What is SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber)?
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is a synthetic rubber developed in 1929 and recognized as the first economically viable synthetic rubber. During World War II, it was known as “Buna” and played a decisive role in strengthening the German Reich’s war economy by reducing dependency on imported natural rubber.
Today, about two-thirds of SBR production is used in tyre manufacturing. In addition, SBR is applied in many fields such as conveyor belts, hoses, seals, shoe soles, floor coverings, and household items.
For the production of WARCO products, mainly rubber granulate from recycled tyres is used. Tyres are primarily composed of SBR and natural rubber (NR) – in recycling, tyres are crushed and processed into ELT granulate (End of Life Tyres), among other forms. This process enables economically and environmentally sound, resource-saving recycling.
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber is thermally robust and largely resistant to acids, alkalis, alcohol, water, and brake fluid; however, certain organic solvents – such as aliphatic, aromatic, and chlorinated hydrocarbons, as well as petrol, mineral oils, and greases – can cause swelling that impairs the material’s strength and elasticity.