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.

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is one of the most widely used synthetic rubbers in the world. But how does it compare to other rubber types, and what makes it so popular in industrial and commercial applications?

SBR is a synthetic rubber made from styrene and butadiene. It offers excellent abrasion resistance, good aging stability, and cost-effectiveness, making it a preferred material in tires, seals, and industrial rubber products.

What is SBR (Styrene-Butadiene) Rubber?

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is a synthetic rubber derived from styrene and butadiene through a polymerization process. It was initially developed as a substitute for natural rubber.

SBR is a durable and versatile synthetic rubber known for its excellent abrasion resistance, flexibility, and affordability. It is commonly used in tires, footwear, seals, and industrial applications.

Chemical Structure and Types of SBR

The ratio of styrene to butadiene in SBR impacts its performance:

More Styrene: Increases hardness and strength.
More Butadiene: Enhances flexibility and elasticity.

Two main types of SBR exist:

Emulsion-SBR (E-SBR): Common in tires and industrial applications.
Solution-SBR (S-SBR): Offers improved rolling resistance and wet traction, ideal for high-performance tires.

Key Properties of SBR:

✅ High abrasion resistance
✅ Good aging stability
✅ Cost-effective compared to natural rubber
✅ Moderate flexibility and elasticity
✅ Resistant to mild chemicals and heat

Who Makes SBR Rubber?

Many global manufacturers produce SBR rubber, supplying industries worldwide. Some of the largest producers include:

Goodyear Chemical (USA)
Trinseo (Global)
Synthos (Europe)
Arlanxeo (Germany)
Kumho Petrochemical (South Korea)
LG Chem (South Korea)

What are the Pros and Cons of SBR Rubber?

Advantages of SBR Rubber

Advantage	Description
High Abrasion Resistance	Ideal for tires, conveyor belts, and footwear soles
Good Aging Stability	Resists wear and maintains shape over time
Affordable	Lower cost compared to natural rubber and other synthetics
Moderate Flexibility	Can be formulated for different flexibility levels
Water Resistance	Offers good water resistance but not fully waterproof

Disadvantages of SBR Rubber

Disadvantage	Description
Lower Elasticity than Natural Rubber	Does not stretch as much as latex-based rubbers
Limited Chemical Resistance	Not ideal for exposure to strong solvents or oils
Not as Weather-Resistant as EPDM	UV and ozone exposure can degrade SBR over time

What is Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Used For?

SBR is commonly used in tires, conveyor belts, seals, and shoe soles due to its abrasion resistance and affordability.

Major Applications of SBR

Automotive Industry: Tires, seals, brake pads
Industrial Applications: Conveyor belts, hoses, rubber flooring
Footwear & Consumer Goods: Shoe soles, rubber mats, shock-absorbing pads

Is SBR Rubber Better Than Neoprene?

SBR is more affordable and abrasion-resistant, while neoprene provides better weather, chemical, and oil resistance.

SBR vs. Neoprene: Key Differences

Feature	SBR ✅	Neoprene ✅
Abrasion Resistance	High	Moderate
Weather & UV Resistance	Moderate	High
Chemical Resistance	Low	High
Water Resistance	Good	Excellent
Cost	Lower	Higher

How Long Does SBR Rubber Last?

The durability of SBR depends on the environment and use. Indoors, SBR products can last 10-15 years. Outdoor exposure to UV and ozone reduces lifespan to about 5-10 years without protective treatments.

Condition	Expected Lifespan
Indoor Use	10-15 years
Outdoor Use (UV Exposure)	5-10 years
Heavy Industrial Use	3-7 years

Commonly Asked Questions About SBR Rubber

Can SBR Be Recycled?

Yes, SBR is recyclable. It is often used in recycled rubber applications such as playground flooring and reprocessed tires.

Is SBR Safe for Potable Water Applications?

No, SBR is not certified for drinking water contact. Materials like EPDM or silicone are better suited for such applications.

Is SBR Fire Resistant?

No, SBR is not inherently flame-retardant. Flame-retardant additives are needed for applications requiring fire resistance.

Does SBR Contain Latex?

No, SBR does not contain natural latex, making it a safer choice for those with latex allergies.

Is SBR rubber flexible?

Yes, SBR rubber is moderately flexible but not as stretchable as natural rubber or silicone.

Is SBR rubber waterproof?

SBR is water-resistant but not fully waterproof. For full waterproofing, EPDM or neoprene is better suited.

Does SBR stick to plastic?

SBR does not naturally adhere to plastic without adhesives or primers.

Is SBR rubber toxic to humans?

SBR is generally safe for humans but not suitable for food or medical-grade applications due to potential residual styrene content.

Conclusion

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is a cost-effective, abrasion-resistant synthetic rubber used in tires, industrial applications, and consumer goods. While it lacks chemical and weather resistance compared to neoprene and EPDM, it remains a reliable material for many applications.