WO2024111601A1

WO2024111601A1 - Tire rubber composition, tread rubber, and tire

Info

Publication number: WO2024111601A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/041888
Authority: WO
Inventors: 正寛川島
Original assignee: 株式会社ブリヂストン
Priority date: 2022-11-25
Filing date: 2023-11-21
Publication date: 2024-05-30

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a tire rubber composition which can improve wet performance without sacrificing the fuel economy of a tire. A means for solving this problem is this vulcanized-tire rubber composition which contains a rubber component (A), a softening agent (B) and a filler (C), and which is characterized in that: the rubber component (A) contains a styrene-butadiene rubber and a natural rubber or a synthetic isoprene rubber and does not contain a butadiene rubber; at least one type of the styrene-butadiene rubber has a glass transition temperature of lower than -40ºC; and the vulcanized-tire rubber composition satisfies formula (1) (amount of softening agent+10)1.5+(St%+10) 2+(E'+10) 2 ≤ 1050 [in the formula, the "amount of softening agent" is the content (parts by mass) of the softening agent (B) relative to 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A), "St%" is the (average) bonded styrene quantity (mass%) in the styrene-butadiene rubber, and "E'" is the storage elastic modulus (MPa) at 30°C of the vulcanized rubber composition for a tire].

Description

Rubber composition for tires, tread rubber and tire

The present invention relates to a rubber composition for tires, tread rubber, and tires.

Conventionally, various techniques for improving the grip performance of passenger vehicle tires on dry and wet road surfaces have been studied. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses that the grip performance of tires on both dry and wet road surfaces is improved by applying a rubber composition obtained by blending a rubber component containing 70% by mass or more of natural rubber with a thermoplastic resin and a filler containing silica to the tread rubber of the tire.
On the other hand, in response to the recent trend toward global carbon dioxide emission regulations in response to growing interest in environmental issues, there is a growing demand for improved fuel efficiency in automobiles. In order to meet such demands, there is also a demand for improved fuel efficiency in tires (reduced rolling resistance).

International Publication No. 2015/079703

Incidentally, in rubber compositions such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1, a softener such as a thermoplastic resin is blended to improve the hysteresis loss of the rubber composition, and when applied to tire tread rubber, the tire's grip performance on wet road surfaces (hereinafter abbreviated as "wet performance") is improved. However, rubber compositions such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 increase hysteresis loss, which causes a problem in that when applied to tires, the fuel efficiency performance of the tire deteriorates.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a rubber composition for tires that can solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology and improve wet performance without deteriorating the fuel efficiency performance of the tire, and a tread rubber made of such a rubber composition.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a tire having improved wet performance without impairing fuel economy performance.

The key features of the rubber composition for tires, tread rubber, and tire of the present invention that solve the above problems are as follows:

[1] A vulcanized rubber composition for tires comprising a rubber component (A), a softener (B), and a filler (C),
The rubber component (A) contains natural rubber or synthetic isoprene rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber, but does not contain butadiene rubber;
At least one of the styrene-butadiene rubbers has a glass transition temperature of less than −40° C.;
The following formula (1):
(amount of softener+10) ^1.5+ (St%+10) ²⁺ (E'+10) ² ≦1050... (1)
[wherein "softener amount" is the content (parts by mass) of the softener (B) relative to 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A), "St %" is the (average) bound styrene amount (% by mass) of the styrene-butadiene rubber, and "E'" is the storage modulus at 30°C of the vulcanized rubber composition for tires.].

[2] The rubber composition for tires according to [1], wherein the softener (B) comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of _C5 resins, _C5 - _C9 resins, _C9 resins, dicyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated _C5 resins, hydrogenated _C9 resins, and hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene resins.

[3] The rubber composition for tires according to [1] or [2], wherein the softener (B) has a softening point higher than 110°C and a weight average molecular weight in terms of polystyrene of 200 to 1600 g/mol.

[4] The rubber composition for tires according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the softener (B) is at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated _C5 resins, hydrogenated _C5 - _C9 resins, hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene resins, and hydrogenated terpene resins.

[5] The following formula (2):
The mass ratio of the softener (B) to the total amount of the natural rubber and the synthetic isoprene rubber is ≧0.5 (2)
The rubber composition for a tire according to any one of [1] to [4], which satisfies the above.

[6] The rubber composition for tires according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the styrene-butadiene rubber is modified with a modifying agent having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom and an alkoxy group.

[7] A tread rubber comprising the rubber composition for tires described in any one of [1] to [6].

[8] A tire comprising the tread rubber described in [7].

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a rubber composition for tires that can improve wet performance without deteriorating the fuel efficiency performance of the tire, and a tread rubber made of such a rubber composition.
Moreover, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tire having improved wet performance without deteriorating fuel economy performance.

The tire rubber composition, tread rubber, and tire of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

<Definition>
The compounds described herein may be derived in whole or in part from fossil sources, from biological sources such as plant sources, from recycled sources such as used tires, or from a mixture of two or more of fossil sources, biological sources, and/or renewable sources.

In this specification, the glass transition temperature of rubber component (A) such as natural rubber, synthetic isoprene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, etc., is determined in accordance with ISO 22768:2006 by recording a DSC curve while increasing the temperature within a specified temperature range, and the peak top (inflection point) of the DSC differential curve is taken as the glass transition temperature.

In this specification, the bound styrene content (mass %) of the styrene-butadiene rubber is measured using a spectrophotometer from the amount of absorption of ultraviolet light at a wavelength (around 254 nm) by the phenyl group of styrene.
In addition, in this specification, the (average) bound styrene content (St %) of a styrene-butadiene rubber is an average value taking into account the mass ratios of a plurality of types of styrene-butadiene rubbers when the rubber contains n types of styrene-butadiene rubbers, and the nth type of styrene-butadiene rubber is "SBR _n ", and is expressed by the following formula (3):
(Average) bound styrene content (St%)=Σ(bound styrene content of SBR _n ×content of SBR _n )/Σ(content of SBR _n ) (3)
It can be calculated from:

In this specification, the storage modulus (E') of the vulcanized rubber composition at 30°C is measured using a viscoelasticity measuring device under the conditions of a temperature of 30°C, a strain of 1%, and a frequency of 52 Hz.

In this specification, the softening point of the softener (B) is measured in accordance with JIS-K2207-1996 (ring and ball method).

In this specification, the weight average molecular weight of the softener (B) is measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and calculated as a polystyrene equivalent value.

<Rubber composition for tires>
The rubber composition for tires of this embodiment is a vulcanized rubber composition for tires containing a rubber component (A), a softener (B), and a filler (C), and is also called a vulcanized rubber composition for tires or a vulcanized rubber for tires, which is obtained by vulcanizing a rubber composition. In the rubber composition for tires of this embodiment, the rubber component (A) contains natural rubber or synthetic isoprene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber, but does not contain butadiene rubber, and at least one of the styrene-butadiene rubbers has a glass transition temperature of less than -40°C, and further the rubber composition for tires of this embodiment contains a styrene-butadiene rubber represented by the following formula (1):
(amount of softener+10) ^1.5+ (St%+10) ²⁺ (E'+10) ² ≦1050... (1)
[wherein "softener amount" is the content (parts by mass) of the softener (B) relative to 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A), "St %" is the (average) bound styrene amount (% by mass) of the styrene-butadiene rubber, and "E'" is the storage modulus at 30°C of the vulcanized rubber composition for tires.]

By increasing the content of the softener (B) and the (average) bound styrene amount of the styrene-butadiene rubber, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the rubber composition is increased, and the hysteresis loss of the rubber composition is improved. When the rubber composition is applied to a tire tread rubber, the wet performance of the tire can be improved. However, the increase in the hysteresis loss of the rubber composition results in a deterioration in the fuel economy performance of the tire.
On the other hand, when the storage modulus (E') of the rubber composition after vulcanization (vulcanized rubber) increases, the vulcanized rubber is less able to penetrate into wet road surfaces, which reduces the wet performance of the tire and generally also deteriorates the fuel economy of the tire. Here, the storage modulus (E') of the vulcanized rubber is affected by a number of factors, such as the composition of the rubber composition, the content of the filler (C), the content of the softener (B), and the network density of the vulcanized rubber.
In contrast, the left side of equation (1) [(amount of softener + 10) ^1.5 + (St % + 10) ² + (E' + 10) ² ] is a curve that slopes downward, and the smaller this is, the better the fuel economy performance. Also, the multiplier of the term including the amount of softener is small, and the contribution of the amount of softener is small. Therefore, by increasing the amount of softener to improve wet performance while setting the left side of equation (1) to 1050 or less, it is possible to achieve both wet performance and fuel economy performance.
In addition, the rubber component (A) contains natural rubber (NR) and/or synthetic isoprene rubber (IR), so that the breaking strength of the rubber composition can be increased, and as a result, the rolling resistance of the tire to which the rubber composition is applied can be reduced, and the fuel economy performance can be improved. Furthermore, the rubber component (A) does not contain butadiene rubber (BR), so that the deterioration of the wet performance of the tire can be avoided.
Therefore, by applying the rubber composition for tires of the present embodiment to tires, it is possible to improve the wet performance of the tire without deteriorating the fuel efficiency performance of the tire.

--Rubber component (A)--
The rubber composition for tires of the present embodiment contains a rubber component (A), which contains natural rubber (NR) or synthetic isoprene rubber (IR) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), but does not contain butadiene rubber (BR), and may further contain other rubber components other than butadiene rubber (BR). Note that rubber component (A) is required to contain either natural rubber or synthetic isoprene rubber, and may contain both natural rubber and synthetic isoprene rubber.

--Natural rubber (NR) or synthetic isoprene rubber (IR)--
The natural rubber (NR) and synthetic isoprene rubber (IR) are rubbers whose main skeleton is isoprene units. The rubber component (A) contains natural rubber and/or synthetic isoprene rubber, which can increase the breaking strength of the rubber composition. As a result, the rolling resistance of the tire to which the rubber composition is applied can be reduced, and the fuel economy performance can be improved, and the wear resistance of the tire can also be improved.

The total content of the natural rubber and synthetic isoprene rubber is preferably 1 to 80 parts by mass, and more preferably 1 to 40 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A). When the total content of the natural rubber and synthetic isoprene rubber is 1 to 80 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A), the fuel efficiency and wet performance of a tire to which the rubber composition is applied can be further improved. When the total content of the natural rubber and synthetic isoprene rubber is 1 to 40 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A), the fuel efficiency and wet performance of a tire to which the rubber composition is applied can be further improved. From the viewpoint of further increasing the compounding effect of the natural rubber and synthetic isoprene rubber, the total content of the natural rubber and synthetic isoprene rubber is more preferably 10 parts by mass or more per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A).

--Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)--
The styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is a rubber whose main skeleton is styrene units and butadiene units. When the rubber component (A) contains styrene-butadiene rubber, the wear resistance of a tire to which the rubber composition is applied can be improved. Furthermore, when the rubber component (A) contains styrene-butadiene rubber, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the rubber composition is increased, and the hysteresis loss of the rubber composition is improved, so that when the rubber composition is applied to a tire tread rubber, the wet performance of the tire can be improved.

At least one of the styrene-butadiene rubbers has a glass transition temperature of less than -40°C, preferably less than -45°C, more preferably less than -50°C, and preferably higher than -90°C. When the glass transition temperature of at least one styrene-butadiene rubber is less than -40°C, the fuel economy performance of a tire to which the rubber composition is applied can be further improved, and the wear resistance can also be improved. In addition, a styrene-butadiene rubber having a glass transition temperature higher than -90°C is easy to synthesize.
The rubber component (A) may contain a styrene-butadiene rubber having a glass transition temperature of -40°C or higher.

