromatic Extracts), les huiles TDAE (Treated Distillate Aromatic Extracts), les huiles RAE (Residual Aromatic Extract oils), les huiles TRAE (Treated Residual Aromatic Extract), les huiles S RAE (Safety Residual Aromatic Extract oils), les huiles minérales, les huiles végétales, les plastifiants éthers, les plastifiants esters, les plastifiants phosphates, les plastifiants sulfonates et les mélanges de ces composés. Selon un mode de réalisation plus préférentiel, l'agent plastifiant liquide est choisi dans le groupe constitué par les huiles MES, les huiles TDAE, les huiles naphténiques, les huiles végétales et les mélanges de ces huiles. Any extender oil, whether aromatic or non-aromatic, any liquid plasticizer known for its plasticizing properties vis-à-vis diene elastomers, is usable. At ambient temperature (20 ° C.), these plasticizers or these oils, more or less viscous, are liquids (that is to say, as a reminder, substances having the capacity to eventually take on the shape of their container) , in contrast to, in particular, hydrocarbon plasticizing resins which are inherently solid at room temperature. Particularly suitable liquid plasticizers selected from the group consisting of naphthenic oils (low or high viscosity, including hydrogenated or not), paraffinic oils, MES oils (Medium Extracted Solvates), oils DAE (Distillate Aromatic Extracts), Treated Distillate Aromatic Extracts (TDAE) oils, Residual Aromatic Extract oils (RAE), Treated Residual Aromatic Extract (TREE) oils, Safety Residual Aromatic Extract oils (S RAE), mineral oils, vegetable oils, ethers plasticizers, ester plasticizers, phosphate plasticizers, sulphonate plasticizers and mixtures of these compounds. According to a more preferred embodiment, the liquid plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of MES oils, TDAE oils, naphthenic oils, vegetable oils and mixtures of these oils.
A titre de plastifiants phosphates par exemple, on peut citer ceux qui contiennent entre 12 et 30 atomes de carbone, par exemple le trioctyle phosphate. A titre d'exemples de plastifiants esters, on peut citer notamment les composés choisis dans le groupe constitué par les trimellitates, les pyromellitates, les phtalates, les 1 ,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylates, les adipates, les azélates, les sébacates, les triesters de glycérol et les mélanges de ces composés. Parmi les triesters ci-dessus, on peut citer notamment des triesters de glycérol, de préférence constitués majoritairement (pour plus de 50 %, plus préférentiellement pour plus de 80 % en poids) d'un acide gras insaturé en Ci8, c'est-à-dire choisi dans le groupe constitué par l'acide oléique, l'acide linoléique, l'acide linolénique et les mélanges de ces acides. Plus préférentiellement, qu'il soit d'origine synthétique ou naturelle (cas par exemple d'huiles végétales de tournesol ou de colza), l'acide gras utilisé est constitué pour plus de 50% en poids, plus préférentiellement encore pour plus de 80% en poids d'acide oléique. De tels triesters (trioléates) à fort taux d'acide oléique sont bien connus, ils ont été décrits par exemple dans la demande WO 02/088238, à titre d'agents plastifiants dans des bandes de roulement pour bandages. As phosphate plasticizers, for example, mention may be made of those containing from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, for example trioctyl phosphate. As examples of ester plasticizers, mention may be made in particular of compounds selected from the group consisting of trimellitates, pyromellitates, phthalates, 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylates, adipates, azelates, sebacates, glycerol and mixtures of these compounds. Among triesters above, there may be mentioned include glycerol triesters, preferably consisting predominantly (for more than 50%, more preferably more than 80% by weight) of an unsaturated fatty acid Ci 8 is that is to say selected from the group consisting of oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid and mixtures of these acids. More preferably, whether of synthetic or natural origin (for example vegetable oils of sunflower or rapeseed), the fatty acid used is more than 50% by weight, more preferably still more than 80% by weight. % by weight of oleic acid. Such triesters (trioleates) with high oleic acid content are well known, they have been described for example in the application WO 02/088238, as plasticizers in bandage treads.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation préférentiel, la composition de caoutchouc selon l'invention peut comporter aussi, à titre de plastifiant solide (à 23°C), une résine plastifiante hydrocarbonée présentant une Tg supérieur à +20°C, de préférence supérieure à +30°C, telle que décrite par exemple dans les demandes WO 2005/087859, WO 2006/061064 ou WO 2007/017060. According to another preferred embodiment, the rubber composition according to the invention may also comprise, as a solid plasticizer (at 23 ° C.), a plasticizing hydrocarbon resin having a Tg greater than + 20 ° C., preferably greater than + 30 ° C, as described for example in the applications WO 2005/087859, WO 2006/061064 or WO 2007/017060.
