SBR Rubber - Properties - Styrene-Butadiene Rubber

SBR rubber is a type of rubber that is widely used in place of NR, which stands for natural rubber. It has many applications, such as tire compounds, cable coatings, hoses, profiles, porous rubbers, and foams. It is used in rubber article technology.

What does SBR abbreviation mean?

SBR rubber is styrene-butadiene rubber, a copolymer of butadiene and styrene. SBR mixture is obtained through the emulsion copolymerization of butadiene and styrene. It is often used as a substitute for natural rubber, to which it is very similar, especially in its elastic properties.

SBR Rubber - Properties

SBR rubber is highly elastic, which is why many manufacturers use it instead of natural rubber. Annually, 25 million tons of natural and synthetic rubber are sold worldwide. The demand for rubber is constantly increasing due to the development of emerging countries. SBR shows excellent mechanical resistance, especially to abrasion and tearing. Unfortunately, it has poor resistance to oil-based substances, mineral fuels, and atmospheric conditions. It is commonly used in shoe soles and tires.

Generally, SBR rubber is resistant to:

• inorganic acids and bases,
• water,
• alcohols,
• brake fluids (containing glycols).

SBR rubber is not resistant to:

• oils and mineral greases,
• gasoline,
• chlorinated hydrocarbons,
• aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.

SBR rubber has conductive properties.

It is highly resistant to compression, abrasion, tearing, and retains its properties even at low temperatures. It exhibits low ozone resistance and can be affected by sunlight. A significant advantage of SBR rubber is its relatively low cost combined with good physicochemical properties.

SBR rubber has values:

• hardness from 50 to 80 ShA,
• density from 1.4 to 1.6 g/cm3,
• maintains properties from -20 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Celsius.

A specific type of SBR is a variant containing a blend of NR/SBR, i.e., natural rubber and synthetic rubber. From this blend, odorless and non-toxic plates are produced, making them suitable for food contact, as certified by PZH. NR/SBR plates also do not cause contamination.

SBR Rubber - Applications

Vulcanized SBR products are used in various industries. It is commonly used for manufacturing gaskets and seals that are static, non-stretchable, and at higher temperatures. SBR is also used in vibration isolation products such as buffers and dampers. It is frequently utilized in the automotive industry for seals in brake systems, washer system seals, engine cooling system gaskets, and tires. The footwear industry uses SBR for shoe soles. It can also be found in transmission belts, damping elements, and vibration isolators. Customers appreciate SBR's resistance to aging, giving it an advantage over natural rubber. It is not recommended to work with SBR rubber in the presence of mineral oils, as it swells and dissolves under their influence. Caution: SBR rubber is flammable.

In daily life, SBR can be found in mouse pads, furniture pads to prevent slipping, and double-sided adhesive elements used in postcard production.

Many companies use SBR to produce various promotional items. Microcellular SBR can be used in inserts for protective and workwear clothing. SBR is also used in the production of sports clothing, sporting equipment, hunting gear, and equestrian gear.

SBR Rubber Trade Names

Other trade names used for SBR rubber include:

• Buna EM
• Europrene
• Cariflex
• Polysar S
• Krylene