The content of the styrene-butadiene rubber is preferably 20 to 99 parts by mass, more preferably 30 to 99 parts by mass, more preferably 40 to 99 parts by mass, more preferably 50 to 99 parts by mass, and even more preferably 60 to 99 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A). When the content of the styrene-butadiene rubber is 60 to 99 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A), the fuel economy performance and wet performance of a tire to which the rubber composition is applied can be further improved.

The styrene-butadiene rubber preferably has an (average) bound styrene content (St%) of less than 15% by mass. The bound styrene content of the styrene-butadiene rubber means the ratio of styrene units contained in the styrene-butadiene rubber. When the (average) bound styrene content (St%) of the styrene-butadiene rubber is less than 15% by mass, the glass transition temperature is likely to be low. The (average) bound styrene content (St%) of the styrene-butadiene rubber is more preferably 14% by mass or less, more preferably 13% by mass or less, and even more preferably 12% by mass or less. In addition, the (average) bound styrene content (St%) of the styrene-butadiene rubber is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 7% by mass or more, and even more preferably 8% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of the wear resistance performance of a tire to which the rubber composition is applied.
The amount of bound styrene in the styrene-butadiene rubber can be adjusted by the amount of monomer used in polymerization of the styrene-butadiene rubber, the degree of polymerization, and the like.

The styrene-butadiene rubber is preferably modified with a modifier having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom and an alkoxy group. When the styrene-butadiene rubber is modified with a modifier having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom and an alkoxy group, the balance of wet performance, fuel economy, and wear resistance of a tire to which the rubber composition is applied is improved, and in particular, the fuel economy and wear resistance can be further improved.
The modifying agent having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom and an alkoxy group is a general term for modifying agents having at least one functional group containing a nitrogen atom and at least one alkoxy group.
The functional group containing a nitrogen atom is preferably selected from the following:
The functional group is selected from the group consisting of a primary amino group, a primary amino group protected with a hydrolyzable protecting group, an onium salt residue of a primary amine, an isocyanate group, a thioisocyanate group, an imine group, an imine residue, an amide group, a secondary amino group protected with a hydrolyzable protecting group, a cyclic secondary amino group, an onium salt residue of a cyclic secondary amine, a non-cyclic secondary amino group, an onium salt residue of a non-cyclic secondary amine, an isocyanuric acid triester residue, a cyclic tertiary amino group, a non-cyclic tertiary amino group, a nitrile group, a pyridine residue, an onium salt residue of a cyclic tertiary amine, and an onium salt residue of a non-cyclic tertiary amine, and is a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and containing a straight-chain, branched, alicyclic, or aromatic ring, or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and containing a straight-chain, branched, alicyclic, or aromatic ring, which may contain at least one heteroatom selected from an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, and a phosphorus atom.

First Preferred Modified Styrene-Butadiene Rubber
The styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is preferably modified with an aminoalkoxysilane compound, and more preferably has an end modified with an aminoalkoxysilane compound from the viewpoint of having a high affinity for the filler (C). When the end of the styrene-butadiene rubber is modified with an aminoalkoxysilane compound, the interaction between the modified styrene-butadiene rubber and the filler (C) (particularly silica) becomes particularly large.

The modified site of the styrene-butadiene rubber may be the molecular terminal as described above, but may also be the main chain.
Styrene-butadiene rubber having modified molecular terminals can be produced by reacting various modifiers with the terminals of a styrene-butadiene copolymer having active terminals, for example, according to the methods described in WO 2003/046020 and JP 2007-217562 A.
In a preferred embodiment, the styrene-butadiene rubber having modified molecular terminals can be produced by reacting an aminoalkoxysilane compound with the terminals of a styrene-butadiene copolymer having an active terminal with a cis-1,4 bond content of 75% or more, and then reacting the resulting mixture with a carboxylic acid partial ester of a polyhydric alcohol for stabilization, according to the methods described in WO 2003/046020 and JP 2007-217562 A.

The carboxylic acid partial ester of a polyhydric alcohol means an ester of a polyhydric alcohol and a carboxylic acid, and a partial ester having one or more hydroxyl groups. Specifically, an ester of a sugar or modified sugar having 4 or more carbon atoms and a fatty acid is preferably used. More preferred examples of this ester include (1) a fatty acid partial ester of a polyhydric alcohol, in particular a partial ester (which may be any of a monoester, diester, or triester) of a saturated higher fatty acid or an unsaturated higher fatty acid having 10 to 20 carbon atoms and a polyhydric alcohol, and (2) an ester compound in which 1 to 3 partial esters of a polycarboxylic acid and a higher alcohol are bonded to a polyhydric alcohol.
The polyhydric alcohol used as a raw material for the partial ester is preferably a saccharide having 5 or 6 carbon atoms and at least three hydroxyl groups (which may or may not be hydrogenated), glycol, polyhydroxy compound, etc. The raw material fatty acid is preferably a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid having 10 to 20 carbon atoms, such as stearic acid, lauric acid, or palmitic acid.
Among the fatty acid partial esters of polyhydric alcohols, sorbitan fatty acid esters are preferred, and specific examples thereof include sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan monooleate, and sorbitan trioleate.

The aminoalkoxysilane compound is not particularly limited, but is preferably an aminoalkoxysilane compound represented by the following general formula (i).
R ¹¹ _a —Si—(OR ¹² ) _4-a ... (i)

In general formula (i), R ¹¹ and R ¹² each independently represent a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, at least one of R ¹¹ and R ¹² is substituted with an amino group, a is an integer of 0 to 2, and when there are multiple OR ¹² , each OR ¹² may be the same or different, and no active proton is contained in the molecule.

The aminoalkoxysilane compound is also preferably an aminoalkoxysilane compound represented by the following general formula (ii).

In general formula (ii), n1+n2+n3+n4=4 (wherein n2 is an integer from 1 to 4, and n1, n3 and n4 are integers from 0 to 3).
A ¹ is at least one functional group selected from a saturated cyclic tertiary amine compound residue, an unsaturated cyclic tertiary amine compound residue, a ketimine residue, a nitrile group, a (thio)isocyanate group, an isocyanuric acid trihydrocarbyl ester group, a nitrile group, a pyridine group, a (thio)ketone group, an amide group, and a primary or secondary amino group having a hydrolyzable group. When n4 is 2 or more, A ¹ may be the same or different, and A ¹ may be a divalent group that bonds with Si to form a cyclic structure.
R ^{21 is a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, and when n1 is 2 or more, R 21} may be the same or different.
R ²² is a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, either of which may contain a nitrogen atom and/or a silicon atom. When n2 is 2 or greater, R ²² may be the same or different from each other, or may be joined together to form a ring.
R ²³ represents a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, or a halogen atom, and when n3 is 2 or greater, may be the same or different.
R ²⁴ is a divalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, and when n4 is 2 or greater, R 24 may be the same or different.
As the hydrolyzable group in the hydrolyzable group-containing primary or secondary amino group, a trimethylsilyl group or a tert-butyldimethylsilyl group is preferred, and a trimethylsilyl group is particularly preferred.

The aminoalkoxysilane compound represented by the above general formula (ii) is preferably an aminoalkoxysilane compound represented by the following general formula (iii).

In general formula (iii), p1+p2+p3=2 (wherein p2 is an integer of 1 or 2, and p1 and p3 are integers of 0 or 1).
^A2 is NRa (Ra is a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a hydrolyzable group, or a nitrogen-containing organic group).
R ²⁵ is a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms.
R ²⁶ is a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, or a nitrogen-containing organic group, any of which may contain a nitrogen atom and/or a silicon atom. When p2 is 2, R ²⁶ may be the same or different from each other, or may be joined together to form a ring.
R ²⁷ is a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, or a halogen atom.
R ²⁸ is a divalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms.
As the hydrolyzable group, a trimethylsilyl group or a tert-butyldimethylsilyl group is preferred, and a trimethylsilyl group is particularly preferred.

The aminoalkoxysilane compound represented by the above general formula (ii) is also preferably an aminoalkoxysilane compound represented by the following general formula (iv) or (v).

In the general formula (iv), q1+q2=3 (wherein q1 is an integer of 0 to 2, and q2 is an integer of 1 to 3).
R ³¹ is a divalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms.
R ³² and R ³³ each independently represent a hydrolyzable group, a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms.
R ³⁴ is a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, and when q1 is 2, may be the same or different.
R ³⁵ is a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, and when q2 is 2 or greater, R 35 may be the same or different.

In general formula (v), r1+r2=3 (wherein r1 is an integer of 1 to 3, and r2 is an integer of 0 to 2).
R ³⁶ is a divalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms.
R ³⁷ is a dimethylaminomethyl group, a dimethylaminoethyl group, a diethylaminomethyl group, a diethylaminoethyl group, a methylsilyl(methyl)aminomethyl group, a methylsilyl(methyl)aminoethyl group, a methylsilyl(ethyl)aminomethyl group, a methylsilyl(ethyl)aminoethyl group, a dimethylsilylaminomethyl group, a dimethylsilylaminoethyl group, a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, and when r1 is 2 or more, they may be the same or different.
R ³⁸ is a hydrocarbyloxy group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, and when r2 is 2, they may be the same or different.
A specific example of the aminoalkoxysilane compound represented by the general formula (v) is N-(1,3-dimethylbutylidene)-3-triethoxysilyl-1-propaneamine.

The aminoalkoxysilane compound represented by the above general formula (ii) is also preferably an aminoalkoxysilane compound represented by the following general formula (vi) or (vii).

In general formula (vi), R ⁴⁰ is a trimethylsilyl group, a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms.
R ⁴¹ is a hydrocarbyloxy group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms.
R ⁴² is a divalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms.
Here, TMS represents a trimethylsilyl group (hereinafter the same).

In general formula (vii), R ⁴³ and R ⁴⁴ each independently represent a divalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms.
R ⁴⁵ is a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, and each R ⁴⁵ may be the same or different.

The aminoalkoxysilane compound represented by the above general formula (ii) is also preferably an aminoalkoxysilane compound represented by the following general formula (viii) or the following general formula (ix).

In general formula (viii), s1+s2 is 3 (wherein s1 is an integer of 0 to 2, and s2 is an integer of 1 to 3).
R ⁴⁶ is a divalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms.
R ⁴⁷ and R ⁴⁸ are each independently a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms. Multiple R ^47s or R ^48s may be the same or different.

In general formula (ix), X is a halogen atom.
R ⁴⁹ is a divalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms.
R ⁵⁰ and R ⁵¹ are each independently a hydrolyzable group, a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, or R ⁵⁰ and R ⁵¹ combine together to form a divalent organic group.
R ⁵² and R ⁵³ each independently represent a halogen atom, a hydrocarbyloxy group, a monovalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms.
R ⁵⁰ and R ⁵¹ are preferably a hydrolyzable group, and the hydrolyzable group is preferably a trimethylsilyl group or a tert-butyldimethylsilyl group, and particularly preferably a trimethylsilyl group.

The aminoalkoxysilane compound represented by the above general formula (ii) is also preferably an aminoalkoxysilane compound represented by the following general formula (x), the following general formula (xi), the following general formula (xii), or the following general formula (xiii).

In the general formulas (x) to (xiii), the symbols U and V each represent an integer of 0 to 2 and satisfy U+V=2.
R ⁵⁴ to R ⁹² in general formulas (x) to (xiii) may be the same or different and are a monovalent or divalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a monovalent or divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms.
In general formula (xiii), α and β are integers of 0 to 5.

Among the compounds satisfying general formula (x), general formula (xi), and general formula (xii), N1,N1,N7,N7-tetramethyl-4-((trimethoxysilyl)methyl)heptane-1,7-diamine, 2-((hexyl-dimethoxysilyl)methyl)-N1,N1,N3,N3-2-pentamethylpropane-1,3-diamine, N1-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)-N3,N3-dimethyl-N1-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)propane-1,3-diamine, and 4-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)-N1,N1,N7,N7-tetramethyl-4-((trimethoxysilyl)methyl)heptane-1,7-diamine are particularly preferred.
Among the compounds satisfying general formula (xiii), N,N-dimethyl-2-(3-(dimethoxymethylsilyl)propoxy)ethanamine, N,N-bis(trimethylsilyl)-2-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propoxy)ethanamine, N,N-dimethyl-2-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propoxy)ethanamine, and N,N-dimethyl-3-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propoxy)propan-1-amine are particularly preferred.