Les résines hydrocarbonées sont des polymères bien connus de l'homme du métier, essentiellement à base de carbone et hydrogène, miscibles donc par nature dans les compositions d'élastomère(s) diénique(s) lorsqu'elles sont qualifiées en outre de "plastifiantes". Elles peuvent être aliphatiques, aromatiques ou encore du type aliphatique/aromatique c'est-à- dire à base de monomères aliphatiques et/ou aromatiques. Elles peuvent être naturelles ou synthétiques, à base ou non de pétrole (si tel est le cas, connues aussi sous le nom de résines de pétrole). Elles sont préférentiellement exclusivement hydrocarbonées, c'est-à-dire qu'elles ne comportent que des atomes de carbone et d'hydrogène. Hydrocarbon resins are polymers that are well known to those skilled in the art, essentially based on carbon and hydrogen, and therefore inherently miscible in diene (s) elastomer compositions when they are further qualified as "plasticisers". ". They may be aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic / aromatic type that is to say based on aliphatic and / or aromatic monomers. They may be natural or synthetic, whether or not based on petroleum (if this is the case, also known as resins of oil). They are preferably exclusively hydrocarbon-based, that is to say they contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms.
De préférence, la résine plastifiante hydrocarbonée présente au moins une, plus préférentiellement l'ensemble, des caractéristiques suivantes : une Tg supérieure à 20°C (plus préférentiellement entre 40 et 100°C) ; Preferably, the plasticizing hydrocarbon resin has at least one, more preferably all, of the following characteristics: a Tg greater than 20 ° C (more preferably between 40 and 100 ° C);
une masse moléculaire moyenne en nombre (Mn) comprise entre 400 et 2000 g/mol (plus préférentiellement entre 500 et 1500 g/mol) ;  a number-average molecular weight (Mn) of between 400 and 2000 g / mol (more preferentially between 500 and 1500 g / mol);
- un indice de polymolécularité (Ip) inférieur à 3, plus préférentiellement inférieur à 2 (rappel : Ip = Mw/Mn avec Mw masse moléculaire moyenne en poids). a polymolecularity index (Ip) of less than 3, more preferably less than 2 (booster: Ip = Mw / Mn with Mw weight average molecular weight).
La Tg de cette résine est mesurée de manière connue par DSC {Differential Scanning Calorimetry), selon la norme ASTM D3418. La macrostructure (Mw, Mn et Ip) de la résine hydrocarbonée est déterminée par chromatographie d'exclusion stérique (SEC) : solvant tétrahydroiurane ; température 35°C ; concentration 1 g/1 ; débit 1 ml/min ; solution filtrée sur filtre de porosité 0,45 μιη avant injection ; étalonnage de Moore avec des étalons de polystyrène ; jeu de 3 colonnes "WATERS" en série ("STYRAGEL" HR4E, HR1 et HR0.5) ; détection par réfractomètre différentiel ("WATERS 2410") et son logiciel d'exploitation associé ("WATERS EMPOWER"). The Tg of this resin is measured in a known manner by DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), according to the ASTM D3418 standard. The macrostructure (Mw, Mn and Ip) of the hydrocarbon resin is determined by steric exclusion chromatography (SEC): tetrahydroiurane solvent; temperature 35 ° C; concentration 1 g / 1; flow rate 1 ml / min; filtered solution on 0.45 μιη porosity filter before injection; Moore calibration with polystyrene standards; set of 3 "WATERS" columns in series ("STYRAGEL" HR4E, HR1 and HR0.5); differential refractometer detection ("WATERS 2410") and its associated operating software ("WATERS EMPOWER").
