Materials of Excellence

Crafting with the Best in the Business

At Julong Rubber, we prioritize using the finest materials to ensure the durability, efficiency, and performance of every product. Explore the various high-quality materials that form the foundation of our premium rubber components.

Polybutadiene Rubber (BR)

The Backbone of Modern Tires

Polybutadiene Rubber (BR) is a synthetic rubber made from the polymerization of butadiene monomers. It offers high elasticity, wear resistance, and low heat buildup, making it ideal for tires, footwear, and industrial components.

Polybutadiene Rubber (BR): Properties, Applications

Polybutadiene Rubber (BR) is one of the most resilient synthetic rubbers used in the modern manufacturing industry. Known for its excellent abrasion resistance and high elasticity, it plays a crucial role in tire production and other industrial applications. But how does it compare to natural rubber, and is it safe to use?

What is Polybutadiene Rubber?

Polybutadiene Rubber (BR) is a type of synthetic rubber made through the polymerization of butadiene (C4H6). It belongs to the family of diene elastomers, known for their high resilience, toughness, and excellent dynamic properties.

Polybutadiene Rubber is a highly elastic synthetic rubber used mainly for its abrasion resistance and low rolling resistance in tires and mechanical goods.

What are the Pros and Cons of Polybutadiene Rubber?

🏆 Advantages of Polybutadiene Rubber

✅ Advantage	🔍 Description
🛞 Excellent Abrasion Resistance	Ideal for tires, footwear soles, and conveyor belts.
⚙️ High Elasticity	Provides excellent flexibility and shock absorption.
🔥 Low Heat Buildup	Reduces energy loss in tires, improving fuel efficiency.
💨 Low Glass Transition Temperature (-90°C)	Remains flexible in extreme cold environments.
💧 Good Wet Grip When Blended	Enhances traction when mixed with SBR or NR.

⚠️ Disadvantages of Polybutadiene Rubber

❌ Disadvantage	🔍 Description
🌞 Poor Weather Resistance	Susceptible to ozone and UV degradation without additives.
🛢️ Limited Oil Resistance	Not suitable for direct oil and solvent exposure.
🔩 Low Tear Strength	Less tear-resistant compared to Natural Rubber.
⚗️ Requires Stabilizers	Needs antioxidants and anti-ozonants for outdoor use.

How is Polybutadiene Rubber Made?

Polybutadiene is produced by polymerizing butadiene monomers using catalysts. There are two main production processes:

1. Solution Polymerization

Uses organometallic catalysts (neodymium, cobalt, or nickel-based).
Produces high-cis BR with superior elasticity and abrasion resistance.

2. Emulsion Polymerization

Less common for BR production.
Typically results in lower performance compared to solution polymerization.

Key Characteristics of High-cis Polybutadiene

✅ Property	🔍 Detail
Cis-1,4 Content	> 95%
Glass Transition Temp	-90°C
Tensile Strength	20-25 MPa

Application of Polybutadiene Rubber (BR)

Polybutadiene Rubber is applied across various sectors, including tire manufacturing, industrial goods, footwear, and impact-resistant plastics. Each industry benefits from BR’s unique properties, including its superior resilience, low heat buildup, and resistance to dynamic fatigue.

🚛 Tire Industry

The largest consumer of BR is the tire industry, where it is a key component in the tread and sidewall compounds.

✅ Applications: Passenger car tires, truck tires, off-road vehicle tires.
✅ Key Advantages:
- High resilience reduces rolling resistance, improving fuel efficiency.
- Excellent abrasion resistance enhances tread life.
- Low heat buildup improves safety and performance at high speeds.

🔧 Tire Compound Performance Comparison

Compound Type	Rolling Resistance	Abrasion Resistance	Heat Build-up
Natural Rubber (NR)	Moderate	High	Moderate
BR (Polybutadiene)	Low (Best)	High	Low
SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber)	High	Moderate	High

🏗️ Industrial Products

BR is commonly used in industrial applications requiring high wear resistance and flexibility at low temperatures.

✅ Applications: Conveyor belts, vibration isolators, shock absorbers, industrial wheels.
✅ Key Advantages:
- High elasticity and flexibility, even at low temperatures.
- Excellent resistance to dynamic fatigue and wear.
- Reduces noise and vibration in mechanical equipment.

