SBR - the world's most frequently produced synthetic rubber
What is styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)?
Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) is a synthetic rubber produced by copolymerising styrene and butadiene. It is the most frequently produced synthetic rubber in the world, partly due to its use in tyre production, and is characterised by a balanced property profile that makes it suitable for numerous technical and everyday applications.
SBR was developed as a cost-effective alternative to natural rubber (NR), but has better abrasion and ageing resistance with slightly lower elasticity. These properties make SBR a proven material for Molded Rubber in the technical area - such as for seals, buffers and wearing parts - as well as for Metal Composite Parts, in which the good adhesion and abrasion resistance of SBR is specifically combined with metallic carriers.
What are the properties of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)?
- Good abrasion resistance and mechanical strength
- Balanced ageing and ozone resistance (can be improved by Anti-ageing agent)
- Good price-performance ratio due to easy availability and economical production
- Versatile compounding options
- Temperature resistance of approx. -45 °C until +90 °C
- Limited Oil- and fuel resistance, therefore not suitable for media-exposed applications
- Good miscibility with natural rubber (NR) for property optimisation
What areas of application & material combinations of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) are there?
SBR is often used in tyre treads, conveyor belts and hoses, Seals, flooring and insulation. In the automotive industry, it is used for tyres, bearings and Damping elements. In the technical field, SBR is often used with NR The material can be combined with other materials to increase elasticity or reinforced with fillers such as carbon black and silica to improve abrasion resistance and hardness. In Rubber-metal composite parts SBR ensures good vibration damping and mechanical stability.