Selon un mode de réalisation particulièrement préférentiel, la résine plastifiante hydrocarbonée est choisie dans le groupe constitué par les résines d'homopolymère ou copolymère de cyclopentadiène (en abrégé CPD), les résines d'homopolymère ou copolymère de dicyclopentadiène (en abrégé DCPD), les résines d'homopolymère ou copolymère de terpène, les résines d'homopolymère ou copolymère de coupe C5, les résines d'homopolymère ou copolymère de coupe C9, les résines d'homopolymère ou copolymère d'alpha-méthyl-styrène et les mélanges de ces résines. Parmi les résines de copolymères ci-dessus sont plus préférentiellement utilisées celles choisies dans le groupe constitué par les résines de copolymère (D)CPD/ vinylaromatique, les résines de copolymère (D)CPD/ terpène, les résines de copolymère (D)CPD/ coupe C5, les résines de copolymère (D)CPD/ coupe C9, les résines de copolymère terpène/ vinylaromatique, les résines de copolymère terpène/ phénol, les résines de copolymère coupe C5/ vinylaromatique, les résines de copolymère coupe C9/ vinylaromatique, et les mélanges de ces résines. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the plasticizing hydrocarbon resin is chosen from the group consisting of cyclopentadiene homopolymer or copolymer resins (abbreviated to CPD), dicyclopentadiene homopolymer or copolymer resins (abbreviated to DCPD), terpene homopolymer or copolymer resins, homopolymer or C5 cut copolymer resins, homopolymer or C9 cut copolymer resins, alpha-methyl-styrene homopolymer or copolymer resins and mixtures thereof. resins. Among the above copolymer resins are more preferably used those selected from the group consisting of (D) CPD / vinylaromatic copolymer resins, (D) CPD / terpene copolymer resins, copolymer resins (D) CPD / C5 cut, (D) CPD / C9 cut copolymer resins, terpene / vinylaromatic copolymer resins, terpene / phenol copolymer resins, C5 / vinylaromatic cut copolymer resins, C9 / vinylaromatic cut copolymer resins, and mixtures of these resins.
Le terme "terpène" regroupe ici de manière connue les monomères alpha-pinène, beta-pinène et limonène ; préférentiellement est utilisé un monomère limonène, composé se présentant de manière connue sous la forme de trois isomères possibles : le L-limonène (énantiomère lévogyre), le D-limonène (énantiomère dextrogyre), ou bien le dipentène, racémique des énantiomères dextrogyre et lévogyre. A titre de monomère vinylaromatique conviennent par exemple le styrène, l'alpha- méthylstyrène, l'ortho-, méta-, para-méthylstyrène, le vinyle- toluène, le para-tertiobutylstyrène, les méthoxystyrènes, les chloro styrènes, les hydroxystyrènes, le vinylmésitylène, le divinylbenzène, le vinylnaphtalène, tout monomère vinylaromatique issu d'une coupe C9 (ou plus généralement d'une coupe C8 à Cio). De préférence, le composé vinyle-aromatique est du styrène ou un monomère vinylaromatique issu d'une coupe C9 (ou plus généralement d'une coupe C8 à Cio). De préférence, le composé vinylaromatique est le monomère minoritaire, exprimé en fraction molaire, dans le copolymère considéré. Le taux de résine hydrocarbonée est préférentiellement compris entre 3 et 60 pce, plus préférentiellement entre 3 et 40 pce, notamment entre 5 et 30 pce. The term "terpene" here combines in a known manner the alpha-pinene, beta-pinene and limonene monomers; preferably, a limonene monomer is used which is in a known manner in the form of three possible isomers: L-limonene (laevorotatory enantiomer), D-limonene (dextrorotatory enantiomer), or the dipentene, racemic of the dextrorotatory and levorotatory enantiomers. . As vinylaromatic monomer are suitable for styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, ortho-, meta-, para-methylstyrene, vinyltoluene, para-tert-butylstyrene, methoxystyrenes, chlorostyrenes, hydroxystyrenes, vinylmesitylene, divinylbenzene, vinylnaphthalene and the like. , any vinylaromatic monomer from a C 9 cut (or more generally from a C 8 to C 10 cut). Preferably, the vinyl-aromatic compound is styrene or a vinylaromatic monomer derived from a C 9 cut (or more generally from a C 8 to C 10 cut). Preferably, the vinylaromatic compound is the minor monomer, expressed as a mole fraction, in the copolymer under consideration. The content of hydrocarbon resin is preferably between 3 and 60 phr, more preferably between 3 and 40 phr, especially between 5 and 30 phr.
Dans le cas où l'on souhaite augmenter la rigidité de la bande de roulement une fois expansée, sans réduire pour autant la teneur en plastifiant liquide ci-dessus, on pourra avantageusement incorporer des résines renforçantes (e.g. accepteurs et donneurs de méthylène) tels que décrites par exemple dans WO 02/10269 ou US 7,199,175. In the case where it is desired to increase the rigidity of the tread once expanded, without reducing the content of liquid plasticizer above, it will be advantageous to incorporate reinforcing resins (eg acceptors and donors of methylene) such as described for example in WO 02/10269 or US 7,199,175.
