WHAT IS IT?
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is the most widely produced synthetic rubber. A copolymer of styrene (approximately 23%) and butadiene (77%). Developed as a synthetic alternative to natural rubber during World War II when Southeast Asian rubber supplies were cut off. Today it is a complement to — not just a replacement for — natural rubber.
TYPES
E-SBR (Emulsion SBR): Produced by emulsion polymerisation. Original SBR type. Most commonly used in conventional tyre treads. Supplied as bales.
S-SBR (Solution SBR): Produced by solution polymerisation. Superior performance properties — lower rolling resistance, better wet grip. Increasingly mandated for energy-efficient tyre labelling in Europe. Premium grade.
KEY USES
Tyre manufacturing (largest use — 60%+): tyre treads for cars, trucks, buses. Often blended with natural rubber and BR (butadiene rubber) for optimal performance.
Conveyor belts, hoses, seals
Shoe soles (particularly foam soles)
Adhesives and sealants
Carpet backing
Wires and cables
Asphalt modification (SBS — styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer)
SBR VS NATURAL RUBBER
SBR advantages: consistent quality, good abrasion resistance, lower cost variability
Natural rubber advantages: better heat dissipation in heavy-duty tyres, superior tensile strength, lower rolling resistance in truck tyres
TRADE CORRIDORS
Major exporters: South Korea, Russia, China, Taiwan, Japan
Major buyers: China (dominant), Southeast Asia, Europe, India
Tetra relevance: South Korean and Japanese synthetic rubber producers. Southeast Asian tyre manufacturing.
PRICING
OTC market. Assessed by ICIS. Regional benchmarks: CFR China, CFR Southeast Asia. Moves with butadiene (derived from naphtha cracking) and styrene feedstock prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (E-SBR 1502 — most common)
Styrene content: 23.5% ± 1%
Mooney viscosity (ML 1+4 at 100°C): 52 ± 4 (determines processing)
Volatile matter: 1.0% max
Ash content: 0.5% max
Soap content: 0.5% max (E-SBR)
Bound styrene: the key composition parameter