Styrene Butadiene Rubber

Chemical properties

solid or viscous liquid, depending upon the degree of polymerisation

The Uses of Styrene Butadiene Rubber

Molded or extruded into toys, packaging, appliances, communication cassettes, dinnerware and serviceware.

The Uses of Styrene Butadiene Rubber

Component of hot melt adhesives, sealants, asphalt and oil gels. Modifier for polymers, thermosets and general rubber compounding. Direct molded or extruded auto parts, sporting goods, footware and film.

Production Methods

SBR is prepared mainly by emulsion and solution polymerization in a free-radical process with a mercaptan, such as dodecylmercaptan, which is used as a chain-transfer agent to control molecular weight. In the emulsion process, a soapstabilized water emulsion of styrene and butadiene is polymerized in continuous reactors to form SBR elastomer. “Cold” SBR is produced at a temperature of 5–10°C, and “hot” SBR at about 50°C . Solution SBR is typically made in hydrocarbon solution with an n-butyllithium initiator. The major differences between emulsion and solution styrene–butadiene are in the linearity and molecular-weight distribution of the polymer chains. In nonpolar solvents, the tendency is to produce block copolymer, but random copolymers are formed in polar solvents. SBR can be vulcanized similar to natural rubber but generally requires less sulfur and is more accelerated because of its lowunsaturation.

Definition

ChEBI: Styrene-butadiene copolymer is a polymer.

Hazard

Questionable carcinogen.

Health Hazard

Styrene Butadiene Rubber is prepared in large quantities for tire treads and other, similar uses. The properties, molecular weight, and percentage of monomer can all be controlled in the polymerization process. Hazards of the SBR industry have been identified and related mostly to the monomers and additives. Contact dermatitis and leukemia have been associated with solvent and additive use but not with the actual polymer itself (Checkoway et al., 1984; Kilpikari, 1982). Epidemiological studies in the industry have not revealed a significant increase in disease or causes of death (Matanoski and Schwartz, 1987; Meinhardt et al., 1982). The hazards of the butadiene and styrene monomers were discussed previously.

Safety Profile

An eye irritant. Questionable carcinogen. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also POLYMERS, INSOLUBLE.