La composition de caoutchouc thermo-expansible peut également contenir des activateurs de couplage lorsque qu'un agent de couplage est utilisé, des agents de recouvrement de la charge inorganique lorsqu'une charge inorganique est utilisée, ou plus généralement des agents d'aide à la mise en œuvre (processabilité) susceptibles de manière connue, grâce à une amélioration de la dispersion de la charge dans la matrice de caoutchouc et à un abaissement de la viscosité des compositions, d'améliorer leur processabilité à l'état cru ; ces agents sont par exemple des hydroxysilanes ou des silanes hydrolysables tels que des alkyl-alkoxysilanes, des polyols, des polyéthers, des aminés, des polyorganosiloxanes hydroxylés ou hydrolysables. The heat-expandable rubber composition may also contain coupling enhancers when a coupling agent is used, inorganic filler recovery agents when an inorganic filler is used, or more generally, bleaching agents. implementation (processability) likely in a known manner, through an improvement of the dispersion of the load in the rubber matrix and a lowering of the viscosity of the compositions, to improve their processability in the green state; these agents are for example hydroxysilanes or hydrolysable silanes such as alkyl-alkoxysilanes, polyols, polyethers, amines, hydroxylated or hydrolysable polyorganosiloxanes.
4.6. Fabrication des compositions 4.6. Production of compositions
Les compositions de caoutchouc sont fabriquées dans des mélangeurs appropriés, en utilisant par exemple trois phases de préparation successives selon une procédure générale connue de l'homme du métier : une première phase de travail ou malaxage thermomécanique (parfois qualifiée de phase "non-productive") à haute température, jusqu'à une température maximale comprise entre 130°C et 200°C, de préférence entre 145°C et 185°C, suivie d'une seconde phase (non-productive) à plus basse température (de préférence inférieure à 100°C) au cours de laquelle est incorporé l'agent d'expansion, enfin une troisième phase de travail mécanique (parfois qualifiée de phase "productive") à basse température, typiquement inférieure à 120°C, par exemple entre 60°C et 100°C, phase de finition au cours de laquelle est incorporé le système de réticulation ou vulcanisation. Un procédé utilisable pour la fabrication de telles compositions de caoutchouc comporte par exemple et de préférence les étapes suivantes : incorporer dans un mélangeur, à l'élastomère ou au mélange d'élastomères, au moins la charge renforçante, les microparticules de poudre de sel métallique hydrosoluble, le composé thermofusible, les éventuels autres additifs optionnels, en malaxant thermomécaniquement le tout, en une ou plusieurs fois, jusqu'à atteindre une température maximale comprise entre 130°C et 200°C ; refroidir l'ensemble à une température inférieure à 100°C ; The rubber compositions are manufactured in suitable mixers, for example using three successive preparation phases according to a general procedure known to those skilled in the art: a first phase of work or thermomechanical mixing (sometimes referred to as a "non-productive" phase ) at a high temperature, up to a maximum temperature between 130 ° C and 200 ° C, preferably between 145 ° C and 185 ° C, followed by a second phase (non-productive) at lower temperature (preferably less than 100 ° C) during which the blowing agent is incorporated, and finally a third phase of mechanical work (sometimes referred to as a "productive" phase) at low temperature, typically less than 120 ° C, for example between 60 ° C and 100 ° C, finishing phase during which is incorporated the crosslinking system or vulcanization. A process that can be used for the manufacture of such rubber compositions comprises, for example, and preferably the following steps: incorporating in a mixer, at least one of the elastomer or elastomer mixture, at least the reinforcing filler, the microparticles of metal salt powder water-soluble, the hot-melt compound, optional optional additives, by thermomechanically kneading the whole, in one or more times, until a maximum temperature of between 130 ° C and 200 ° C; cool the assembly to a temperature below 100 ° C;
- puis incorporer l'agent d'expansion au mélange ainsi obtenu et refroidi, en malaxant thermomécaniquement le tout jusqu'à atteindre une température maximale inférieure à 100 C ;  - Then incorporate the blowing agent to the mixture thus obtained and cooled, kneading thermomechanically all until a maximum temperature below 100 C;
incorporer ensuite un système de réticulation ;  then incorporate a crosslinking system;
malaxer le tout jusqu'à une température maximale inférieure à 120°C ; - extruder ou calandrer la composition de caoutchouc ainsi obtenue.  mix everything up to a maximum temperature below 120 ° C; - Extrude or calender the rubber composition thus obtained.