--Second Preferred Modified Styrene-Butadiene Rubber--
It is also preferable that the styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is modified with a coupling agent represented by the following general formula (I), in which case the fuel economy and wear resistance of a tire to which the rubber composition is applied can be further improved.

In the above general formula (I), R ¹ , R ² and R ³ each independently represent a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
R ⁴ , R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ⁷ and R ⁹ each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
R ⁸ and R ¹¹ each independently represent an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
R ¹⁰ represents an alkyl group or a trialkylsilyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
m represents an integer of 1 to 3; p represents 1 or 2.
When a plurality of R ¹ to R ¹¹ , m and p are present, they are each independent.
i, j, and k each independently represent an integer of 0 to 6, provided that (i+j+k) is an integer of 3 to 10.
A represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or an organic group having at least one atom selected from the group consisting of an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a silicon atom, a sulfur atom and a phosphorus atom and having no active hydrogen.
In the general formula (I), the hydrocarbon group represented by A includes saturated, unsaturated, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon groups. Examples of the organic group not having active hydrogen include organic groups not having a functional group having active hydrogen, such as a hydroxyl group (-OH), a secondary amino group (>NH), a primary amino group (-NH ₂ ) or a sulfhydryl group (-SH).

The styrene-butadiene rubber modified with the coupling agent represented by the above general formula (I) has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 20×10 ⁴ to 300×10 ⁴ , contains 0.25 to 30 mass% of modified styrene-butadiene rubber having a molecular weight of 200×10 ⁴ to 500×10 ⁴ based on the total amount of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber, and preferably has a shrinkage factor (g') of less than 0.64.

In general, a polymer having branches tends to have a smaller molecular size compared to a linear polymer having the same absolute molecular weight, and the contraction factor (g') is an index of the ratio of the molecular size to that of a linear polymer having the same absolute molecular weight. That is, the contraction factor (g') tends to be smaller as the branching degree of the polymer increases. In this embodiment, the intrinsic viscosity is used as an index of the molecular size, and the linear polymer is used as being in accordance with the relational expression of intrinsic viscosity [η] = -3.883 M ^0.771 . The contraction factor (g') at each absolute molecular weight of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber is calculated, and the average value of the contraction factor (g') at the absolute molecular weight of 100 x 10 ⁴ to 200 x 10 ⁴ is taken as the contraction factor (g') of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber. Here, "branch" is formed by directly or indirectly bonding one polymer to another polymer. Also, "branching degree" is the number of polymers that are directly or indirectly bonded to one branch. For example, when five styrene-butadiene copolymer chains described below are indirectly bonded to each other via coupling residues described below, the degree of branching is 5. The coupling residue is a structural unit of a modified styrene-butadiene rubber bonded to the styrene-butadiene copolymer chain, and is, for example, a structural unit derived from a coupling agent produced by reacting a styrene-butadiene copolymer described below with a coupling agent. The styrene-butadiene copolymer chain is a structural unit of a modified styrene-butadiene rubber, and is, for example, a structural unit derived from a styrene-butadiene copolymer produced by reacting a styrene-butadiene copolymer described below with a coupling agent.
The shrinkage factor (g') is preferably less than 0.64, more preferably 0.63 or less, more preferably 0.60 or less, even more preferably 0.59 or less, and even more preferably 0.57 or less. The lower limit of the shrinkage factor (g') is not particularly limited and may be equal to or less than the detection limit, but is preferably 0.30 or more, more preferably 0.33 or more, even more preferably 0.35 or more, and even more preferably 0.45 or more. By using a modified styrene-butadiene rubber having a shrinkage factor (g') in this range, the processability of the rubber composition is improved.
Since the shrinkage factor (g') tends to depend on the degree of branching, for example, the shrinkage factor (g') can be controlled using the degree of branching as an index. Specifically, in the case of a modified styrene-butadiene rubber having a degree of branching of 6, the shrinkage factor (g') tends to be 0.59 or more and 0.63 or less, and in the case of a modified styrene-butadiene rubber having a degree of branching of 8, the shrinkage factor (g') tends to be 0.45 or more and 0.59 or less.

The styrene-butadiene rubber modified by the coupling agent represented by the general formula (I) preferably has a branch and a degree of branching of 5 or more. The modified styrene-butadiene rubber has one or more coupling residues and a styrene-butadiene copolymer chain bonded to the coupling residue, and more preferably, the branch includes a branch in which 5 or more styrene-butadiene copolymer chains are bonded to one coupling residue. By specifying the structure of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber so that the degree of branching is 5 or more and the branch includes a branch in which 5 or more styrene-butadiene copolymer chains are bonded to one coupling residue, the contraction factor (g') can be more reliably made less than 0.64. The number of styrene-butadiene copolymer chains bonded to one coupling residue can be confirmed from the value of the contraction factor (g').
Moreover, it is more preferable that the modified styrene-butadiene rubber has branches, and the degree of branching is 6 or more. Moreover, it is more preferable that the modified styrene-butadiene rubber has one or more coupling residues and a styrene-butadiene copolymer chain bonded to the coupling residue, and further, the above-mentioned branches include branches in which 6 or more of the styrene-butadiene copolymer chains are bonded to one coupling residue. By specifying the structure of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber so that the degree of branching is 6 or more and the branches include branches in which 6 or more styrene-butadiene copolymer chains are bonded to one coupling residue, the shrinkage factor (g') can be made 0.63 or less.
Furthermore, the modified styrene-butadiene rubber has branches, and the degree of branching is more preferably 7 or more, and even more preferably 8 or more. The upper limit of the degree of branching is not particularly limited, but is preferably 18 or less. The modified styrene-butadiene rubber has one or more coupling residues and a styrene-butadiene copolymer chain bonded to the coupling residue, and further, it is more preferable that the branching includes a branch in which 7 or more styrene-butadiene copolymer chains are bonded to one coupling residue, and it is particularly preferable that the branching includes a branch in which 8 or more styrene-butadiene copolymer chains are bonded to one coupling residue. By specifying the structure of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber so that the degree of branching is 8 or more and the branching includes a branch in which 8 or more styrene-butadiene copolymer chains are bonded to one coupling residue, the shrinkage factor (g') can be made 0.59 or less.

It is preferable that at least one end of the styrene-butadiene copolymer chain is bonded to a silicon atom of the coupling residue. In this case, the ends of a plurality of styrene-butadiene copolymer chains may be bonded to one silicon atom. In addition, an end of the styrene-butadiene copolymer chain and an alkoxy group or hydroxyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms may be bonded to one silicon atom, and as a result, that one silicon atom may constitute an alkoxysilyl group or silanol group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

The modified styrene-butadiene rubber can be an oil-extended rubber to which an extender oil has been added. The modified styrene-butadiene rubber may be either non-oil-extended or oil-extended, but from the viewpoint of wear resistance, the Mooney viscosity measured at 100°C is preferably 20 or more and 100 or less, and more preferably 30 or more and 80 or less.

The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber is preferably 20×10 ⁴ or more and 300×10 ⁴ or less, more preferably 50×10 ⁴ or more, more preferably 64×10 ⁴ or more, and even more preferably 80×10 ⁴ or more. The weight average molecular weight is preferably 250×10 ⁴ or less, more preferably 180×10 ⁴ or less, and more preferably 150×10 ⁴ or less. When the weight average molecular weight is 20×10 ⁴ or more, the low loss property and abrasion resistance of the rubber composition can be sufficiently improved. When the weight average molecular weight is 300×10 ⁴ or less, the processability of the rubber composition is improved.

The modified styrene-butadiene rubber preferably contains 0.25% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less of a modified styrene-butadiene rubber having a molecular weight of 200 × 10 ⁴ or more and 500 × 10 ⁴ or less (hereinafter also referred to as "specific high molecular weight component") relative to the total amount (100% by mass) of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber. When the content of the specific high molecular weight component is 0.25% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, the low loss property and wear resistance of the rubber composition can be sufficiently improved. The modified styrene-butadiene rubber preferably contains 1.0% by mass or more of the specific high molecular weight component, more preferably contains 1.4% by mass or more, even more preferably contains 1.75% by mass or more, even more preferably contains 2.0% by mass or more, particularly preferably contains 2.15% by mass or more, and extremely preferably contains 2.5% by mass or more. The modified styrene-butadiene rubber contains the specific high molecular weight component in an amount of preferably 28% by mass or less, more preferably 25% by mass or less, even more preferably 20% by mass or less, and still more preferably 18% by mass or less.
In this specification, the "molecular weight" of the rubber component is the standard polystyrene equivalent molecular weight obtained by GPC (gel permeation chromatography). In order to obtain a modified styrene-butadiene rubber having a content of a specific high molecular weight component in such a range, it is preferable to control the reaction conditions in the polymerization step and the reaction step described later. For example, in the polymerization step, the amount of an organic monolithium compound used as a polymerization initiator described later may be adjusted. In addition, in the polymerization step, in both the continuous and batch polymerization modes, a method having a residence time distribution is used, that is, the time distribution of the propagation reaction is expanded.

In the modified styrene-butadiene rubber, the molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn), which is expressed as the ratio of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn), is preferably 1.6 or more and 3.0 or less. If the molecular weight distribution of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber is in this range, the rubber composition will have good processability.

The manufacturing method of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber is not particularly limited, but it preferably has a polymerization step in which butadiene and styrene are copolymerized using an organic monolithium compound as a polymerization initiator to obtain a styrene-butadiene copolymer, and a reaction step in which a pentafunctional or higher reactive compound (hereinafter also referred to as a "coupling agent") is reacted with the active terminal of the styrene-butadiene copolymer.

The polymerization step is preferably a polymerization by a propagation reaction due to a living anionic polymerization reaction, which makes it possible to obtain a styrene-butadiene copolymer having an active terminal and a modified styrene-butadiene rubber with a high modification rate.
The styrene-butadiene copolymer is obtained by copolymerizing 1,3-butadiene and styrene.

The amount of the organic monolithium compound used as a polymerization initiator is preferably determined depending on the molecular weight of the target styrene-butadiene copolymer or modified styrene-butadiene rubber. The amount of monomers such as 1,3-butadiene and styrene used relative to the amount of polymerization initiator used is related to the degree of polymerization, that is, the number average molecular weight and/or the weight average molecular weight. Therefore, in order to increase the molecular weight, it is preferable to adjust the amount of polymerization initiator to a smaller amount, and in order to decrease the molecular weight, it is preferable to adjust the amount of polymerization initiator to a larger amount.
The organic monolithium compound is preferably an alkyllithium compound from the viewpoint of industrial availability and ease of control of the polymerization reaction. In this case, a styrene-butadiene copolymer having an alkyl group at the polymerization initiation terminal is obtained. Examples of the alkyllithium compound include n-butyllithium, sec-butyllithium, tert-butyllithium, n-hexyllithium, benzyllithium, phenyllithium, and stilbenelithium. As the alkyllithium compound, n-butyllithium and sec-butyllithium are preferred from the viewpoint of industrial availability and ease of control of the polymerization reaction. These organic monolithium compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

In the polymerization step, examples of the polymerization reaction mode include a batch polymerization mode and a continuous polymerization mode. In the continuous mode, one or more connected reactors can be used. For the continuous mode, for example, a tank type or a tube type reactor equipped with an agitator is used. In the continuous mode, preferably, the monomer, the inert solvent, and the polymerization initiator are continuously fed into the reactor, a polymer solution containing the polymer is obtained in the reactor, and the polymer solution is continuously discharged. For the batch mode, for example, a tank type reactor equipped with an agitator is used. In the batch mode, preferably, the monomer, the inert solvent, and the polymerization initiator are fed, and if necessary, the monomer is continuously or intermittently added during the polymerization, a polymer solution containing the polymer is obtained in the reactor, and the polymer solution is discharged after the polymerization is completed. In this embodiment, in order to obtain a styrene-butadiene copolymer having a high proportion of active ends, a continuous mode is preferred, which allows the polymer to be continuously discharged and used for the next reaction in a short time.

