JP2010180291A - Improved polybutadiene rubber composition - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an improved polybutadiene rubber composition excellent in the balance between low heat generation and abrasion resistance by solving problems in the conventional technique. <P>SOLUTION: The improved polybutadiene rubber composition is prepared by compounding a rubber reinforcing agent (C) of 20 to 80 pts.wt. to a rubber component (A)+(B) of 100 pts.wt. consisting of polybutadiene (A) of 3 to 70 pts.wt. which includes 1 to 20 wt.% of boiled n-hexane insoluble fraction (a) having a melting point of 180°C or more, and 80 to 99 wt.% of boiled n-hexane soluble fraction (b) having Mooney viscosity (ML<SB>1+4</SB>) at 100°C of 20 to 50 and molecular weight distribution (weight average molecular weight (Mw)/number average molecular weight (Mn)) of 2.0 to 5.0, and diene type rubber (B) other than (A) of 30 to 97 pts.wt. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an improved polybutadiene rubber composition having an excellent balance between low heat buildup and wear resistance, and includes tire outer members such as treads and sidewalls and tire inner members such as carcass, belts, beads, and chafers in tires. It can also be used for industrial articles such as anti-vibration rubber, belts, hoses, seismic isolation rubber, rubber crawlers, and footwear such as men's shoes, women's shoes, and sports shoes.

  In recent years, various means have been taken up particularly in conventional tread rubber compositions in order to reduce the rolling resistance of tires for the purpose of energy saving. For example, carbon black or silica having a large particle size is blended to reduce the blending amount. However, if the blending amount of carbon black or silica is reduced, there is a problem that even if low heat generation is achieved, the rubber becomes soft and the rigidity is lowered, and particularly the wear resistance is deteriorated.

  For such a problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-194658 (Patent Document 1) discloses syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene (SPB) in a matrix of high cis-1,4-polybutadiene (BR). There has been proposed a method of improving the balance between low heat build-up and wear resistance even when the amount of carbon black is reduced by using dispersed polybutadiene rubber (VCR). Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-8817 (Patent Document 2) also proposes an improvement in the balance between wear resistance and dynamic exothermicity by blending carbon black with a VCR having specific physical properties.

Although the improved VCRs proposed in these methods have a better balance between the low heat build-up and the wear resistance of the rubber composition compared to conventional VCRs and BRs, the improvement in fuel efficiency in the automotive industry these days is achieved. There is a need for an improved polybutadiene rubber composition that further improves the balance between low heat build-up and wear resistance for other applications including requirements.

JP-A-5-194658 JP 2005-8817 A

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved polybutadiene rubber composition that solves the above-described problems of the prior art and has an excellent balance between low heat buildup and wear resistance.

The present invention has a boiling n-hexane insoluble content of 1 to 20% by weight (a) having a melting point of 180 ° C. or higher, a Mooney viscosity (ML _{1 + 4} ) at 100 ° C. of 20 to 50, a molecular weight distribution (weight average molecular weight ( Mw) / number average molecular weight (Mn)) of 2.0 to 5.0 boiling n-hexane soluble content 80 to 99% by weight (b) polybutadiene (A) 3 to 70 parts by weight, other than (A) The rubber component (A) + (B) 100 parts by weight of the diene rubber (B) 30 to 97 parts by weight of the rubber reinforcing agent (C) 20 to 80 parts by weight is blended. The present invention relates to an improved polybutadiene rubber composition.

In the present invention, the ratio of the 5% toluene solution viscosity (Tcp) of the boiling n-hexane soluble component (b) to the Mooney viscosity (ML _{1 + 4} ) at 100 ° C. was 2.0 to 7.0. The improved polybutadiene rubber composition according to claim 1, wherein the cis-1,4 bond content is 95% or more.

The present invention also relates to the improved polybutadiene rubber composition according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the rubber reinforcing agent (C) is carbon black and / or white carbon.

  The present invention can provide an improved polybutadiene rubber composition having an excellent balance between low heat buildup and wear resistance.

(A) of the polybutadiene composition of the present invention substantially comprises a boiling n-hexane insoluble component (a) and a boiling n-hexane soluble component (b).

Here, the n-hexane insoluble matter means a portion recovered as an insoluble matter when the polybutadiene rubber is refluxed in boiling n-hexane, and the boiling n-hexane soluble matter means that the polybutadiene rubber is boiled n-hexane. This is the part that dissolves in n-hexane when refluxed.