A titre d'exemple, on introduit au cours de la première phase non-productive, dans un mélangeur approprié tel qu'un mélangeur interne usuel, tous les constituants nécessaires, les éventuels agents de recouvrement ou de mise en œuvre complémentaires et autres additifs divers, à l'exception de l'agent d'expansion et du système de réticulation. Après travail thermomécanique, tombée et refroidissement du mélange ainsi obtenu, on conduit alors une seconde phase (non-productive) de travail thermomécanique dans le même mélangeur interne, phase au cours de laquelle est incorporé l'agent d'expansion à une température plus modérée (par exemple 60°C), pour atteindre une température maximale de tombée inférieure à 100°C. On incorpore alors le système de réticulation à basse température, généralement dans un mélangeur externe tel qu'un mélangeur à cylindres ; le tout est alors mélangé (phase productive) pendant quelques minutes, par exemple entre 5 et 15 min. By way of example, during the first non-productive phase, all the necessary constituents, any additional coating or processing agents and other various additives, are introduced into a suitable mixer such as a conventional internal mixer. with the exception of the blowing agent and the crosslinking system. After thermomechanical work, falling and cooling of the mixture thus obtained, a second (non-productive) phase of thermomechanical work is then conducted in the same internal mixer, during which phase the blowing agent is incorporated at a more moderate temperature. (eg 60 ° C), to reach a maximum temperature of fall below 100 ° C. The low temperature crosslinking system is then incorporated, usually in an external mixer such as a roll mill; the whole is then mixed (productive phase) for a few minutes, for example between 5 and 15 min.
Le système de réticulation proprement dit est préférentiellement à base de soufre et d'un accélérateur primaire de vulcanisation, en particulier d'un accélérateur du type sulfénamide. A ce système de vulcanisation viennent s'ajouter, incorporés au cours de la première phase non- productive et/ou au cours de la phase productive, divers accélérateurs secondaires ou activateurs de vulcanisation connus tels qu'oxyde de zinc, acide stéarique, dérivés guanidiques (en particulier diphénylguanidine), etc. Le taux de soufre est de préférence compris entre 0,5 et 5 pce, celui de l'accélérateur primaire est de préférence compris entre 0,5 et 8 pce. The actual crosslinking system is preferably based on sulfur and a primary vulcanization accelerator, in particular a sulfenamide type accelerator. To this vulcanization system are added, incorporated during the first non-productive phase and / or during the productive phase, various known secondary accelerators or vulcanization activators such as zinc oxide, stearic acid, guanidine derivatives (especially diphenylguanidine), etc. The sulfur content is preferably between 0.5 and 5 phr, that of the primary accelerator is preferably between 0.5 and 8 phr.
On peut utiliser comme accélérateur (primaire ou secondaire) tout composé susceptible d'agir comme accélérateur de vulcanisation des élastomères diéniques en présence de soufre, notamment des accélérateurs du type thiazoles ainsi que leurs dérivés, des accélérateurs de types thiurames, dithiocarbamates de zinc. Ces accélérateurs sont par exemple choisis dans le groupe constitué par disulfure de 2-mercaptobenzothiazyle (en abrégé "MBTS"), disulfure de tetrabenzylthiurame ("TBZTD"), N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazyle sulfénamide ("CBS"), N,N- dicyclohexyl-2-benzothiazyle sulfénamide ("DCBS"), N-ter-butyl-2-benzothiazyle sulfénamide ("TBBS"), N-ter-butyl-2-benzothiazyle sulfénimide ("TBSI"), dibenzyldithiocarbamate de zinc ("ZBEC") et les mélanges de ces composés. It is possible to use as accelerator (primary or secondary) any compound capable of acting as accelerator for vulcanization of diene elastomers in the presence of sulfur, in particular thiazole-type accelerators and their derivatives, accelerators of the thiuram type, zinc dithiocarbamates. These accelerators are for example chosen in the group consisting of 2-mercaptobenzothiazyl disulfide (abbreviated as "MBTS"), tetrabenzylthiuram disulfide ("TBZTD"), N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazyl sulfenamide ("CBS"), N, N-dicyclohexyl-2-benzothiazyl sulfenamide ( "DCBS"), N-tert-butyl-2-benzothiazylsulfenamide ("TBBS"), N-tert-butyl-2-benzothiazylsulfenimide ("TBSI"), zinc dibenzyldithiocarbamate ("ZBEC") and mixtures thereof. compounds.