The polymerization step is preferably carried out in an inert solvent. Examples of the solvent include hydrocarbon solvents such as saturated hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons. Specific examples of the hydrocarbon solvent include, but are not limited to, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as butane, pentane, hexane, and heptane; alicyclic hydrocarbons such as cyclopentane, cyclohexane, methylcyclopentane, and methylcyclohexane; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene, and hydrocarbons consisting of mixtures thereof. By treating the impurities of arenes and acetylenes with an organometallic compound before subjecting the mixture to the polymerization reaction, a styrene-butadiene copolymer having a high concentration of active ends tends to be obtained, and a modified styrene-butadiene rubber with a high modification rate tends to be obtained, which is preferable.

In the polymerization step, a polar compound may be added. By adding a polar compound, styrene can be randomly copolymerized with 1,3-butadiene, and the polar compound tends to be usable as a vinylating agent for controlling the microstructure of the 1,3-butadiene portion.
Examples of the polar compound that can be used include ethers such as tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, dioxane, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol dibutyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol dibutyl ether, dimethoxybenzene, and 2,2-bis(2-oxolanyl)propane; tertiary amine compounds such as tetramethylethylenediamine, dipiperidinoethane, trimethylamine, triethylamine, pyridine, and quinuclidine; alkali metal alkoxide compounds such as potassium tert-amylate, potassium tert-butylate, sodium tert-butylate, and sodium tert-amylate; and phosphine compounds such as triphenylphosphine. These polar compounds may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

In the polymerization step, from the viewpoint of productivity, the polymerization temperature is preferably 0°C or higher, more preferably 120°C or lower, and particularly preferably 50°C or higher and 100°C or lower. By keeping the temperature in this range, it tends to be possible to ensure a sufficient amount of reaction of the coupling agent with the active terminals after the polymerization is completed.

The amount of bound butadiene in the styrene-butadiene copolymer or modified styrene-butadiene rubber is not particularly limited, but is preferably from 40% by mass to 100% by mass, and more preferably from 55% by mass to 80% by mass.
The amount of bound styrene in the styrene-butadiene copolymer or modified styrene-butadiene rubber is not particularly limited, but is preferably more than 0 mass% and not more than 60 mass%, and more preferably 20 mass% or more and not more than 45 mass%.
When the bound butadiene amount and the bound styrene amount are within the above ranges, the low loss property and the wear resistance of the rubber composition can be further improved.
The amount of bound styrene can be measured by ultraviolet absorption of the phenyl group, from which the amount of bound butadiene can also be calculated.

In the styrene-butadiene copolymer or modified styrene-butadiene rubber, the amount of vinyl bonds in the butadiene bond units is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 mol% to 75 mol%, more preferably 20 mol% to 65 mol%. When the amount of vinyl bonds is within the above range, the low loss property and wear resistance of the rubber composition can be further improved.
For modified styrene-butadiene rubber, the amount of vinyl bonds (1,2-bonds) in the butadiene bond units can be determined by the Hampton method [R. R. Hampton, Analytical Chemistry, 21, 923 (1949)].

The alkoxysilyl group of the coupling agent represented by the above general formula (I) tends to react with, for example, the active terminal of the styrene-butadiene copolymer, dissociating the alkoxylithium and forming a bond between the terminal of the styrene-butadiene copolymer chain and the silicon of the coupling residue. The number of alkoxysilyl groups in the coupling residue is the total number of SiOR in one molecule of the coupling agent minus the number of SiORs subtracted by the reaction. The azasilacycle group in the coupling agent forms an >N-Li bond and a bond between the terminal of the styrene-butadiene copolymer and the silicon of the coupling residue. The >N-Li bond tends to easily become >NH and LiOH due to water, etc. during finishing. The alkoxysilyl group remaining unreacted in the coupling agent tends to easily become a silanol (Si-OH group) due to water, etc. during finishing.

The reaction temperature in the reaction step is preferably the same as the polymerization temperature of the styrene-butadiene copolymer, more preferably from 0° C. to 120° C., and even more preferably from 50° C. to 100° C. The temperature change from the end of the polymerization step to the addition of the coupling agent is preferably 10° C. or less, more preferably 5° C. or less.
The reaction time in the reaction step is preferably 10 seconds or more, more preferably 30 seconds or more. From the viewpoint of the coupling rate, the time from the end of the polymerization step to the start of the reaction step is preferably shorter, and more preferably within 5 minutes.
The mixing in the reaction step may be performed by mechanical stirring, stirring with a static mixer, or the like. When the polymerization step is a continuous process, it is preferable that the reaction step is also a continuous process. The reactor used in the reaction step may be, for example, a tank type or a tube type equipped with a stirrer. The coupling agent may be diluted with an inert solvent and continuously fed to the reactor. When the polymerization step is a batch process, the coupling agent may be added to the polymerization reactor, or may be transferred to another reactor to carry out the reaction step.

In the general formula (I), A is preferably represented by any one of the following general formulas (II) to (V). By having A represented by any one of the general formulas (II) to (V), a modified styrene-butadiene rubber with superior performance can be obtained.

In the general formula (II), B ¹ represents a single bond or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and a represents an integer of 1 to 10. When a plurality of B ^1's are present, they are each independent of each other.

In the general formula (III), ^B2 represents a single bond or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, ^B3 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and a represents an integer of 1 to 10. When there are a plurality of each of ^B2 and ^B3 , they are independent of each other.

In the general formula (IV), ^B4 represents a single bond or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and a represents an integer of 1 to 10. When a plurality of B4s are present, each ^B4 is independent.

In the general formula (V), ^B5 represents a single bond or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and a represents an integer of 1 to 10. When a plurality of B5s are present, each ^B5 is independent.

With regard to B ¹ , B ² , B ⁴ and B ⁵ in the general formulae (II) to (V), examples of the hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms include an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.

Preferably, in the general formula (I), A is represented by the general formula (II) or (III), and k is 0.
More preferably, in the general formula (I), A is represented by the general formula (II) or (III), k represents 0, and in the general formula (II) or (III), a represents an integer of 2 to 10.
More preferably, in said general formula (I), A is represented by said general formula (II), k represents 0, and in said general formula (II), a represents an integer of 2 to 10.
Examples of such coupling agents include bis(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)-[3-(2,2-dimethoxy-1-aza-2-silacyclopentane)propyl]amine, tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)amine, tris(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)amine, tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)-[3-(2,2-dimethoxy-1-aza-2-silacyclopentane)propyl]-1,3-propanediamine, tetrakis[3-(2,2-dimethoxy-1-aza-2-silacyclopentane)propyl]-1,3-propanediamine, and tetrakis(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl). bis[3-(2,2-dimethoxy-1-aza-2-silacyclopentane)propyl]-(3-trismethoxysilylpropyl)-methyl-1,3-propanediamine, and the like. Among these, tetrakis(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)-1,3-propanediamine and tetrakis(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)-1,3-bisaminomethylcyclohexane are particularly preferred.

The amount of the compound represented by general formula (I) added as the coupling agent can be adjusted so that the moles of the styrene-butadiene copolymer to the moles of the coupling agent react in the desired stoichiometric ratio, which tends to achieve the desired degree of branching. The specific number of moles of the polymerization initiator is preferably 5.0 times or more, more preferably 6.0 times or more, relative to the number of moles of the coupling agent. In this case, in general formula (I), the number of functional groups of the coupling agent ((m-1) x i + p x j + k) is preferably an integer of 5 to 10, and more preferably an integer of 6 to 10.

In order to obtain a modified styrene-butadiene rubber having the specific polymer component, the molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of the styrene-butadiene copolymer is preferably 1.5 to 2.5, more preferably 1.8 to 2.2. The obtained modified styrene-butadiene rubber is preferably one in which a single peak is detected in the molecular weight curve by GPC.
When the peak molecular weight of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber as measured by GPC is Mp ₁ and the peak molecular weight of the styrene-butadiene copolymer is Mp ₂ , it is preferable that the following formula is satisfied.
( _Mp1 / _Mp2 ) < 1.8 x 10-12 x ( _Mp2-120 x ¹⁰⁴ ) ² + 2
_Mp2 is more preferably from 20×10 ⁴ to 80×10 ⁴ , and _Mp1 is more preferably from 30×10 ⁴ to 150×10 ^4. _Mp1 and _Mp2 are determined by the method described in the examples below.

The modification rate of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber is preferably 30% by mass or more, more preferably 50% by mass or more, and even more preferably 70% by mass or more. A modification rate of 30% by mass or more can further improve the low loss properties and wear resistance of the rubber composition.

After the reaction step, a deactivator, neutralizing agent, etc. may be added to the copolymer solution as necessary. Examples of deactivators include, but are not limited to, water; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, etc. Examples of neutralizing agents include, but are not limited to, carboxylic acids such as stearic acid, oleic acid, and versatic acid (a highly branched carboxylic acid mixture having 9 to 11 carbon atoms, with the majority being 10 carbon atoms); aqueous solutions of inorganic acids, and carbon dioxide gas.
In addition, from the viewpoint of preventing gel formation after polymerization and improving stability during processing, it is preferable to add an antioxidant such as 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene (BHT), n-octadecyl-3-(4'-hydroxy-3',5'-di-tert-butylphenol)propionate, or 2-methyl-4,6-bis[(octylthio)methyl]phenol to the modified styrene-butadiene rubber.

The modified styrene-butadiene rubber can be obtained from the polymer solution by known methods. Examples of such methods include a method in which the solvent is separated by steam stripping or the like, the polymer is filtered, and then dehydrated and dried to obtain the polymer, a method in which the polymer is concentrated in a flashing tank and then devolatilized using a vent extruder or the like, and a method in which the polymer is directly devolatilized using a drum dryer or the like.

The modified styrene-butadiene rubber obtained by reacting the coupling agent represented by the above general formula (I) with a styrene-butadiene copolymer is represented, for example, by the following general formula (VI).

In general formula (VI), D represents a styrene-butadiene copolymer chain, and the weight average molecular weight of the styrene-butadiene copolymer chain is preferably 10 × 10 ⁴ to 100 × 10 ^4. The styrene-butadiene copolymer chain is a structural unit of a modified styrene-butadiene rubber, and is, for example, a structural unit derived from a styrene-butadiene copolymer produced by reacting a styrene-butadiene copolymer with a coupling agent.
R ¹² , R ¹³ and R ¹⁴ each independently represent a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
R ¹⁵ and R ¹⁸ each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
R ¹⁶ , R ¹⁹ , and R ²⁰ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
R ¹⁷ and R ²¹ each independently represent an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
R ²² represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
m and x are integers of 1 to 3, with x≦m; p is 1 or 2; y is an integer of 1 to 3, with y≦(p+1); and z is an integer of 1 or 2.
When there are multiple D, R ¹² to R ²² , m, p, x, y, and z, they are each independent and may be the same or different.
In addition, i represents an integer from 0 to 6, j represents an integer from 0 to 6, k represents an integer from 0 to 6, (i+j+k) is an integer from 3 to 10, and ((x×i)+(y×j)+(z×k)) is an integer from 5 to 30.
A represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or an organic group having at least one atom selected from the group consisting of an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a silicon atom, a sulfur atom, and a phosphorus atom, and having no active hydrogen. The hydrocarbon group represented by A includes saturated, unsaturated, aliphatic, and aromatic hydrocarbon groups. Examples of the organic group having no active hydrogen include organic groups having no functional groups having active hydrogen, such as a hydroxyl group (-OH), a secondary amino group (>NH), a primary amino group (-NH ₂ ), or a sulfhydryl group (-SH).