The proportion of boiling n-hexane insolubles is 1 to 20% by weight, preferably 3 to 15% by weight, and particularly preferably 4 to 12% by weight. If the ratio of boiling n-hexane insolubles is less than the above, the effect of high rigidity for reducing fillers such as carbon black cannot be expected. On the other hand, when the ratio of boiling n-hexane insoluble matter is larger than the above, the viscosity of the compound becomes high and the workability may be deteriorated, which is not preferable.

The boiling n-hexane insoluble matter is mainly composed of syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene itself and / or polybutadiene having a syndiotactic-1,2-structure as a main structure.

The melting point of the boiling n-hexane insoluble matter is 180 ° C. or higher, preferably 190 ° C. or higher.
If the melting point is lower than the above range, it is not preferable because a high rigidity effect for reducing filler such as carbon black cannot be expected.

The boiling n-hexane soluble component is mainly composed of high cis-1,4-polybutadiene itself and / or polybutadiene having a high cis-1,4 structure as a main structure.

ML _{1 + 4} at 100 ° C. of the boiling n-hexane soluble part is preferably in the range of 10-60, more preferably in the range of 20-50, and particularly preferably in the range of 25-45. When ML _{1 + 4 at} 100 ° C. is lower than the above range, low exothermic property is lowered, which is not preferable. On the other hand, when larger than the said range, there exists a problem that a compound viscosity will become high and workability will deteriorate.

The 5% toluene solution viscosity (Tcp) at 25 ° C. of the boiling n-hexane soluble content is preferably in the range of 50 to 250, more preferably 60 to 230, and particularly preferably 70 to 220.

The ratio (Tcp / ML _{1 + 4} ) of 5% toluene solution viscosity (Tcp) at 25 ° C. of boiling n-hexane solubles to Mooney viscosity (ML _{1 + 4} ) at 100 ° C. is 2.0 to 7.0, Preferably it is 2.1-5.0, Most preferably, it is 2.2-3.0. If it is less than 2, low exothermic property is lowered, which is not preferable. On the other hand, if it exceeds 5, there is a problem that the cold flow property of the raw rubber increases.

The ratio (Mw / Mn) of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the boiling n-hexane soluble fraction is 2.5 to 5.0, preferably 2.6 to 4.5, particularly preferably. Is in the range of 2.7 to 4.0. If it is less than 2.5, the effect of improving wear resistance may not be expected, which is not preferable. On the other hand, if it exceeds 5.0, there is a problem that the low heat build-up property is lowered.

The cis 1,4 bond content of the boiling n-hexane soluble component is 95% or more, preferably 97% or more, particularly preferably 97.5% or more. If it is less than 95%, low heat build-up and wear resistance are lowered, which is not preferable.

The polybutadiene (A) component can be produced by a two-stage polymerization method. The two-stage polymerization method is a method in which 1,3-butadiene is polymerized in two stages. In the first stage, cis-1,4-polymerization is performed to produce high-cis-1,4-polybutadiene (boiling n-hexane). Next, syndiotactic-1,2 polymerization catalyst was added without stopping the polymerization, and syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene (boiling n-hexane insoluble matter) was synthesized, A polybutadiene rubber in which boiling n-hexane insoluble matter is dispersed in boiling n-hexane soluble matter is obtained. Conversely, syndiotactic-1,2 polymerization may be performed in the first stage, and cis-1,4 polymerization may be performed in the second stage.

As the cis-1,4 polymerization catalyst and syndiotactic-1,2 polymerization catalyst, known ones can be used.

Examples of the cis-1,4 polymerization catalyst include a diethylaluminum chloride-cobalt catalyst, a trialkylaluminum-boron trifluoride-nickel catalyst, a diethylalumonium chloride-nickel catalyst, and a triethylaluminum-titanium tetraiodide catalyst. Examples include Ziegler-Natta catalysts such as catalysts, and lanthanoid element catalysts such as triethylaluminum-organic acid neodymium-Lewis acid catalysts.

Examples of the syndiotactic-1,2 polymerization catalyst include a soluble cobalt-organoaluminum compound-carbon disulfide catalyst, a soluble cobalt-organoaluminum compound-carbon disulfide catalyst, and a nitrile compound catalyst. The polymerization conditions such as the degree of polymerization and the polymerization catalyst can also be appropriately set according to known methods.