Si un acide carboxylique est utilisé comme composé thermofusible, ce dernier ayant comme effet possible celui de réduire le délai d'induction (c'est-à-dire le temps nécessaire au début de la réaction de vulcanisation) lors de la cuisson de la composition, on pourra utiliser avantageusement un retardateur de vulcanisation permettant de contrecarrer ce phénomène, et d'offrir ainsi à la composition de caoutchouc le temps nécessaire pour une expansion complète avant sa vulcanisation. Le taux de ce retardateur de vulcanisation est de préférence compris entre 0,5 et 10 pce, plus préférentiellement entre 1 et 5 pce, en particulier entre 1 et 3 pce. Les retardateurs de vulcanisation sont bien connus de l'homme du métier. On peut citer par exemple le N-cyclohexylthiophtalimide commercialisé sous la dénomination « Vulkalent G » par la société Lanxess, le N-(trichlorométhylthio)benzène-sulfonamide commercialisé sous dénomination « Vulkalent E/C » par Lanxess, ou encore l'anhydride phtalique commercialisé sous dénomination « Vulkalent B/C » par Lanxess. De manière préférentielle, on utilise le N- cyclohexylthiophtalimide (en abrégé « CTP »). If a carboxylic acid is used as a hot-melt compound, the latter having the effect of reducing the induction time (that is to say the time required for the beginning of the vulcanization reaction) during the baking of the composition it is advantageous to use a vulcanization retarder to counteract this phenomenon, and thus to provide the rubber composition with the time necessary for complete expansion prior to vulcanization. The level of this vulcanization retarder is preferably between 0.5 and 10 phr, more preferably between 1 and 5 phr, in particular between 1 and 3 phr. Vulcanization retarders are well known to those skilled in the art. Mention may be made, for example, of N-cyclohexylthiophthalimide sold under the name "Vulkalent G" by the company Lanxess, N- (trichloromethylthio) benzenesulfonamide sold under the name "Vulkalent E / C" by Lanxess, or else marketed phthalic anhydride. under the name "Vulkalent B / C" by Lanxess. Preferably, N-cyclohexylthiophthalimide (abbreviated as "CTP") is used.
La composition finale ainsi obtenue est ensuite calandrée par exemple sous la forme d'une feuille ou d'une plaque, notamment pour une caractérisation au laboratoire, ou encore calandrée ou extrudée sous la forme d'une bande de roulement thermo-expansible. The final composition thus obtained is then calendered, for example in the form of a sheet or a plate, in particular for a characterization in the laboratory, or else calendered or extruded in the form of a heat-expandable tread.
A l'état cru (i.e., non vulcanisé) et donc non expansé, la densité ou masse volumique notée Di de la composition de caoutchouc thermo-expansible est de préférence comprise entre 1 , 100 et 1 ,400 g/cm3, plus préférentiellement comprise dans un domaine de 1 ,150 à 1 ,350 g/cm3. La vulcanisation (ou cuisson) est conduite de manière connue à une température généralement comprise entre 130°C et 200°C, pendant un temps suffisant qui peut varier par exemple entre 5 et 90 min en fonction notamment de la température de cuisson, du système de vulcanisation adopté et de la cinétique de vulcanisation de la composition considérée. C'est au cours de cette étape de vulcanisation que l'agent d'expansion va libérer une quantité de gaz importante, conduire à la formation de bulles dans la composition de caoutchouc mousse et finalement à son expansion. A l'état cuit (i.e., vulcanisé), la densité notée D2 de la composition de caoutchouc une fois expansée (i.e., à l'état de caoutchouc mousse) est comprise de préférence entre 0,700 à 1,000 g/cm3, plus préférentiellement comprise dans un domaine de 0,750 à 0,950 g/cm3. In the green state (ie, uncured) and therefore unexpanded, the density or density denoted Di of the heat-expandable rubber composition is preferably between 1, 100 and 1, 400 g / cm 3 , more preferably in a range from 1.50 to 1. 350 g / cm 3 . The vulcanization (or cooking) is conducted in a known manner at a temperature generally between 130 ° C and 200 ° C, for a sufficient time which may vary for example between 5 and 90 min depending in particular on the cooking temperature, the system of vulcanization adopted and the kinetics of vulcanization of the composition under consideration. It is during this vulcanization step that the blowing agent will release a significant amount of gas, lead to bubble formation in the foam rubber composition and eventually expand. In the fired (ie, vulcanized) state, the density denoted D 2 of the rubber composition once expanded (ie, in the state of foam rubber) is preferably between 0.700 to 1.000 g / cm 3 , more preferably within a range of 0.750 to 0.950 g / cm 3 .
Son taux d'expansion volumique noté TE (exprimé en %) est de préférence compris entre 25% et 75%o, plus préférentiellement dans un domaine de 30 à 60%>, ce taux d'expansion TE étant calculé de manière connue à partir des densités Di et D2 ci-dessus, comme suit : Its volume expansion rate T E (expressed in%) is preferably between 25% and 75% o, more preferably in a range of 30 to 60%>, this expansion rate T E being calculated in a known manner from densities Di and D 2 above, as follows:
TE = [(D!/D2) - l] x 100. T E = [(D 1 / D 2 ) - 1] x 100.