In the above general formula (VI), A is preferably represented by any one of the above general formulas (II) to (V). By having A represented by any one of the general formulas (II) to (V), the low loss properties and wear resistance of the rubber composition can be further improved.

--Third preferred embodiment of modified styrene-butadiene rubber--
It is also preferable that at least one end of the styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is modified with a modifying agent containing a compound (alkoxysilane) represented by the following general formula (1).

By using, as the rubber component, a styrene-butadiene rubber modified with a modifier containing a compound represented by the above general formula (1) containing an oligosiloxane, which is a filler affinity functional group, and a tertiary amino group, the dispersibility of fillers such as silica can be improved. As a result, the rubber composition of the present invention has improved filler dispersibility, and therefore has significantly improved low loss properties, reducing the rolling resistance of tires to which the rubber composition is applied, and improving fuel efficiency.

In the above general formula (1), R ¹ to R ⁸ are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; L ¹ and L ² are each independently an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and n is an integer of 2 to 4.

Specifically, in formula (1), R ¹ to R ⁴ may each independently be a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. When R ¹ to R ⁴ are substituted, they may each independently be substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkoxy group having 4 to 10 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryloxy group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, an alkanoyloxy group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms (Ra-COO-, where Ra is an alkyl group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms), an aralkyloxy group having 7 to 13 carbon atoms, an arylalkyl group having 7 to 13 carbon atoms, and an alkylaryl group having 7 to 13 carbon atoms.
More specifically, R ¹ to R ⁴ may be a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and even more specifically, R ¹ to R ⁴ may be each independently a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

In addition, in formula (1), R ⁵ to R ⁸ are each independently a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, specifically, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more specifically, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and when substituted, may be substituted with the substituents described above for R ¹ to R ⁴ .
When R ⁵ to R ⁸ are not alkyl groups but hydrolyzable substituents, the bonds N-R ⁵ R ⁶ and N-R ⁷ R ⁸ may be hydrolyzed to N-H in the presence of moisture, which may adversely affect the processability of the polymer.

More specifically, in the compound represented by the formula (1), R ¹ to R ⁴ can be a methyl group or an ethyl group, and R ⁵ to R ⁸ can be an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

The amino groups in the compound represented by formula (1), i.e., N-R ⁵ R ⁶ and N-R ⁷ R ⁸ , are preferably tertiary amino groups. The tertiary amino groups provide the compound represented by formula (1) with better processability when used as a modifying agent.
In addition, when a protecting group for protecting an amino group is bonded to R ⁵ to R ^{8 or when hydrogen is bonded to R 5 to R 8} , it may be difficult to realize the effect of the compound represented by formula (1). When hydrogen is bonded, the anion reacts with hydrogen during the modification process and loses reactivity, making the modification reaction itself impossible, and when a protecting group is bonded, the modification reaction takes place, but in the state bonded to the polymer terminal, it is deprotected by hydrolysis during post-processing to become a primary or secondary amino group, and the deprotected primary or secondary amino group may cause an increase in the viscosity of the compound during subsequent blending, which may cause a decrease in processability.

In addition, L ¹ and L ² in the compound represented by the formula (1) are each independently a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
More specifically, L ¹ and L ² can each independently be an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and even more specifically, an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as a methylene group, an ethylene group, or a propylene group.

Regarding L ¹ and L ² in the compound represented by the formula (1), the closer the distance between the Si atom and the N atom in the molecule, the better the effect. However, when Si is directly bonded to N, there is a risk that the bond between Si and N may be broken during the subsequent treatment process, and the secondary amino group generated at this time is likely to be washed away by water during the post-treatment, and in the modified styrene-butadiene rubber produced, it is difficult to bond with the filler by the amino group that promotes the bond with the filler such as silica, and as a result, the effect of improving the dispersibility of the filler may be reduced. In this way, considering the improvement effect due to the length of the bond between Si and N, it is more preferable that the L ¹ and L ² are each independently an alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms such as a methylene group, an ethylene group, or a propylene group, and more specifically, a propylene group. In addition, L ¹ and L ² may be substituted with the substituents described above for R ¹ to R ⁴ .

The compound represented by the formula (1) is preferably, for example, any one of the compounds represented by the following structural formulas (1-1) to (1-5), because this allows for the realization of more excellent low loss properties.

The compound represented by formula (1) has an alkoxysilane structure that bonds with the active end of the styrene-butadiene copolymer, while the Si-O-Si structure and three or more amino groups bonded to the end show affinity for the filler (C) such as silica, and thus can promote the bonding between the filler (C) and the modified styrene-butadiene rubber, compared to conventional modifiers containing one amino group in the molecule. In addition, the degree of bonding of the active end of the styrene-butadiene copolymer is uniform, and when the change in molecular weight distribution is observed before and after coupling, the molecular weight distribution after coupling does not increase and remains constant compared to before. Therefore, there is no deterioration in the physical properties of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber itself, and the aggregation of the filler (C) in the rubber composition can be prevented, and the dispersibility of the filler (C) can be increased, thereby improving the processability of the rubber composition, and when the rubber composition is applied to a tire, it is possible to improve the fuel efficiency and wet performance of the tire in a well-balanced manner.

The compound represented by the formula (1) can be produced through a condensation reaction represented by the following reaction scheme.

In the reaction scheme, R ¹ to R ⁸ , L ¹ and L ² , and n are the same as those defined in the above formula (1), and R′ and R″ are any substituents that do not affect the condensation reaction. For example, R′ and R″ can each independently be the same as any one of R ¹ to R ⁴ .

The reaction in the above reaction scheme proceeds in the presence of an acid, and the acid can be any acid that is generally used in condensation reactions, without any restrictions. Those skilled in the art can select an optimal acid depending on various process variables such as the type of reactor in which the reaction is carried out, the starting materials, and the reaction temperature.

The styrene-butadiene rubber modified with a modifier containing the compound represented by formula (1) can have a narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn, also called "polydispersity index (PDI)") of 1.1 to 3.0. If the molecular weight distribution of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber exceeds 3.0 or is less than 1.1, there is a risk of the tensile properties and viscoelasticity decreasing when applied to a rubber composition. Considering the remarkable effect of improving the tensile properties and viscoelasticity by controlling the molecular weight distribution of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber, the molecular weight distribution of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber is preferably in the range of 1.3 to 2.0. By using the modifier, the modified styrene-butadiene rubber has a molecular weight distribution similar to that of the styrene-butadiene copolymer before modification.

The molecular weight distribution of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber can be calculated from the ratio (Mw/Mn) of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn). Here, the number average molecular weight (Mn) is the common average of the molecular weights of individual polymers calculated by measuring the molecular weights of n polymer molecules, calculating the sum of the molecular weights, and dividing the sum by n, and the weight average molecular weight (Mw) represents the molecular weight distribution of a polymer composition. The average of the total molecular weight can be expressed in grams per mole (g/mol).
The weight average molecular weight and number average molecular weight are each a polystyrene-equivalent molecular weight analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

The modified styrene-butadiene rubber satisfies the above-mentioned molecular weight distribution conditions, and at the same time, the number average molecular weight (Mn) can be 50,000 g/mol to 2,000,000 g/mol, more specifically, 200,000 g/mol to 800,000 g/mol, and the weight average molecular weight (Mw) can be 100,000 g/mol to 4,000,000 g/mol, more specifically, 300,000 g/mol to 1,500,000 g/mol.
When the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber is less than 100,000 g/mol or the number average molecular weight (Mn) is less than 50,000 g/mol, the tensile properties may be deteriorated when applied to a rubber composition. When the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is more than 4,000,000 g/mol or the number average molecular weight (Mn) is more than 2,000,000 g/mol, the processability of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber is deteriorated, the workability of the rubber composition is deteriorated, kneading becomes difficult, and it may be difficult to sufficiently improve the physical properties of the rubber composition.
More specifically, when the modified styrene-butadiene rubber satisfies the conditions of weight average molecular weight (Mw) and number average molecular weight (Mn) together with the molecular weight distribution, when the modified styrene-butadiene rubber is applied to a rubber composition, the rubber composition can have a well-balanced improvement in viscoelasticity and processability.

The modified styrene-butadiene rubber preferably has a vinyl bond content in the butadiene portion of 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more, and more preferably 60% or less. By setting the vinyl bond content in the butadiene portion within the above range, the glass transition temperature can be adjusted to an appropriate range.

The modified styrene-butadiene rubber may have a Mooney viscosity (MV) at 100° C. of 40 to 140, specifically 60 to 100. When the modified styrene-butadiene rubber has a Mooney viscosity in the above range, it can exhibit better processability.
The Mooney viscosity can be measured using a Mooney viscometer, for example, MV2000E manufactured by Monsanto, at 100° C., rotor speed 2±0.02 rpm, and a large rotor. The sample used here is left at room temperature (23±3° C.) for 30 minutes or more, and then 27±3 g of the sample is taken and filled into the die cavity, and the platen is operated to measure.

As described above, the modified styrene-butadiene rubber is preferably modified at one end with a modifier containing a compound represented by the above general formula (1), and is preferably further modified at the other end with a modifier containing a compound represented by the following general formula (2). By modifying both ends of the modified styrene-butadiene rubber, the dispersibility of the filler (C) in the rubber composition is further improved, and a tire to which the rubber composition is applied can achieve both low fuel consumption performance and wet performance at a higher level.

In the above general formula (2), R ⁹ to R ¹¹ are each independently hydrogen; an alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; an alkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms; an alkynyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms; a heteroalkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a heteroalkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms; a heteroalkynyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms; a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 30 carbon atoms; an aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms; or a heterocyclic group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms.
In addition, in formula (2), R ¹² is a single bond; an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which is substituted or unsubstituted with a substituent; a cycloalkylene group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which is substituted or unsubstituted with a substituent; or an arylene group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which is substituted or unsubstituted with a substituent, wherein the substituent is an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 10 carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms.
In addition, in formula (2), R ¹³ is an alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; an alkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms; an alkynyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms; a heteroalkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; a heteroalkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms; a heteroalkynyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms; a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 30 carbon atoms; an aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms; a heterocyclic group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms; or a functional group represented by the following general formula (2a) or general formula (2b), where m is an integer of 1 to 5, and at least one of R ¹³ is a functional group represented by the following general formula (2a) or general formula (2b), and when m is an integer of 2 to 5, the multiple R ¹³ may be the same as or different from each other.

In the above general formula (2a), R ¹⁴ is a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylene group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms; or a substituted or unsubstituted arylene group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein the substituent is an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 10 carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms.
In addition, in formula (2a), R ¹⁵ and R ¹⁶ are each independently an alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which is substituted or unsubstituted with an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 10 carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms.
In addition, in formula (2a), R ¹⁷ is hydrogen; an alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; an alkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms; an alkynyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms; a heteroalkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; a heteroalkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms; a heteroalkynyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms; a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 30 carbon atoms; an aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms; or a heterocyclic group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms; and X is an N, O, or S atom, with the proviso that when X is O or S, R ¹⁷ does not exist.

In the above general formula (2b), R ¹⁸ is a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylene group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms; or a substituted or unsubstituted arylene group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein the substituent is an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 10 carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms.
In addition, in formula (2b), R ¹⁹ and R ²⁰ are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; an alkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms; an alkynyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms; a heteroalkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; a heteroalkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms; a heteroalkynyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms; a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 30 carbon atoms; an aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms; or a heterocyclic group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms.

