Polymer transfer decals comprising saturated elastomers

• US 4,684,420 A
• Filed: 08/16/1985
• Issued: 08/04/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 08/16/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC (Bridgestone Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Firestone Tire & Rubber Company (Bridgestone Corporation)
• Inventors: Roberts, Durward T. Jr., Beckman, Joseph A., Cetnar, James F., Bryant, Lynn A., Tazewell, Joseph H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lilling, Herbert J.
• Application Number:
  US06/766,228
• Time in Patent Office: 718 Days
• Field of Search: 524/505, 524/413, 524/539, 524/529, 428/40, 428/914, 428/41, 428/42, 156/116, 156/240, 152/DIG. 12, 152/524, 152/525
• US Class Current: 156/116
• CPC Class Codes: B05D 1/28 performed by transfer from the surfaces of elements carrying the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. brushes, pads, rollers
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 2030/726 Decorating or marking the sidewalls before tyre vulcanization protecting, decorating, marking tyre sidewalls B60C13/00
• CPC Class Codes: B44C 1/1712 Decalcomanias applied under heat and pressure, e.g. provided with a heat activable adhesive
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 13/001 Decorating, marking or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 13/002 Protection against exterior elements
• CPC Class Codes: C09D 153/025 modified
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 152/12 White sidewalls
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 428/914 Transfer or decalcomania
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1438 Metal containing

Abstract

Paint compositions suitable for forming decals which can be applied to vehicle tire sidewalls. The compositions comprise a saturated elastomer having a glass transition temperature not higher than -40 degrees C., a pigment which is preferably titanium dioxide in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 10 times the weight of elastomer, and a solvent. Compositions of this invention are resistant to ultraviolet light and ozone, maintain color and integrity during outdoor aging, and have a long fatigue life.

Claims

1. A transfer decal having high resistance to ultraviolet light and ozone and having adherence to tire sidewalls, said decal comprising:

(a) a saturated elastomer having a glass transition temperature not higher than about -40 degrees C.;

(b) a pigment, the amount of said pigment being in the range of about 0.5 to about 10 times the weight of said elastomer,

said decal being essentially devoid of unsaturation and free of staining and antiozonants, and forming a film having a flexural durability of at least about 100,000 cycles at room temperature and at least about 80,000 cycles at -40°

C. when flexed at 5 Hz and a 15 percent strain.

2. A decal according to claim 1 wherein said pigment is a white pigment.

3. A decal according to claim 2 wherein said pigment is titanium dioxide.

4. A decal according to claim 3 wherein the amount of said pigment is from about 0.5 to about 5 times the weight of said elastomer.

5. A decal according to claim 1 in which said saturated elastomer is a thermoplastic elastomer of one or more hydrocarbon monomers.

6. A decal according to claim 1 in which said elastomer is a block copolymer.

7. A decal according to claim 1 wherein said saturated elastomer is ionic.

8. A process for preparing a decorative applique for a tire sidewall which comprises:

(a) forming a decal according to claim 1,

(b) transferring said decal to the sidewall of a tire, and

(c) curing said tire.

9. A decal according to claim 1 in which said pigment is colored.