In addition, the polybutadiene of the present invention can be produced by a blending method.

The blending method is a method in which syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene and high cis-1,4-polybutadiene are polymerized separately in advance and then blended. The blending method is a solution blending method in which each is blended in a solution state. In addition, a melt blending method in which melting and kneading are performed using a Banbury mixer or an extrusion kneader is also possible. Further, high cis-1,4-polybutadiene or syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene may be blended with the polybutadiene rubber synthesized by the two-stage polymerization method.

Examples of the diene rubber other than the component (A) which is the component (B) of the present invention include ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), chloroprene rubber (CR), natural rubber (NR), polyisoprene, polybutadiene rubber ( BR), styrene-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and the like. Among these, natural rubber is preferable. In addition, derivatives of these rubbers, for example, polybutadiene rubber modified with a tin compound, those obtained by epoxy-modification of these rubbers, those obtained by silane modification or maleation are also used. These rubbers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The proportions of the component (A) and the component (B) are (A) 3 to 70 parts by weight and (B) 30 to 97 parts by weight.

  In particular, when the component (A) is 5 to 70 parts by weight and the component (B) is 30 to 95 parts by weight, it is optimal as a rubber composition for a tire.

As the rubber reinforcing agent of the component (C) of the present invention, in addition to various carbon blacks and white carbon, inorganic reinforcing agents such as activated calcium carbonate and ultrafine magnesium silicate, syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene resin, There are organic reinforcing agents such as polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, high styrene resin, phenol resin, lignin, modified melamine resin, coumarone indene resin and petroleum resin.
Particularly preferred is carbon black having a particle size of 90 nm or less and a dibutyl phthalate (DBP) oil absorption of 70 ml / 100 g or more, and examples thereof include FEF, FF, GPF, SAF, ISAF, SRF, and HAF.

The mixing ratio of the component (C) of the present invention is 20 to 80 parts by weight, preferably 25 to 70 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the rubber component (A) + (B). If the component (C) is less than the above range, the hardness is too low. On the other hand, when it exceeds 80 weight part, there exists a problem that a compound viscosity will become high and workability will deteriorate.

The polybutadiene composition of the present invention can be obtained by kneading the above components using a conventional Banbury, open roll, kneader, biaxial kneader or the like.

If necessary, compounding agents usually used in the rubber industry such as a vulcanizing agent, a vulcanizing aid, an anti-aging agent, a filler, process oil, zinc white, and stearic acid may be kneaded.

As the vulcanizing agent, known vulcanizing agents such as sulfur, organic peroxides, resin vulcanizing agents, and metal oxides such as magnesium oxide are used.

As the vulcanization aid, known vulcanization aids such as aldehydes, ammonia, amines, guanidines, thioureas, thiazoles, thiurams, dithiocarbamates, xanthates and the like are used.

Examples of the anti-aging agent include amine / ketone series, imidazole series, amine series, phenol series, sulfur series and phosphorus series.

Examples of the filler include inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate, basic magnesium carbonate, clay, Lissajous and diatomaceous earth, and organic fillers such as recycled rubber and powder rubber.

The process oil may be any of aromatic, naphthenic, and paraffinic.

In the following examples and comparative examples, the following items were measured for the polybutadiene rubber and the composition thereof as follows.

Melting point of n-hexane insoluble matter 25 g of polybutadiene rubber is refluxed in 1000 ml of boiling n-hexane and separated into boiling n-hexane insoluble matter and soluble matter to obtain a ratio of n-hexane insoluble matter. It was. Next, the melting point of the n-hexane insoluble matter was determined from an endothermic peak obtained at a heating rate of 10 ° C./min using DSC50 (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation).

Measurement of weight-average molecular weight of soluble n-hexane 25 g of polybutadiene rubber was refluxed in 1000 ml of boiling n-hexane to separate insoluble components, and then the n-hexane solution was recovered. -Hexane was removed to recover n-hexane solubles. This n-hexane soluble part was melt | dissolved in tetrahydrofuran, the polystyrene conversion molecular weight was calculated | required using GPC, and the average molecular weight was measured from this result.

