Advantages and Limitations of SBR

At ELBEX we use several different elastomers, polymers, and materials to serve our clients’ needs. We understand that each project has different goals and limitations. In order to achieve those markers, we need to use our knowledge of these materials to best suit the goals of our customers.
What is SBR?
One of the common materials we use is called SBR, also known as BunaS. SBR is a snythetic copolymer which was originally developed to replace the natural rubber in tires. SBR is made of styrene and butadiene. Today, coupled with natural rubber, it accounts for 90 percent of the world’s rubber consumption.
SBR is commonly used in applications where water, brake fluid, or alcohols are present. This means SBR is found in tires, tubes, gaskets, and conveyor belt covers as a few examples.
Advantages and Limitations of SBR
SBR is still commonly used in the manufacturing of tires to this day. Similar to natural rubber, SBR displays superior water resistance.
But SBR is also resistant to heat, abrasion, and has low temperature flexibility. SBR can be bonded to several different materials. It also has unique qualities such as good electrical insulation and resistance to alcohol, oxygenated solvents, and mild acids.
Unfortunately, SBR is poor when in contact with oils, fuels, strong acids, fat, and greases. Without additives, SBR is also vulnerable to ozone, oxygen, and sunlight.
If you have an application where SBR may help in quality rubber extrusions, contact us today.


