Styrene Copolymers: Types, Preparation, Properties and Applications
1. Butadiene-styrene Copolymer (SBR or Buna-S) Buna-S or SBR is a copolymer of 1,3-butadiene and styrene which is prepared by copolymerization of 1,3-butadiene and styrene along with sodium. In Buna-S, Bu stands for butadiene, Na for sodium which is the polymerizing agent and S stands for styrene. It is tough and is a good substitute for natural rubber. It possesses high abrasion resistance, high load-bearing capacity and is used for the manufacture of automobile tires. Preparation of Buna-S Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) or Buna-S can be prepared by copolymerization of a mixture of 1,3-butadiene and styrene in the ratio of 3:1 in the presence of sodium. Properties of Buna-S 1. Buna-S has high abrasion resistance, high bearing capacity, and resilience. 2. Buna-S is very tough and is a good substitute for natural rubber 3. Buna-S swells in organic solvents up to a limited extent. 4. Buna-S gets oxidized in the presence of traces of ozone. Applications of Buna-S 1. Buna-S is used for