Rubber Material Standard material SBR rubber
Everything you need to know about SBR rubber
Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is a copolymer of styrene and butadiene belonging to the group of synthetic rubber materials.
Styrene rubber has high elasticity and flexibility, making it useful for manufacturing products that require good recovery and resistance to deformation. Steering rubber is commonly used as a substitute for natural rubber or in combination with it.
The addition of styrene contributes to good wear and bonding properties and also improves the material's strength and abrasion resistance. Compared to natural rubber, the fatigue resistance and low-temperature properties of SBR materials are inferior, while thermal aging properties and abrasion resistance are better. SBR is thus a good choice for applications used in tough and demanding environments.
SBR has poorer chemical resistance, meaning solvent resistance, and weathering properties than most other elastomers.
It is often used in the automotive industry for the production of tires, grommets and seals. In addition, SBR rubber is also used in the construction industry in the form of, for example, various sealing sheets such as rubber sheeting. Styrene-butadiene rubber is also used in various types of sports equipment such as rubber mats, horseshoes and weightlifting plates.
Characteristics
Properties of SBR rubber
Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is most often used when a durable material is needed.
SBR is a synthetic rubber variant that excels in several important properties. Compared to natural rubber, SBR materials show improved heat resistance, while its elasticity and low-temperature properties do not reach the same level. To improve the ozone resistance of SBR materials, SBR rubber can be treated with antiozonants and protective waxes to increase its lifespan and usability in various applications.
- Below are the ratings commonly used to assess the properties of SBR rubber:
- Maximum temperature: 90°C
- Minimum temperature: -40°C
- Tensile strength: 3
- Compression set at -30 to +70°C: 4
- Compression set at +70 to +150°C: 1
- Abrasion resistance: 4-5
- 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
This rating scale provides insight into SBR rubber's performance and its suitability for various applications. Although it has its limitations, particularly in contact with certain chemicals and extreme weather conditions, SBR rubber remains a popular choice in many industries due to its price point and manufacturing versatility.
Applications of SBR rubber
Styrene rubber is used in the manufacturing of a range of different products for various industries and can be used for similar applications as natural rubber. Below are some examples of typical products manufactured from styrene rubber:
Tires: Styrene rubber is an important component in tire manufacturing. Its elastic properties, abrasion resistance and friction make it a suitable material for durable and safe tires for passenger cars (not trucks), motorcycles and bicycles.
Seals and gaskets: Styrene rubber is often used in injection molding for seals and gaskets. The material's good properties regarding temperatures and pressures make it a reliable material when sealing and safety are a high priority.
Industrial hoses: Styrene rubber is used in the manufacturing of industrial hoses. Industrial hoses are used for the transport of various liquids and gases in the chemical, oil and food industries. The properties of steering rubber make it a reliable material for ensuring safe and efficient media handling.
Rubber profiles: Styrene rubber is often used in the manufacture of rubber profiles for building and construction applications. The rubber profiles are used for protection and sealing in industrial applications such as machines, cabinets and doors.
Rubber mats and floor surfaces: Styrene rubber is used in the manufacturing of rubber mats and floor surfaces for various purposes where properties such as anti-slip, insulation and noise damping are desired. These mats are often found in industrial and commercial environments such as warehouses, gyms, hotels and residential buildings.
Rubber band products: Styrene rubber is used to manufacture various types of elastic bands and rubber bands. These are used in a wide range of applications such as packaging, office supplies and household items.
The above are just a few examples of the many products manufactured with styrene rubber. In summary, styrene rubber can be said to be a good complement to natural rubber.
Styrene rubber has proven to be a very versatile and reliable material option across various industries. Its ability to combine elastic properties with durability and wear resistance makes it an indispensable option for a multitude of different products. With its widespread use in the automotive industry, construction sector, and even in everyday items like rubber bands, styrene rubber continues to play an important role in our daily lives.