In the compound represented by the above general formula (2), R ⁹ to R ¹¹ are each independently hydrogen; an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms; or an alkynyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms; R ¹² is a single bond; or an unsubstituted alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R ¹³ is an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms; an alkynyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms; or a functional group represented by the above general formula (2a) or general formula (2b); in the above general formula (2a), R ¹⁴ is an unsubstituted alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R ¹⁵ and R ¹⁶ are each independently an unsubstituted alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R In the above general formula (2b), ^{R 18} is an unsubstituted alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and R ¹⁹ and R ²⁰ may each independently be an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms; an aryl group having 6 to ²⁰ carbon atoms; or a heterocyclic group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms.

More specifically, the compound represented by the above general formula (2) can be a compound represented by the following structural formulas (2-1) to (2-3).

In addition, when the styrene-butadiene copolymer is modified with a modifying agent containing the compound represented by the above general formula (2), the modifying agent containing the compound represented by formula (2) is used as a modification initiator.
Specifically, for example, a butadiene monomer and a styrene monomer are polymerized in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of a modifying agent containing the compound represented by formula (2), whereby a modifying group derived from the compound represented by formula (2) can be imparted to the styrene-butadiene copolymer.

--Butadiene rubber (BR)--
The rubber component (A) does not contain butadiene rubber (BR). If the rubber component (A) contains butadiene rubber (BR), the wet performance of the tire deteriorates when the rubber composition is applied to a tire. On the other hand, if the rubber component (A) does not contain butadiene rubber, deterioration of the wet performance of the tire can be avoided.

--Other rubber--
The rubber component (A) may further contain other rubbers, and the content of the other rubbers in 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A) is preferably 35 parts by mass or less. Examples of such other rubbers include chloroprene rubber (CR), butyl rubber (IIR), halogenated butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR, EPDM), fluororubber, silicone rubber, and urethane rubber. Among these, chloroprene rubber (CR) is preferred.

-Softener (B)-
The rubber composition for tires of the present embodiment contains a softener (B). By applying the rubber composition containing the softener (B) to a tire, the grip performance such as wet performance of the tire can be improved. Here, examples of the softener (B) include resins and oils, and among these, resins are preferred.

The resin is preferably at least partially hydrogenated. By at least partially hydrogenating the resin, the compatibility with natural rubber and/or synthetic isoprene rubber is further increased, the mobility of the rubber component (A) is further controlled, and the hysteresis loss (tan δ) in the low temperature range can be further improved, thereby further improving the wet performance of the tire.

Examples of the resin include _C5 resins, _C5 - _C9 resins, _C9 resins, terpene resins, dicyclopentadiene resins, terpene-aromatic compound resins, and the like. These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
The above-mentioned at least partially hydrogenated resin means a resin obtained by reducing and hydrogenating a resin. Examples of resins that can be used as raw materials for the hydrogenated resin include _C5 resins, _C5 - _C9 resins, _C9 resins, terpene resins, dicyclopentadiene resins, and terpene-aromatic compound resins. These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The _C5 resin may be an aliphatic petroleum resin obtained by (co)polymerizing a _C5 fraction obtained by thermal cracking of naphtha in the petrochemical industry.
The _C5 fraction usually contains olefinic hydrocarbons such as 1-pentene, 2-pentene, 2-methyl-1-butene, 2-methyl-2-butene, and 3-methyl-1-butene, and diolefinic hydrocarbons such as 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,2-pentadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, and 3-methyl-1,2-butadiene, etc. Note that, as the _C5 resin, commercially available products can be used.

The _C5 - _C9 resin refers to a _C5 - _C9 synthetic petroleum resin. Examples of the _C5 -C9 resin include solid polymers obtained by polymerizing a petroleum-derived _C5 - _C11 fraction using a Friedel-Crafts catalyst such as _AlCl3 or _BF3 . More specific examples of the C5- _C9 resin include copolymers mainly composed of styrene, vinyltoluene, α-methylstyrene, indene, etc.
As the _C5 - _C9 resin, a resin having a small amount of _C9 or more components is preferred from the viewpoint of compatibility with the rubber component. Here, "having a small amount of _C9 or more components" means that the amount of _C9 or more components in the total amount of the resin is less than 50 mass%, preferably 40 mass% or less. Commercially available _C5 - _C9 resins can be used.

The _C9 resin refers to a _C9 synthetic petroleum resin, for example, a solid polymer obtained by polymerizing a _C9 fraction using a Friedel-Crafts type catalyst such as _AlCl3 or _BF3 .
Examples of _C9 resins include copolymers containing indene, α-methylstyrene, vinyltoluene, or the like as main components.

The terpene resin is a solid resin obtained by blending turpentine, which is obtained at the same time as rosin is obtained from pine trees, or a polymerization component separated from this, and polymerizing it using a Friedel-Crafts catalyst, and examples of this include β-pinene resin and α-pinene resin. Furthermore, a representative example of a terpene-aromatic compound resin is terpene-phenol resin. This terpene-phenol resin can be obtained by reacting terpenes with various phenols using a Friedel-Crafts catalyst, or by further condensing with formalin. There are no particular restrictions on the terpenes used as raw materials, and monoterpene hydrocarbons such as α-pinene and limonene are preferred, and those containing α-pinene are more preferred, with α-pinene being particularly preferred. Styrene, etc. may also be included in the skeleton.

The dicyclopentadiene-based resin refers to a resin obtained by polymerizing dicyclopentadiene using a Friedel-Crafts type catalyst such as _AlCl3 or _BF3 .

Furthermore, the resin that is the raw material for the hydrogenated resin may contain, for example, a resin obtained by copolymerizing a _C5 fraction with dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) ( _C5 -DCPD resin).
Here, when the dicyclopentadiene-derived component is 50 mass% or more in the total amount of the resin, the _C5 -DCPD-based resin is considered to be included in the dicyclopentadiene-based resin. When the dicyclopentadiene-derived component is less than 50 mass% in the total amount of the resin, the _C5 -DCPD-based resin is considered to be included in the _C5 -based resin. The same applies to the case where a small amount of a third component or the like is further contained.

The softener (B) preferably has a softening point higher than 110°C and a weight average molecular weight in terms of polystyrene of 200 to 1600 g/mol. By applying a rubber composition containing such a softener (B) to a tire, the wear resistance of the tire can be improved.

If the softening point of the softener (B) is higher than 110°C, the tire to which the rubber composition is applied can be sufficiently reinforced, and the wear resistance can be further improved. From the viewpoint of the wear resistance of the tire, the softening point of the softener (B) is preferably 116°C or higher, more preferably 120°C or higher, more preferably 123°C or higher, and even more preferably 127°C or higher. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of processability, the softening point of the softener (B) is preferably 160°C or lower, more preferably 150°C or lower, more preferably 145°C or lower, and even more preferably 141°C or lower.

When the weight average molecular weight of the softener (B) in terms of polystyrene is 200 g/mol or more, the softener (B) is less likely to precipitate from the tire and the effects of the softener (B) can be fully exhibited, and when the weight average molecular weight is 1600 g/mol or less, the softener (B) is easily compatible with the rubber component (A).
From the viewpoints of suppressing precipitation of the softener (B) from the tire and suppressing deterioration in tire appearance, the polystyrene-equivalent weight average molecular weight of the softener (B) is preferably 500 g/mol or more, more preferably 550 g/mol or more, more preferably 600 g/mol or more, still more preferably 650 g/mol or more, and even more preferably 700 g/mol or more. In addition, from the viewpoint of increasing the compatibility of the softener (B) with the rubber component (A) and further enhancing the effect of the softener (B), the polystyrene-equivalent weight average molecular weight of the softener (B) is more preferably 1570 g/mol or less, more preferably 1530 g/mol or less, more preferably 1500 g/mol or less, more preferably 1470 g/mol or less, more preferably 1430 g/mol or less, more preferably 1400 g/mol or less, more preferably 1370 g/mol or less, more preferably 1330 g/mol or less, more preferably 1300 g/mol or less, more preferably 1200 g/mol or less, more preferably 1100 g/mol or less, more preferably 1000 g/mol or less, and even more preferably 950 g/mol or less.

The ratio (Ts _HR /Mw _HR ) of the softening point (Ts _HR ) (unit: ° C.) of the softener (B) to the polystyrene-equivalent weight average molecular weight (Mw _HR ) (unit: g/mol) of the softener (B) is preferably 0.07 or more, more preferably 0.083 or more, more preferably 0.095 or more, more preferably 0.104 or more, more preferably 0.125 or more, more preferably 0.135 or more, more preferably 0.14 or more, and even more preferably 0.141 or more. The ratio (Ts _HR /Mw _HR ) is preferably 0.25 or less, preferably 0.24 or less, preferably 0.23 or less, preferably 0.19 or less, more preferably 0.18 or less, and even more preferably 0.17 or less.

The oil is a general term for liquid oils [more specifically, oils that are liquid at 25° C. (room temperature)] added as a compounding agent to the rubber composition and extender oils contained in the rubber component (A), and examples of such softeners include petroleum-based softeners such as aromatic oils, paraffinic oils, and naphthenic oils; and vegetable-based softeners such as palm oil, castor oil, cottonseed oil, and soybean oil.
A liquid polymer can also be used as the oil. The liquid polymer is liquid at 25° C. (room temperature) and preferably has a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000. Examples of such liquid polymers include liquid polybutadiene, liquid polyisoprene, and liquid polystyrene-butadiene.
Among these, petroleum-based softeners such as aromatic oils, paraffinic oils, and naphthenic oils are preferred as the oil.

In the rubber composition for tires of this embodiment, the softener (B) preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of _C5 resin, _C5 - _C9 resin, _C9 resin, dicyclopentadiene resin, hydrogenated _C5 resin, hydrogenated _C9 resin, and hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene resin. A rubber composition for tires containing at least one selected from the group consisting of _C5 _resin , _C5 -C9 resin, _C9 resin, dicyclopentadiene resin, hydrogenated _C5 resin, hydrogenated _C9 resin, and hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene resin as the softener (B) has a large hysteresis loss, and by applying it to tires, the wet performance of the tire can be further improved.

In addition, from the viewpoint of increasing the compatibility between the rubber component (A) and the softener (B), the softener (B) is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated _C5 resins, hydrogenated _C5 - _C9 resins, hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene resins (hydrogenated DCPD resins), and hydrogenated terpene resins, more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated _C5 resins and hydrogenated _C5 - _C9 resins, and even more preferably hydrogenated _C5 resins. Also, it is preferable that the softener (B) is a resin having a hydrogenated DCPD structure or a hydrogenated cyclic structure in at least a monomer. When the softener (B) is at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated _C5 resins, hydrogenated _C5 - _C9 resins, hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene resins, and hydrogenated terpene resins, the wet performance of the tire to which the rubber composition is applied can be further improved, and the fuel economy can be further improved.

The content of the softener (B) is preferably 1 part by mass or more and less than 50 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A). When the content of the softener (B) in the rubber composition is 1 part by mass or more per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A), the effect of the softener (B) is fully expressed, and when the content is less than 50 parts by mass, the softener (B) is less likely to precipitate from the tire, and the effect of the softener (B) can be fully expressed. From the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of the softener (B), the content of the softener (B) in the rubber composition is preferably 5 parts by mass or more, more preferably 7 parts by mass or more, more preferably 9 parts by mass or more, more preferably 15 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 17 parts by mass or more per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component. In addition, from the viewpoint of suppressing precipitation of the softener (B) from the tire and suppressing deterioration of the tire appearance, the content of the softener (B) in the rubber composition is more preferably 45 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 40 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A).

