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SBR Rubber

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber — the largest-volume synthetic elastomer produced globally (~6 million tonnes/year), offering good abrasion resistance, adequate aging stability, and the lowest cost of any synthetic rubber. Developed during WWII as a replacement for natural rubber. Styrene content: typically 23.5% (standard SBR 1500/1502 — emulsion polymerized, most common general-purpose grade). Properties: hardness 40-90 Shore A (compounded), tensile 10-25 MPa (with carbon black reinforcement), elongation 300-600%, resilience 50-60% (lower than NR). ASTM D2000: AA/BA. Types: E-SBR (emulsion polymerized — general industrial), S-SBR (solution polymerized — lower rolling resistance for modern tire treads). Limitations: poor oil resistance, poor ozone resistance (needs antiozonant), lower tear and tensile than NR (does not strain-crystallize). Applications: tire treads and sidewalls (largest consumption), industrial rubber sheet and flooring (SBR sheet is the standard economical industrial rubber), conveyor belt covers, shoe soles, gaskets, hose covers, and carpet backing. Often blended with NR (for better tear/fatigue) or BR (for better resilience and low-temperature properties).

What you need to know

  • Styrene-Butadiene Rubber — the largest-volume synthetic elastomer produced globally (~6 million tonnes/year), offering good abrasion resistance, adequate aging stability, and the lowest cost of any synthetic rubber.
  • Developed during WWII as a replacement for natural rubber.
  • Styrene content: typically 23.5% (standard SBR 1500/1502 — emulsion polymerized, most common general-purpose grade).
  • Properties: hardness 40-90 Shore A (compounded), tensile 10-25 MPa (with carbon black reinforcement), elongation 300-600%, resilience 50-60% (lower than NR).
  • ASTM D2000: AA/BA.

Full definition

SBR Rubber, or Styrene-Butadiene Rubber, is recognized as the largest-volume synthetic elastomer produced globally, with an annual output of approximately 6 million tonnes. Originally developed during World War II as a substitute for natural rubber, SBR combines styrene and butadiene to create a versatile material that is both cost-effective and efficient in various applications. The typical styrene content in SBR is around 23.5%, particularly in the standard grades such as SBR 1500 and SBR 1502, which are emulsion polymerized and considered the most common general-purpose grades available on the market today. When compounded, SBR exhibits a hardness range of 40-90 Shore A, tensile strength between 10-25 MPa when reinforced with carbon black, and an impressive elongation at break of 300-600%. However, its resilience is relatively lower than that of natural rubber, averaging between 50-60%. According to ASTM D2000, SBR is classified under categories AA and BA, indicating its general-purpose suitability and performance characteristics.

SBR rubber is available in two primary types: Emulsion-SBR (E-SBR) and Solution-SBR (S-SBR). E-SBR is widely used in general industrial applications, while S-SBR is engineered for modern tire treads, offering reduced rolling resistance. Despite its advantages, SBR rubber has limitations, including poor oil and ozone resistance, which necessitates the addition of antiozonants in formulations. Furthermore, it exhibits lower tear and tensile strength compared to natural rubber, primarily because it does not strain-crystallize effectively. This necessitates blending SBR with natural rubber (NR) to improve tear and fatigue resistance or with butadiene rubber (BR) to enhance resilience and low-temperature performance.

The applications of SBR are numerous and varied. It is predominantly used in the manufacturing of tire treads and sidewalls, which constitute the largest consumption sector for this elastomer. Additionally, SBR is utilized in industrial rubber sheets, conveyor belt covers, shoe soles, gaskets, hose covers, and carpet backing, highlighting its versatile nature in the industrial landscape. The industrial rubber sheet made from SBR is often regarded as the standard economical choice, making it a staple among manufacturers and suppliers in the sector.

What you need to know

  • SBR Rubber is produced in volumes of approximately 6 million tonnes annually, making it the most widely used synthetic elastomer.
  • Standard SBR grades like SBR 1500/1502 have a styrene content of about 23.5% and are emulsion polymerized.
  • The hardness of compounded SBR ranges from 40-90 Shore A, with tensile strengths of 10-25 MPa when reinforced with carbon black.
  • SBR is typically blended with natural rubber or butadiene rubber to enhance its mechanical properties, particularly for tire applications.
  • Common applications include tire treads, industrial rubber sheets, and conveyor belt covers, among others.

Industrial applications

  • 1Tire treads and sidewalls, where SBR is the primary material due to its balance of cost and performance.
  • 2Industrial rubber sheets utilized in various sectors for gaskets, seals, and protective coverings.
  • 3Conveyor belt covers that benefit from SBR's abrasion resistance in material handling environments.
  • 4Shoe soles that require a durable yet flexible material for consumer comfort.
  • 5Carpet backing where SBR provides stability and support.

Common mistakes

  • ✕Neglecting to incorporate antiozonants in SBR formulations, leading to premature degradation when exposed to ozone.
  • ✕Using SBR in applications requiring high oil resistance, which can lead to material failure.
  • ✕Overlooking the need for blending SBR with NR or BR to achieve desired mechanical properties in critical applications.
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Pro tip

For applications requiring enhanced durability, consider blending SBR with natural rubber to improve tear and fatigue resistance.

Technical standards

  • ASTM D2000 - Standard Classification System for Rubber Products in Automotive Applications.

Suppliers of industrial rubber in Mexico

AguascalientesVer Hule Industrial
Ciudad JuárezVer Hule Industrial
Ciudad de MéxicoVer Hule Industrial
GuadalajaraVer Hule Industrial
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Applicable standards

ASTM D2000
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