Description of Styrene Butadiene Rubber
Styrene-butadiene rubber, often abbreviated as SBR, is a workhorse of the synthetic rubber world. Unlike natural rubber, which comes from latex tapped from trees, SBR is derived from petroleum-based chemicals. This man-made origin has several advantages. SBR is less susceptible to fluctuations in natural rubber prices and can be tailored for specific applications.
The ratio of styrene to butadiene in the mix influences the final properties of the rubber. More styrene creates a harder, less elastic material, while a higher butadiene content results in a softer, stretchier product. This versatility allows SBR to find uses in everything from the abrasion-resistant treads of car tires to the comfortable soles of your shoes.
SBR’s impressive strength and elasticity make it a valuable material for a wide range of applications. Beyond tires and footwear, SBR finds itself in hoses, belts, gaskets, and even some types of chewing gum. It can also be used in latex form as an adhesive for carpets and other applications. The low cost and impressive performance of SBR have cemented its place as a crucial material in modern industry.
Application of Styrene Butadiene Rubber
- Workhorse Resilience: SBR excels in applications demanding high durability. Its resistance to wear and tear makes it ideal for high-mileage car tires, conveyor belts, and industrial hoses.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to many natural and synthetic rubbers, SBR offers a significant price advantage. This affordability translates into a wider range of applications where its functionality shines.
- Tailored Performance: The beauty of SBR lies in its versatility. By varying the ratio of styrene and butadiene in its chemical makeup, manufacturers can fine-tune properties like stiffness and elasticity. This allows SBR to take on diverse roles, from the rigid structure of shoe soles to the form-fitting flexibility required for gaskets and seals.
- Beyond the Basics: SBR’s applications extend far beyond the automotive and footwear industries. It’s a key component in roofing materials, providing waterproofing and weather resistance. SBR also finds uses in coated fabrics, hoses, and even chewing gum, thanks to its ability to be compounded with various additives.
Styrene-butadiene is a commodity material which competes with natural rubber. The elastomer is used widely in pneumatic tires. This application mainly calls for E-SBR, although S-SBR is growing in popularity. Other uses include shoe heels and soles, gaskets, and even chewing gum.
Latex (emulsion) SBR is extensively used in coated papers, being one of the cheapest resins to bind pigmented coatings.
It is also used in building applications, as a sealing and binding agent behind renders as an alternative to PVA, but is more expensive. In the latter application, it offers better durability, reduced shrinkage and increased flexibility, as well as being resistant to emulsification in damp conditions.
SBR is often used as part of cement based sub structural (basement)waterproofing systems where as a liquid it is mixed with water to form the Gauging solution for mixing the powdered Tanking material to a slurry. SBR aids the bond strength, reduces the potential for shrinkage and adds an element of flexibility.
It is also used by speaker driver manufacturers as the material for low damping rubber surrounds.
Properties of Styrene Butadiene Rubber
- Good abrasion resistance
- Good aging stability (when protected by additives)
- Relatively low cost
- Less elastic than natural rubber
- Poorer traction than natural rubber
packing
Solid SBR is typically packaged in bales which weigh between 25-35 kg. These bales are wrapped in a strong, moisture-proof material, such as polyethylene, to protect the rubber from contamination and degradation. The bales are then stacked on pallets and secured for transport.
The drums are usually made of metal or plastic and have a capacity of around 200 liters. The latex SBR is sealed in the drums to prevent contamination and drying out.
In addition to the packaging mentioned above, SBR may also be packaged in other forms depending on the specific application. For example, SBR crumb rubber, which is a type of shredded SBR, may be packaged in bags or bulk containers.
Specification
Item | Unit | Specification | Result | Test Method |
---|---|---|---|---|
Raw Mooney Viscosity | MU | 42-52 | 47 | ASTM D1646-07 |
Volatile Matter Content | % | Max 0.75 | 0.5 | ASTM D5668-09 |
Ash Content | % | Max 1.00 | 0.19 | ASTM D5667-95 |
Soap Content | % | Max. 0.50 | 0.15 | ASTM D5774-95 |
Organic Acid | % | 3.9 - 5.70 | 4.9 | ASTM D5774-95 |
Bound Styrene | % | 22.5 - 24.5 | 23.5 | ASTM D5775-95 |
Compound Properties (ASTM D 1646-03) - ( ML 1+4@ 100° C)1 | ||||
Compound Mooney Viscosity | MU | Max 62 | 58 | ASTM D1646-07 |
Tensile Strength, 35 min at 145° C cured | kg/cm² | min 200 | 235 | ASTM D412-06 |
Elongation at Break, 35 min at 145°C cured | % | min 530 | 617 | ASTM D412-06 |
300% Modulus, 35 min at 145°C cured | kg/cm² | 79 - 109 | 87 | ASTM D412-06 |