The rubber composition for a tire according to the present embodiment has the following formula (1):
(amount of softener+10) ^1.5+ (St%+10) ²⁺ (E'+10) ² ≦1050... (1)
[wherein "softener amount" is the content (parts by mass) of the softener (B) relative to 100 parts by mass of the rubber component, "St %" is the (average) bound styrene amount (% by mass) of the styrene-butadiene rubber, and "E'" is the storage modulus at 30°C of the vulcanized rubber composition for tires.] is satisfied.
By setting the left side of the above formula (1) [(amount of softener + 10) ^1.5 + (St % + 10) ² + (E' + 10) ² ] to 1,050 or less, it becomes possible to achieve both wet performance and fuel efficiency, and it becomes possible to improve the wet performance without deteriorating the fuel efficiency performance of the tire.
From the viewpoint of the wet performance of the tire, the left side of the formula (1) is preferably 500 or more, more preferably 600 or more, and even more preferably 700 or more.
Here, the bound styrene amount of the styrene-butadiene rubber can be adjusted by the amount of the monomer used in the polymerization of the styrene-butadiene rubber, the degree of polymerization, etc., as described above, and the average bound styrene amount (St%) of the styrene-butadiene rubber can be adjusted by the combination of the styrene-butadiene rubbers used, their compositions, etc.
In addition, the storage modulus (E') at 30°C of the vulcanized rubber composition for tires can be adjusted by the composition of the rubber composition, the content of the filler (C), the content of the softener (B), the network density of the vulcanized rubber, etc.

The rubber composition for a tire according to the present embodiment has the following formula (2):
The mass ratio of the softener (B) to the total amount of the natural rubber and the synthetic isoprene rubber is ≧0.5 (2)
When the mass ratio of the softener (B) to the total amount of natural rubber and polyisoprene rubber [mass ratio of softener (B)/total amount of natural rubber and polyisoprene rubber] is 0.5 or more, the wet performance of a tire to which the rubber composition is applied can be further improved.
The mass ratio of the softener (B) to the total amount of natural rubber and polyisoprene rubber [mass ratio of softener (B)/total amount of natural rubber and polyisoprene rubber] is more preferably 0.65 or more, even more preferably 0.7 or more, and still more preferably 0.8 or more, and is preferably 2.0 or less, more preferably 1.9 or less, and even more preferably 1.8 or less.

-Filler (C)-
The rubber composition for a tire of the present embodiment contains a filler (C). By containing the filler (C), the reinforcing property of the rubber composition is improved.
The content of the filler (C) in the rubber composition is preferably in the range of 40 to 125 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A). When the content of the filler (C) in the rubber composition is 40 parts by mass or more relative to 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A), the reinforcement of the tire to which the rubber composition is applied is sufficient, and the wear resistance performance can be further improved, and when the content is 125 parts by mass or less, the elastic modulus of the rubber composition does not become too high, and the wet performance of the tire to which the rubber composition is applied is further improved. From the viewpoint of further reducing the rolling resistance of the tire (from the viewpoint of improving fuel efficiency performance), the content of the filler (C) in the rubber composition is more preferably 45 parts by mass or more, more preferably 50 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 55 parts by mass or more relative to 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A). From the viewpoint of improving the wet performance of the tire, the content of the filler (C) in the rubber composition is more preferably 105 parts by mass or less, more preferably 100 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 95 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A).

--silica--
The filler (C) preferably contains silica, and more preferably contains silica having a nitrogen adsorption specific surface area (BET method) of 80 m ² /g or more and less than 330 m ² /g. When the nitrogen adsorption specific surface area (BET method) of silica is 80 m ² /g or more, the tire to which the rubber composition is applied can be sufficiently reinforced, and the rolling resistance of the tire can be further reduced. When the nitrogen adsorption specific surface area (BET method) of silica is less than 330 m ² /g, the elastic modulus of the rubber composition does not become too high, and the wet performance of the tire to which the rubber composition is applied is further improved. From the viewpoint of further reducing the rolling resistance and further improving the wear resistance of the tire, the nitrogen adsorption specific surface area (BET method) of silica is preferably 110 m ² /g or more, preferably 130 m ² /g or more, preferably 150 m ² /g or more, and more preferably 180 m ² /g or more. From the viewpoint of further improving the wet performance of the tire, the nitrogen adsorption specific surface area (BET method) of silica is preferably 300 m ² /g or less, more preferably 280 m ² /g or less, and even more preferably 270 m ² /g or less.

Examples of the silica include wet silica (hydrated silicic acid), dry silica (anhydrous silicic acid), calcium silicate, aluminum silicate, etc., and among these, wet silica is preferred. These silicas may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

Plant-derived silica is also preferred as the silica. Since plant-derived silica is a material derived from biological resources (biomass resources), the inclusion of plant-derived silica increases the ratio of sustainable materials in the rubber composition for tires, and the application of the rubber composition to tires increases the ratio of sustainable materials in the tire and reduces the environmental impact.

As the silica derived from plants, silica derived from silicic acid plants is preferred from the viewpoint of reducing environmental load.The silica derived from silicic acid plants is present in, for example, mosses, ferns, horsetails, Cucurbitaceae, Urticaceae, and Gramineae plants.Among these plants, Gramineae plants are preferred, that is, as the silica derived from plants, silica derived from Gramineae plants is preferred.Since the raw material of the silica derived from Gramineae plants can be procured locally near tire manufacturing plants, it can reduce the energy and cost of transportation and storage, and is environmentally preferred from various viewpoints.
Examples of the Gramineae plant include rice, bamboo grass, sugarcane, etc., and among these, rice is preferred. Rice is widely cultivated for food, so it can be procured locally in a wide area, and rice husks are generated in large quantities as industrial waste, so it is easy to secure the amount. Therefore, from the viewpoint of availability, silica derived from rice husks (hereinafter also referred to as "rice husk silica") is particularly preferred as plant-derived silica. By using the rice husk silica, rice husks that become industrial waste can be effectively utilized, and raw materials can be procured locally near tire manufacturing plants, so that energy and costs for transportation and storage can be reduced, which is environmentally preferable from various viewpoints. The rice husk silica may be a powder of rice husk charcoal obtained by carbonizing rice husks by heating, or may be precipitated silica produced by a wet method using an alkali silicate aqueous solution, which is prepared by extracting rice husk ash generated when rice husks are burned as fuel in a biomass boiler with an alkali to prepare an alkali silicate aqueous solution. The method for producing the rice husk charcoal is not particularly limited, and various known methods can be used. For example, rice husk charcoal can be obtained by pyrolyzing the rice husks by steaming them in a kiln. The rice husk charcoal thus obtained is pulverized using a known pulverizer (e.g., a ball mill), and then sorted and classified into a predetermined particle size range to obtain rice husk charcoal powder. The rice husk-derived precipitated silica can be produced by the method described in JP 2019-38728 A.

From the viewpoint of improving the mechanical strength of the tire and further improving the abrasion resistance, the content of silica in the rubber composition is preferably 40 parts by mass or more, more preferably 45 parts by mass or more, more preferably 50 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 55 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of rubber component (A). Also, from the viewpoint of further improving the wet performance of the tire, the content of silica in the rubber composition is preferably 125 parts by mass or less, more preferably 105 parts by mass or less, more preferably 100 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 95 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of rubber component (A).

--Carbon black--
The filler (C) preferably contains carbon black, which reinforces the rubber composition and improves the abrasion resistance of the rubber composition.
The carbon black is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include GPF, FEF, HAF, ISAF, and SAF grade carbon black. These carbon blacks may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

From the viewpoint of improving the wear resistance of the rubber composition and a tire to which the rubber composition is applied, the content of carbon black in the rubber composition is preferably 1 part by mass or more, more preferably 3 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 5 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A). Also, from the viewpoint of workability of the rubber composition, the content of carbon black in the rubber composition is preferably 20 parts by mass or less, more preferably 15 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A).
When the filler (C) contains silica and carbon black, the proportion of silica in the total amount of silica and carbon black is preferably 80% by mass or more and less than 100% by mass, and more preferably 90% by mass or more and less than 100% by mass. By having the proportion of silica of 80% by mass or more, the mechanical strength of a tire to which the rubber composition is applied can be improved and the rolling resistance can be further reduced.

--Other fillers--
The filler (C) may contain, in addition to silica and carbon black, inorganic fillers such as clay, talc, calcium carbonate, and aluminum hydroxide.
The above-mentioned other fillers are preferably contained in the range where the silica content in the filler (C) is 70% by mass or more. By making the silica content in the filler (C) 70% by mass or more, the mechanical strength of the tire to which the rubber composition is applied is improved, and the rolling resistance can be further reduced. The silica content in the filler (C) is more preferably 80% by mass or more, even more preferably 85% by mass or more, and even more preferably 90% by mass or more and less than 100% by mass.

- Styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer -
The rubber composition for tires of this embodiment may contain a styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPS). The styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPS) has a styrene-based polymer block (hard segment) and a conjugated diene-based polymer block (soft segment), and the styrene-based polymer portion forms a physical crosslink to become a crosslinking point, while the conjugated diene-based polymer block imparts rubber elasticity. The double bonds of the conjugated diene-based polymer block (soft segment) may be partially or completely hydrogenated.
In addition, the styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPS) is thermoplastic, whereas the rubber component (A) (preferably, a diene-based rubber) is not thermoplastic. Therefore, in this specification, the styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPS) is not included in the rubber component (A). The content of the styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPS) is preferably in the range of 1 to 30 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A).

The styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPS) may include styrene/butadiene/styrene (SBS) block copolymer, styrene/isoprene/styrene (SIS) block copolymer, styrene/butadiene/isoprene/styrene (SBIS) block copolymer, styrene/butadiene (SB) block copolymer, styrene/isoprene (SI) block copolymer, styrene/butadiene/isoprene (SBI) block copolymer, styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene (SEBS) block copolymer, styrene/ethylene/propylene/styrene (SEPS) block copolymer, styrene/ethylene/ethylene/propylene/styrene (SEEPS) block copolymer, styrene/ethylene/butylene (SEB) block copolymer, styrene/ethylene/propylene (SEP) block copolymer, styrene/ethylene/ethylene/propylene (SEEP) block copolymer, etc.

-others-
The rubber composition for tires of this embodiment may contain the above-mentioned rubber component (A), softener (B), filler (C), and styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, as well as various components commonly used in the rubber industry, such as silane coupling agents, antioxidants, waxes, processing aids, stearic acid, zinc oxide (zinc oxide), vulcanization accelerators, vulcanizing agents, etc., which may be appropriately selected within ranges that do not impair the objects of the present invention. Commercially available products can be suitably used as these compounding ingredients.

When the rubber composition for tires of this embodiment contains silica, it is preferable to contain a silane coupling agent in order to improve the effect of the silica. Examples of the silane coupling agent include bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide, bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)trisulfide, bis(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)disulfide, bis(2-triethoxysilylethyl)tetrasulfide, bis(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide, bis(2-trimethoxysilylethyl)tetrasulfide, 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane, 2-mercaptoethyltrimethoxysilane, 2-mercaptoethyltriethoxysilane, 3-trimethoxysilylpropyl-N,N-dimethylthiocarbamoyltetrasulfide, 3-triethoxysilylpropyl-N, Examples of the silane coupling agent include N-dimethylthiocarbamoyl tetrasulfide, 2-triethoxysilylethyl-N,N-dimethylthiocarbamoyl tetrasulfide, 3-trimethoxysilylpropyl benzothiazolyl tetrasulfide, 3-triethoxysilylpropyl benzothiazolyl tetrasulfide, 3-triethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate monosulfide, 3-trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate monosulfide, bis(3-diethoxymethylsilylpropyl)tetrasulfide, 3-mercaptopropyldimethoxymethylsilane, dimethoxymethylsilylpropyl-N,N-dimethylthiocarbamoyl tetrasulfide, and dimethoxymethylsilylpropyl benzothiazolyl tetrasulfide. The content of the silane coupling agent is preferably in the range of 2 to 20 parts by mass, more preferably in the range of 5 to 15 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the silica.