La composition de caoutchouc ainsi formulée offre aux bandages de l'invention une très bonne adhérence sur glace, à la fois sur glace sèche et sur glace fondante. The rubber composition thus formulated offers the bandages of the invention a very good adhesion on ice, both on dry ice and on melting ice.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Bandage dont la bande de roulement comporte, à l'état non vulcanisé, une composition de caoutchouc thermo-expansible comportant au moins un élastomère diénique, plus de 50 pce d'une charge renforçante, entre 2 et 60 pce de microparticules de poudre de sel métallique hydrosoluble, entre 2 et 25 pce d'un agent d'expansion et entre 2 et 25 pce d'un composé thermofusible dont la température de fusion est comprise entre 60°C et 220°C. 1. Tread whose tread comprises, in the uncured state, a heat-expandable rubber composition comprising at least one diene elastomer, more than 50 phr of a reinforcing filler, between 2 and 60 phr of microparticles of powder of water-soluble metal salt, between 2 and 25 phr of an expansion agent and between 2 and 25 phr of a hot-melt compound whose melting temperature is between 60 ° C and 220 ° C.
2. Bandage selon la revendication 1, dans lequel Γ élastomère diénique est choisi dans le groupe constitué par le caoutchouc naturel, les polyisoprènes de synthèse, les polybutadiènes, les copolymères de butadiène, les copolymères d'isoprène et les mélanges de ces élastomères. The tire of claim 1, wherein the diene elastomer is selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprenes, polybutadienes, butadiene copolymers, isoprene copolymers and mixtures of these elastomers.
3. Bandage selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ladite composition de caoutchouc comporte 50 à 100 pce de caoutchouc naturel ou de polyisoprène de synthèse. The tire of claim 2, wherein said rubber composition comprises 50 to 100 phr of natural rubber or synthetic polyisoprene.
4. Bandage selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ladite composition comporte 50 à 100 pce d'un polybutadiène ayant un taux de liaisons cis-1,4 supérieur à 90%. The tire of claim 2, wherein said composition comprises 50 to 100 phr of a polybutadiene having a cis-1,4 bond ratio greater than 90%.
5. Bandage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel le taux de charge renforçante est compris entre 50 et 150 pce, de préférence compris dans un domaine de 70 à 120 pce. 5. Bandage according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reinforcing filler content is between 50 and 150 phr, preferably within a range of 70 to 120 phr.
6. Bandage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel la charge renforçante est une charge inorganique, de préférence de la silice. The tire of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reinforcing filler is an inorganic filler, preferably silica.
7. Bandage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans lequel dans lequel le taux de microparticules est compris entre 5 et 50 pce, de préférence dans un domaine de 10 à 40 pce. 7. A bandage according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the microparticle content is between 5 and 50 phr, preferably in a range of 10 to 40 phr.
8. Bandage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel la taille médiane en poids des microparticules est comprise entre 2 et 800 μιη. Bandage according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the median weight of the microparticles is between 2 and 800 μιη.
9. Bandage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel la taille médiane en poids des microparticules est comprise entre 3 et 600 μιη. Bandage according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the median weight size of the microparticles is between 3 and 600 μιη.
10. Bandage selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le sel hydrosoluble est choisi dans le groupe constitué par les chlorures, les carbonates, les sulfates et les mélanges de tels sels. The bandage of claim 9, wherein the water-soluble salt is selected from the group consisting of chlorides, carbonates, sulfates and mixtures of such salts.
11. Bandage selon les revendications 9 ou 10, dans lequel le métal du sel métallique est un métal alcalin ou alcalino-terreux, de préférence choisi dans le groupe constitué par sodium, potassium, magnésium, calcium, et les mélanges de tels métaux. The bandage according to claims 9 or 10, wherein the metal of the metal salt is an alkali or alkaline earth metal, preferably selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and mixtures of such metals.
12. Bandage selon les revendications 10 et 11, dans lequel le sel métallique hydrosoluble est un sulfate de magnésium ou de potassium. The bandage of claims 10 and 11, wherein the water-soluble metal salt is magnesium or potassium sulfate.
13. Bandage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12, dans lequel l'agent d'expansion est un carbonate ou hydrogénocarbonate, de préférence un carbonate ou hydrogénocarbonate de sodium, potassium ou ammonium. A tire as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the blowing agent is a carbonate or hydrogencarbonate, preferably a sodium, potassium or ammonium carbonate or hydrogencarbonate.
14. Bandage selon la revendication 13, dans lequel l'agent d'expansion est choisi dans le groupe constitué par carbonate de sodium, hydrogénocarbonate de sodium, carbonate de potassium, hydrogénocarbonate de potassium, et les mélanges de tels carbonates. The tire of claim 13, wherein the blowing agent is selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogencarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium hydrogencarbonate, and mixtures of such carbonates.
