What is polybutadiene rubber(BR), characteristics, uses

• Mingpai
• 2024-06-07 14:11:06

scientifically known as cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber or simply BR, is a synthetic rubber derived from the polymerization of butadiene monomers. With over 95% of its structure in the cis configuration, it boasts high regularity and a lack of side groups on its molecular chain. This results in exceptional elasticity, making it the most elastic among all rubber types.

Characteristics of cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber include:

• Low Temperature Resistance: With a glass transition temperature ranging from around -105°C to -110°C, it exhibits superior performance in cold environments.
• High Wear Resistance: Due to low intermolecular friction, it has excellent wear resistance, particularly under dynamic loads with minimal heat generation.
• Superior Elasticity: Ideal for applications requiring high resilience.
• Decent Aging Resistance: While generally good, it may be less resistant to aging compared to certain other properties.
• Processing: Uncured rubber can be directly vulcanized without mastication; however, it has poor processing properties and self-adhesion, with a tendency to cold flow.

Its primary applications encompass:

• Tire Manufacturing: Especially for tire treads, enhancing tire wear resistance and reducing rolling resistance.
• Cold-resistant Products: Suited for producing items that need to withstand low temperatures.
• Industrial Products: Such as hoses, conveyor belts, rubber sheets, footwear, rollers, and sports equipment.
• Modifying Agent: Used as a reinforcing agent in synthetic resins to improve properties, like in high-impact polystyrene (HIPS).

Depending on the catalyst system used, cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber is classified into several types, including nickel-based, cobalt-based, titanium-based, and rare earth-based (e.g., neodymium-based), with rare earth cis-polybutadiene rubber particularly known for its high-performance capabilities, further enhancing the quality and performance of tires and rubber products.