The antioxidants include N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6C), 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline polymer (TMDQ), 6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (AW), N,N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD), etc. There are no particular restrictions on the content of the antioxidant, and it is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 5 parts by mass, more preferably 1 to 4 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A).

Examples of the wax include paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax. There are no particular limitations on the amount of the wax, but it is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 5 parts by mass, and more preferably 1 to 4 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component.

The amount of zinc oxide (zinc white) is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 10 parts by mass, and more preferably 1 to 8 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A).

The vulcanization accelerator may be a sulfenamide-based vulcanization accelerator, a guanidine-based vulcanization accelerator, a thiazole-based vulcanization accelerator, a thiuram-based vulcanization accelerator, a dithiocarbamate-based vulcanization accelerator, or the like. These vulcanization accelerators may be used alone or in combination of two or more. There are no particular limitations on the content of the vulcanization accelerator, and the content is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 5 parts by mass, and more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 4 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A).

The vulcanizing agent may be sulfur. The content of the vulcanizing agent is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 10 parts by mass, more preferably 1 to 4 parts by mass, in terms of sulfur content per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A).

-Method for producing rubber composition-
The method for producing the rubber composition is not particularly limited, but for example, the rubber composition can be produced by blending various components appropriately selected as necessary with the above-mentioned rubber component (A), softener (B), and filler (C), and kneading, heating, extruding, etc. The obtained rubber composition can be vulcanized to produce a vulcanized rubber.

There are no particular limitations on the conditions for the kneading, and the input volume of the kneading device, the rotation speed of the rotor, the ram pressure, the kneading temperature, the kneading time, the type of kneading device, and other conditions can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples of kneading devices include Banbury mixers, intermixes, kneaders, rolls, and the like that are typically used for kneading rubber compositions.

There are no particular limitations on the heat-in conditions, and the heat-in temperature, heat-in time, heat-in equipment, and other conditions can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of the heat-in equipment include a heat-in roll machine that is typically used for heat-in of rubber compositions.

There are no particular limitations on the extrusion conditions, and various conditions such as extrusion time, extrusion speed, extrusion equipment, and extrusion temperature can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of extrusion equipment include extruders that are typically used for extruding rubber compositions. The extrusion temperature can be appropriately determined.

There are no particular limitations on the vulcanization equipment, method, conditions, etc., and they can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose. Typical vulcanization equipment includes a mold vulcanizer that uses a mold used to vulcanize rubber compositions. The vulcanization temperature is, for example, about 100 to 190°C.

<Tread rubber>
The tread rubber of the present embodiment is characterized in that it is made of the above-mentioned rubber composition for tires. Since the tread rubber of the present embodiment is made of the above-mentioned rubber composition for tires, by applying the tread rubber to a tire, it is possible to improve the wet performance without deteriorating the fuel efficiency performance of the tire.
The tread rubber of the present embodiment may be applied to a new tire or a retread tire.

<Tires>
The tire of the present embodiment is characterized by including the above-mentioned tread rubber. Since the tire of the present embodiment includes the above-mentioned tread rubber, the tire has improved wet performance without deteriorating fuel efficiency performance.

The tire of this embodiment may be obtained by molding an unvulcanized rubber composition and then vulcanizing it, depending on the type of tire to which it is applied, or by molding a semi-vulcanized rubber that has been subjected to a pre-vulcanization process or the like, and then further vulcanizing it. The tire of this embodiment is preferably a pneumatic tire, and the gas to be filled in the pneumatic tire may be normal air or air with an adjusted oxygen partial pressure, or an inert gas such as nitrogen, argon, or helium.

The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples in any way.

<Analysis method of rubber components>
The glass transition temperature (Tg) and bound styrene content of the styrene-butadiene rubber were measured by the following method.

(1) Glass transition temperature (Tg)
The synthesized styrene-butadiene rubber was used as a sample, and a DSC curve was recorded using a TA Instruments DSC250 while heating from −100° C. at 20° C./min under a helium flow of 50 mL/min. The peak top (inflection point) of the DSC differential curve was determined as the glass transition temperature.

(2) Bound styrene content The synthesized styrene-butadiene rubber was used as a sample, and 100 mg of the sample was diluted with chloroform to 100 mL and dissolved to prepare a measurement sample. The bound styrene content (mass%) relative to 100 mass% of the sample was measured based on the amount of absorption of ultraviolet light by the phenyl group of styrene at a wavelength (near 254 nm). The measurement device used was a spectrophotometer "UV-2450" manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation.

<Analysis method for softeners (resins)>
The softening point and weight average molecular weight of the softener were measured by the following methods.

(3) Softening Point The softening point of the softener was measured in accordance with JIS-K2207-1996 (ring and ball method).

(4) Weight Average Molecular Weight The average molecular weight of the softener was measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) under the following conditions, and the weight average molecular weight in terms of polystyrene was calculated.
Column temperature: 40°C
Injection volume: 50 μL
Carrier and flow rate: Tetrahydrofuran 0.6 mL/min
Sample preparation: Dissolve approximately 2.5 mg of softener in 10 mL of tetrahydrofuran.

<Preparation of Rubber Composition>
According to the compounding recipe shown in Table 1, A, the components were blended and kneaded to prepare the rubber compositions of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4. According to the compounding recipe shown in Table 1, B, the components were blended and kneaded to prepare the rubber composition of Example 3. The amounts of the blended natural rubber, each SBR, and each resin are as shown in Table 2.

<Preparation and evaluation of vulcanized rubber>
The rubber compositions of the examples and comparative examples were vulcanized at 145° C. for 33 minutes to obtain vulcanized rubber test pieces. The storage modulus (E′) of the vulcanized rubber test pieces obtained was measured at 30° C. by the following method, and the wet performance and fuel economy were also evaluated. The results are shown in Table 2.

(5) Storage modulus (E')
The storage modulus (E') of the vulcanized rubber test piece was measured using a viscoelasticity measuring device (manufactured by Rheometrics Co., Ltd.) under conditions of a temperature of 30°C, a strain of 1% and a frequency of 52 Hz.

(6) Wet Performance The coefficient of friction of the test specimen against a wet asphalt road surface was measured using a portable friction tester. The evaluation results were expressed as an index, with the coefficient of friction of Comparative Example 1 taken as 100. The larger the index value, the larger the coefficient of friction and the better the wet performance (wet braking performance). Note that when the index value is 105 or more, it can be said that the improvement in wet performance is sufficiently large.

(7) Fuel Efficiency Performance The loss tangent (tan δ) of the test specimen was measured using a viscoelasticity measuring device (manufactured by Rheometrics) under the conditions of a temperature of 50°C, a strain of 1%, and a frequency of 52 Hz. The evaluation results were expressed as an index, with the reciprocal of tan δ of Comparative Example 1 being set as 100. The larger the index value, the smaller the tan δ and the more excellent the fuel efficiency performance. Note that when the index value is 105 or more, it can be said that the improvement in fuel efficiency performance is sufficiently large.

*1 Natural rubber: TSR #20, Tg = -56 ° C.
*2 SBR1: Hydrocarbyloxysilane compound modified styrene-butadiene rubber synthesized by the following method, bound styrene content = 10 mass%, Tg = -65°C
*3 SBR2: Modified styrene-butadiene rubber obtained by modifying the ends of styrene-butadiene rubber obtained using butyl lithium as an initiator with N-(1,3-dimethylbutylidene)-3-triethoxysilyl-1-propanamine, bound styrene content = 35% by mass, Tg = -38°C
*4 Filler 1: Silica, CTAB specific surface area = 200 ^m2 /g
*5 Filler 2: Rice husk silica *6 Resin 1: _C5 - _C9 resin, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation, trade name "Petrotack 90", softening point = 95 ° C, weight average molecular weight (Mw) = 1600 g / mol
*7 Resin 2: Hydrogenated _C5 resin, manufactured by Eastman, trade name "Impera E1780", softening point = 130 ° C, weight average molecular weight (Mw) = 909 g / mol
*8 Silane coupling agent: Evonik Degussa, product name "Si75"
*9 Anti-aging agent: Product name "Nocrac 6C" manufactured by Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
*10 Wax: Product name "Ozoace 0701" manufactured by Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd.
*11 Vulcanization accelerator 1: Product name "Noccela DM-P" manufactured by Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
*12 Vulcanization accelerator 2: Sanshin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., product name "Suncerer NS-G"

<Method of synthesizing SBR1 (*2)>
A cyclohexane solution of 1,3-butadiene and a cyclohexane solution of styrene were added to a dried, nitrogen-purged 800 mL pressure-resistant glass vessel so that the amounts of 1,3-butadiene and styrene were 67.5 g and 7.5 g, respectively, and 0.6 mmol of 2,2-ditetrahydrofurylpropane and 0.8 mmol of n-butyllithium were added, followed by polymerization at 50° C. for 1.5 hours. At this time, 0.72 mmol of N,N-bis(trimethylsilyl)-3-[diethoxy(methyl)silyl]propylamine was added as a modifier to the polymerization reaction system, the polymerization conversion rate of which was nearly 100%, and a modification reaction was carried out at 50° C. for 30 minutes. Thereafter, 2 mL of a 5% by mass solution of 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol (BHT) in isopropanol was added to terminate the reaction, and the mixture was dried in a conventional manner to obtain SBR1 (modified SBR).
Measurement of the microstructure of the resulting SBR1 (modified SBR) revealed that the bound styrene content was 10% by mass, and the glass transition temperature (Tg) was -65°C.

As can be seen from the results shown in Table 2, the rubber compositions of Examples 1 to 3 satisfy the requirements of formula (1) and have significantly superior wet performance and fuel economy performance compared to the rubber composition of Comparative Example 1.
On the other hand, the rubber compositions of Comparative Examples 2 and 3 had the same content of softener (resin 1) as the rubber composition of Example 1, but contained SBR2 with a high amount of bound styrene, and therefore did not satisfy the requirements of formula (1). Thus, although the rubber compositions had excellent wet performance, they had poor fuel economy performance.
The rubber composition of Comparative Example 4 is excellent in wet performance and fuel economy due to the inclusion of the hydrogenated resin (resin 2), but does not satisfy the requirement of formula (1), and therefore the improvement in each performance is small.

Claims

A vulcanized rubber composition for tires comprising a rubber component (A), a softener (B), and a filler (C),
The rubber component (A) contains natural rubber or synthetic isoprene rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber, but does not contain butadiene rubber;
At least one of the styrene-butadiene rubbers has a glass transition temperature of less than −40° C.;
The following formula (1):
(amount of softener+10) 1.5+ (St%+10) 2+ (E'+10) 2 ≦1050... (1)
[wherein, "softener amount" is the content (parts by mass) of the softener (B) relative to 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A), "St %" is the (average) bound styrene amount (% by mass) of the styrene-butadiene rubber, and "E'" is the storage modulus (MPa) at 30°C of the vulcanized rubber composition for tires.]
The rubber composition for tires according to claim 1, wherein the softener (B) comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of C5 resins, C5 - C9 resins, C9 resins, dicyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated C5 resins, hydrogenated C9 resins, and hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene resins.
The rubber composition for tires according to claim 1, wherein the softener (B) has a softening point higher than 110°C and a weight average molecular weight in terms of polystyrene of 200 to 1600 g/mol.
The rubber composition for tires according to claim 1, wherein the softener (B) is at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated C5 resins, hydrogenated C5 - C9 resins, hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene resins, and hydrogenated terpene resins.
The following formula (2):
The mass ratio of the softener (B) to the total amount of the natural rubber and the synthetic isoprene rubber is ≧0.5 (2)
The rubber composition for tires according to claim 1 , which satisfies the above.
The rubber composition for tires according to claim 1, wherein the styrene-butadiene rubber is modified with a modifier having a functional group containing a nitrogen atom and an alkoxy group.
A tread rubber comprising the tire rubber composition according to claim 1.
A tire comprising the tread rubber according to claim 7.