15. Bandage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 14, dans lequel le taux d'agent d'expansion est compris entre 5 et 25 pce, de préférence entre 8 et 20 pce. 15. A bandage according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the content of blowing agent is between 5 and 25 phr, preferably between 8 and 20 phr.
16. Bandage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 15, dans lequel la température de fusion du composé thermofusible est comprise entre 100°C et 200°C, de préférence entreBandage according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the melting temperature of the hot-melt compound is between 100 ° C and 200 ° C, preferably between
120 et l80°C. 120 and 180 ° C.
17. Bandage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 16, dans lequel le composé thermofusible est un acide carboxylique. Bandage according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the hot melt compound is a carboxylic acid.
18. Bandage selon la revendication 17, dans lequel l'acide carboxylique est choisi dans le groupe constitué par l'acide malique, l'acide α-cétoglutarique, l'acide citrique, l'acide stéarique et les mélanges de ces acides. The bandage of claim 17, wherein the carboxylic acid is selected from the group consisting of malic acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, citric acid, stearic acid and mixtures of these acids.
19. Bandage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 18, dans lequel le taux de composé thermo fusible est compris entre 2 et 20 pce, de préférence entre 2 et 15 pce. 19. Bandage according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the level of heat fusible compound is between 2 and 20 phr, preferably between 2 and 15 phr.
20. Bandage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 19, dans lequel la teneur totale en agent d'expansion et en composé thermofusible est supérieure à 10 pce, de préférence supérieure à 15 pce. 20. Bandage according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the total content of blowing agent and hot melt compound is greater than 10 phr, preferably greater than 15 phr.
21. Bandage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 20, dans lequel la composition de caoutchouc thermo-expansible comporte en outre un agent plastifiant liquide à 20°C, de préférence à un taux tel que le rapport pondéral charge renforçante sur agent plastifiant liquide est supérieur à 2,0, de préférence supérieur à 2,5. A bandage according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the heat-expandable rubber composition further comprises a liquid plasticizer at 20 ° C, preferably at a rate such as a weight ratio of reinforcing filler to plasticizer. liquid is greater than 2.0, preferably greater than 2.5.
22. Bandage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 17 à 21, dans lequel la composition de caoutchouc thermo-expansible comporte en outre un retardateur de vulcanisation, de préférence à un taux compris entre 0,5 et 10 pce. A bandage according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the heat-expandable rubber composition further comprises a vulcanization retarder, preferably at a level of between 0.5 and 10 phr.
23. Bandage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 22, dans lequel la densité de la composition de caoutchouc thermo-expansible est comprise entre 1,100 et 1,400 g/cm3, de préférence dans un domaine de 1,150 à 1,350 g/cm3. A bandage according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the density of the heat-expandable rubber composition is between 1,100 and 1,400 g / cm 3 , preferably in the range of 1,150 to 1,350 g / cm 3. .
24. Bandage à l'état vulcanisé, obtenu après cuisson d'un bandage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 23. 24. A vulcanized tire obtained after baking a tire according to any one of claims 1 to 23.
EP13798297.1A 2012-11-29 2013-11-25 Vehicle tire having tread comprising a heat-expandable rubber composition Withdrawn EP2925539A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1261393A FR2998508A1 (en) 2012-11-29 2012-11-29 BANDAGE FOR A VEHICLE WITH A TREAD BAND COMPRISING A THERMO-EXPANSIBLE RUBBER COMPOSITION
PCT/EP2013/074615 WO2014082962A1 (en) 2012-11-29 2013-11-25 Vehicle tire having tread comprising a heat-expandable rubber composition

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CN108137844B (en) * 2015-10-19 2021-01-01 株式会社普利司通 Rubber composition and tire

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2914442A1 (en) * 2012-10-30 2015-09-09 Compagnie Générale des Etablissements Michelin Tyre for a vehicle, having a tread comprising a heat-expandable rubber composition

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CA2049784A1 (en) * 1990-08-30 1992-03-01 Shingo Midorikawa Studless pneumatic tire
FR2934273B1 (en) * 2008-07-24 2010-11-05 Michelin Soc Tech RUBBER COMPOSITION FOR WINTER PNEUMATIC BEARING BAND
FR2953848B1 (en) * 2009-11-27 2012-12-14 Michelin Soc Tech BANDAGE FOR A VEHICLE WITH A TREAD BAND COMPRISING A THERMO-EXPANSIBLE RUBBER COMPOSITION

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2914442A1 (en) * 2012-10-30 2015-09-09 Compagnie Générale des Etablissements Michelin Tyre for a vehicle, having a tread comprising a heat-expandable rubber composition

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