| abstract |
The present invention is directed to self-healing materials and use thereof for extending the lifespan of a tire. The self-healing material includes a rubber healing agent, e.g., sulfur, encapsulated by a coating material, e.g., polypropylene, defining a microcapsule. The self-healing materials are processed with rubbery polymers to provide a rubber compound suitable for use in a tire. The microcapsule coating material is selected to prevent release of the healing agent during the processing steps of the rubber compound, such as can occur through melting or softening of the coating material, and to release the healing agent, e.g., via melting or softening, at a desired temperature greater than a tire's running temperature. Release of the healing agent can help repair damage to local polymeric structure, such as broken cross-links, by reacting with the surrounding rubber. In this way, that area of the rubber compound can be reinforced, thereby prolonging the life of the tire. |