🔧 Industrial Rubber Performance Comparison

Rubber Type	Low-Temperature Flexibility	Dynamic Fatigue Resistance	Wear Resistance
EPDM	Good	Moderate	Moderate
BR (Polybutadiene)	Excellent	Excellent	High
NBR	Moderate	Good	Good

👟 Footwear Industry

Polybutadiene rubber is widely used in the production of footwear components due to its durability and cushioning properties.

✅ Applications: Shoe soles, midsoles, sports shoes, industrial safety shoes.
✅ Key Advantages:
- High impact resistance and shock absorption.
- Excellent abrasion resistance ensures long-lasting soles.
- Maintains flexibility in cold weather, improving comfort.

🔧 Footwear Sole Material Comparison

Material	Shock Absorption	Abrasion Resistance	Flexibility
PU (Polyurethane)	High	Moderate	Moderate
BR (Polybutadiene)	Excellent	High	High
TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber)	Moderate	Moderate	Good

🔬 Impact-Resistant Plastics (ABS Manufacturing)

BR is used as a key impact modifier in the production of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), enhancing its toughness and impact resistance.

✅ Applications: Automotive body panels, electronic housings, consumer goods.
✅ Key Advantages:
- Improves the toughness and impact strength of ABS plastics.
- Maintains dimensional stability and processability.
- Widely used in lightweight and durable plastic components.

🔧 Impact Modifier Comparison for Plastics

Modifier	Impact Resistance	Compatibility with ABS	Processability
BR (Polybutadiene)	Excellent	High	Good
MBS (Methacrylate-Butadiene-Styrene)	Good	High	Excellent
CPE (Chlorinated Polyethylene)	Moderate	Moderate	Good

What is the Difference Between Polybutadiene and Natural Rubber?

🔍 Feature	🌿 Natural Rubber (NR)	🛢️ Polybutadiene Rubber (BR)
Source	Natural latex from rubber trees	Synthetic polymer from butadiene
Abrasion Resistance	Moderate	High
Elasticity	High	Very High
Temperature Resistance	Good	Excellent (low-temp flexibility)
UV/Ozone Resistance	Poor (requires protection)	Poor (requires stabilizers)
Tensile Strength	High (25-35 MPa)	Moderate (20-25 MPa)
Price	Variable	Generally lower than NR

Is Butadiene Rubber Safe?

Yes! Polybutadiene Rubber (BR) is considered safe in its final cured form.

🔒 Safety Considerations

✅ Used safely in automotive, industrial, and consumer goods.
⚠️ The butadiene monomer (raw material) is a potential carcinogen but not present in the finished product.
✅ Fully cured BR does not release harmful substances under normal use.
✅ Meets safety standards in tire and footwear industries.

How to Choose Polybutadiene Rubber (BR)?

Selecting the right grade and formulation of BR is essential to meet your specific industrial application needs. Below is a comprehensive guide for B2B buyers and procurement professionals.

🔍 Step 1: Determine the Application Environment

✅ Temperature range requirements (BR performs well at low temperatures)
✅ Mechanical stress (dynamic loads, fatigue)
✅ Exposure to abrasion and wear

🔍 Step 2: Select the Right Grade

Grade	Polymerization Type	Key Features	Applications
CIS-High BR	Catalytic Solution Polymerization	High resilience, low heat buildup	Tires, conveyor belts
Low CIS BR	Emulsion Polymerization	Better processability, lower resilience	ABS production, plastics modifiers

🔍 Step 3: Consider Compound Formulation

✅ Fillers (carbon black, silica) to enhance wear resistance
✅ Plasticizers to improve processability
✅ Antioxidants to enhance aging resistance

🔍 Step 4: Verify Compliance and Standards

✅ ISO 9001 for quality assurance
✅ RoHS compliance for environmental regulations
✅ REACH registration for chemical safety

📞 Get a Free Quote or Sample of BR Rubber Products!

Looking for high-performance Polybutadiene Rubber (BR) seals, gaskets, or custom molded parts? We offer tailored solutions to meet your industrial needs.