Materials

Synthetic Rubber (SBR)

Molded Rubber

Molded SBR Shapes

Molded RubberRubber Bonded to MetalMolded Rubber to Metal BondingMolded Rubber Grommets

Product Description

Synthetic Rubber (SBR), a copolymer of styrene and butadiene, has properties similar to natural rubber, but with greater resistance to abrasion, wear and water. Additional advantages over natural rubber include:

  • Superior low temperature flexibility
  • Better heat resistance and heat-aging qualities
  • Hardens and becomes brittle, rather than softening in excess heat
  • Temperature range of -55°C to +70°C (-67°F to +158°F)

While more resistant than natural rubber in many ways, SBR shares similar resistance qualities to solvents and chemicals. SBR is widely used in mechanical rubber parts, panel grommets and body pads.

SBR Rubber Properties

Common Names SBR, Buna-S, GRS
ASTM D-2000 Classification AA, BA
Chemical Definition Styrene Butadiene
General Characteristics  
Durometer Range (Shore A) 30-100
Tensile Range (P.S.I) 500-3000
Elongation (Max %) 600
Compression Set Good
Resilience — Rebound Good
Abrasion Resistance Excellent
Tear Resistance Fair
Solvent Resistance Poor
Oil Resistance Poor
Low Temperature Usage (F°) 0° to -50°
High Temperature Usage (F°) Up to 225°
Aging Weather — Sunlight Poor
Adhesion to Metals Excellent

Comment — SBR is a non-oil resistant, low cost material. It displays a good resistance to water and resilience up to 70 durometer. Its compression set becomes poorer as durometer increases. SBR rubber also provides good abrasion, wear and tensile qualities and can be readily substituted for natural rubber in many applications with significant cost savings. Generally, SBR proves satisfactory against most moderate chemicals and wet or dry organic acids. It is not recommended to use SBR in applications that involve ozone, strong acids, oils, greases, fats and most hydrocarbons.

SBR Rubber Applications

Since the material exhibits excellent resistance to brake fluids as well as good water resistance, synthetic rubber parts are commonly used in hydraulic brake system seals and diaphragms. SBR rubber is also widely used in the following applications: