Butadiene rubber

Butadiene rubber, also called BR, is a homopolymer of butadiene and is a versatile and elastic polymer. It is the synthetic polymer primarily used as a substitute for natural rubber. Butadiene rubber has excellent wear resistance and rebound elasticity, and is used in the manufacture of tires, hoses, seals, and rubber band products, among other applications.

One of the key properties of butadiene rubber is its excellent resistance to wear and abrasion. Vulcanized 100% BR has the best elasticity and low-temperature properties of all rubber materials, with the exception of silicone rubber. BR can withstand high loads without losing its properties, making butadiene rubber a reliable choice for products used in harsh conditions that require high wear resistance.

Butadiene rubber has low resistance to oil, gasoline, and hydrocarbon solvents. Its heat resistance is also low, and the polymer is sensitive to ozone attack.

Another advantage of butadiene rubber is its ability to blend and bond with other polymers. By mixing butadiene rubber with other materials, the rubber can be improved and adapted to achieve a wide variety of properties in the final product.

Characteristics

Butadiene rubber

Butadiene rubber has slightly better wear resistance than natural rubber and a high rating for abrasion properties.

  • Maximum temperature: 90°C
  • Minimum temperature: -75°C
  • Tensile strength: 3
  • Compression set at -30 to +70°C: 4
  • Compression set at +70 to +150°C: 1
  • Abrasion resistance: 5
  • Oil and gasoline resistance: 1
  • Weather and ozone resistance: 1-2
  • Heat aging: 1-2
  • Adhesion to metal: 4-5
  • Adhesion to textiles: 4-5

Rating scale for table
5 - Excellent / 4 - Very good / 3 - Good / 2 - Fair / 1 - Poor

Rubber products in BR - Butadiene rubber

Butadiene rubber (BR) is used in many different applications. Below are some typical examples of products made from butadiene rubber:

Tires: One of the most well-known and widespread uses of BR rubber is in tire manufacturing. Butadiene rubber is included in the sidewalls and treads. To improve tire properties, BR is often mixed with NR and SBR to create durable and abrasion-resistant tires for cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Inner tubes:Butadiene rubber is used for the manufacture of inner tubes for sandblasting.

Rubber mats and floor surfaces: Butadiene rubber is used to manufacture rubber mats and flooring for various purposes where properties such as insulation, anti-slip, and noise reduction are desired. This, in combination with the rubber's good wear resistance and elastic properties, creates a durable surface that can withstand tough conditions while also providing shock absorption.

Soles, grips & handles: Butadiene rubber is used for the manufacture of shoe soles as its properties provide both shock absorption and comfort. It is also used to manufacture various rubber parts, such as handles, buttons, and grips, across different industrial sectors.

These are just a few examples of all the products for which BR rubber is used. The material's versatility makes it a popular choice across various industries and applications where elastic and durable materials are sought.