SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) Applications: What to Know
Styrene-butadiene rubber is a popular choice for various parts, equipment and applications. But how does it differ from regular rubber? What makes it an attractive material choice? In this blog, we’ll discover what styrene-butadiene rubber is, explore the material makeup of SBR, note its advantages and disadvantages and learn the various applications that SBR is used in.
What is SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber)?
SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) is a highly sought-after material in the tire and automotive industries among others due to its abrasion resistance and low cost. Made from styrene and butadiene monomers, SBR is usually less expensive than regular rubber and more rigid and durable.
What Are the Advantages of SBR Rubber?
SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) has numerous advantages because it upholds well to regular wear and tear. This is why it’s popular with tires for automobiles, recreational vehicles, and other transportation. The durability of SBR also makes it a popular choice for insulation alongside foam to reduce the noise of vehicles inside of the cabin.
SBR offers numerous advantages, including:
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Good tear resistance
- High electrical resistance
- Better heat resistance than natural rubber
- Water resistant
- Resistant to fluids like alcohol, water and grease
While regular rubber has its own advantages, SBR offers resistance to numerous circumstances, making it the perfect choice for hard, long-term use. In the car world, this durable rubber allows tire companies to hold up to their warranty promises and more.
What Are the Disadvantages of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber?
As great as styrene-butadiene rubber is, it’s not infallible. On its own, the effectiveness of SBR isn’t as great when it’s subjected to harsh sunlight and it weakens over time when put up against oil and steam for longer periods of time. Excessive heat will also cause it to become hard and brittle. With additives, the rubber can hold up a lot better in most situations and climates.
Like any material, it’ll slowly wear out over time, but this rubber boasts an incredible lifespan regardless, making it an easy choice for tire brands and other companies in need of extra-durable SBR.
Common SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) Applications
The automotive and motorsport industries typically have the most use for SBR in parts production. However, that’s not where the list ends. Common applications for SBR include:
- Tires
- Belts and hoses
- Wire and cable insulation
- Roll covers
- Pads for pedals
- Gaskets for Automotive, Electrical, Plumbing, and Industrial Applications
Outside of the automotive and tire industry, SBR is also especially helpful in creating long-term, durable rubber in the shoe and food packaging industries.
Where to Find SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) Manufacturers
If you’re wondering where to find SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) manufacturers and experts in tire, automotive or motorsport industries, Industrial Custom Products (ICP) is a great place to start. Our expert team manufactures a variety of parts and solutions with optimal design and the best fabrication method in mind.
Industrial Custom Products is a one-stop-shop for custom manufacturing and plastic fabrication, including: prototyping and product development, die cutting and dieless knife cutting, thermoforming and vacuum forming, large part thermoforming, CNC plastic routing, fabrication and assembly and drape forming.