5% toluene solution viscosity (Tcp) soluble in n-hexane
The boiling n-hexane soluble content obtained by the above method was dissolved in toluene so as to be 5% and measured at 25 ° C. using a Canon Fenske viscometer.

Microstructure of soluble n-hexane The infrared spectrum of the boiling n-hexane soluble obtained by the above method was measured, and the ratio of cis-1,4 structure was calculated by the Ube method.

Mooney viscosity (ML _{1 + 4} , 100 ° C.) soluble in polybutadiene rubber and n-hexane
It measured at 100 degreeC according to the measuring method prescribed | regulated to JISK6300.

Hardness of the vulcanizate It was measured with type A according to the measuring method specified in JIS K6253.

Low exothermic property of vulcanizate (tan δ)
Using an EPLEXOR 100N manufactured by GABO under the conditions of a temperature of 70 ° C., a frequency of 10 Hz, and a dynamic strain of 0.3%, Comparative Example 1 was set as 100 and indicated as an index. The smaller the index, the better.

Lambourn wear index of the vulcanizate The Lambourn wear index was measured at a slip rate of 20% according to the measurement method specified in JIS K6264, and the index was displayed with Comparative Example 1 as 100. The higher the index, the better.

(Examples 1-3) (Comparative Examples 1-2)
Using the polybutadiene of Table 1, according to the formulation shown in Table 2, a 1.7 L test Banbury mixer was used to knead NR and carbon black, and then the vulcanizing agent was mixed with an open roll. Next, press vulcanization was performed at a temperature of 150 ° C. for 30 minutes, and physical properties were evaluated by the obtained vulcanized test pieces.
The results are shown in Table 2. The compositions of the examples have greatly improved low heat buildup while maintaining wear resistance, and both properties are highly balanced.

ＮＲ ： ＲＳＳ＃３
ＢＲ１５０Ｌ： 宇部興産（株）製のＵＢＥＰＯＬ ＢＲ１５０Ｌ
ＶＣＲ４１２： 宇部興産（株）製のＵＢＥＰＯＬ ＶＣＲ４１２
ＶＣＲ８００： 宇部興産（株）製のＵＢＥＰＯＬ ＶＣＲ８００
カーボンブラック：三菱化学製 ダイヤブラック Ｉ （窒素比表面積 １１４(m2/g

NR: RSS # 3
BR150L: UBEPOL BR150L manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd.
VCR412: UBEPOL VCR412 manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd.
VCR800: UBEPOL VCR800 manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd.
Carbon Black: Diamond Black I made by Mitsubishi Chemical (Nitrogen specific surface area 114 (m2 / g

))
Aroma oil: Esso Oil # 110
Anti-aging agent: Era Ouchi Nocrack 6C
Stearic acid: Asahi Denka Adeka Fatty Acid SA-300
Zinc oxide: Sakai Chemical Industry Sazex No. 1 Sulfur: Sulfur vulcanization accelerator manufactured by Tsurumi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Fenamide)

Tire outer parts such as treads and sidewalls in tires, tire inner parts such as carcass, belts, beads, and chafers, and industrial products such as anti-vibration rubbers, belts, hoses, seismic isolation rubbers, rubber crawlers, and men's shoes and women Applicable to footwear such as shoes and sports shoes.

Claims (3)

Boiling n-hexane insoluble content of 1 to 20% by weight (a) having a melting point of 180 ° C. or more, Mooney viscosity (ML _{1 + 4} ) at 100 ° C. of 20 to 50, molecular weight distribution (weight average molecular weight (Mw) / number average molecular weight (Mn)) 2.0 to 5.0 boiling n-hexane soluble content 80 to 99% by weight (b) polybutadiene (A) 3 to 70 parts by weight, diene rubber other than (A) (B An improved polybutadiene rubber composition comprising 20 to 80 parts by weight of a rubber reinforcing agent (C) to 100 parts by weight of a rubber component (A) + (B) comprising 30 to 97 parts by weight . The ratio of the 5% toluene solution viscosity (Tcp) of the boiling n-hexane soluble part of (b) to the Mooney viscosity (ML _{1 + 4} ) at 100 ° C. is 2.0 to 7.0, and cis-1,4 The improved polybutadiene rubber composition according to claim 1, wherein the bond content is 95% or more. 3. The improved polybutadiene rubber composition according to claim 1, wherein the rubber reinforcing agent (C) is carbon black and / or white carbon.