What SBR actually is
Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is a copolymer of styrene and butadiene, and it is the most widely produced synthetic rubber in the world. The ratio between the two monomers is what gives a grade its character: more styrene means more hardness and abrasion resistance, more butadiene means more elasticity and better low-temperature behaviour.
Emulsion versus solution SBR
Most industrial SBR is emulsion-polymerised (E-SBR), produced either cold at around 5°C or hot at around 50°C. Cold polymerisation gives a more linear polymer with better mechanical properties, which is why the cold grades dominate tyre production. Solution SBR (S-SBR) is a newer route that allows tighter control of molecular structure and is used where rolling resistance and wet grip matter most.
The grades you will meet
SBR 1500 is the baseline non-oil-extended cold grade — clean, consistent, and the usual starting point for technical rubber goods, footwear soling and conveyor covers.
SBR 1502 is the non-staining version of 1500, stabilised with a non-discolouring antioxidant. Where the finished part is light-coloured or white, this is the grade to specify; using 1500 there will yellow the surface over time.
SBR 1712 is oil-extended, typically with 37.5 parts of aromatic oil per hundred parts of rubber. The oil lowers compound cost and improves processing on the mill, at the expense of some tensile strength. It is the workhorse for tyre treads and high-volume moulded goods.
Choosing between them
The decision usually comes down to three questions: does the part need to stay colour-stable, is processability or ultimate tensile the priority, and what is the compound cost target. A non-staining requirement points to 1502. A cost-driven, high-volume moulding points to 1712. Anything where you want a clean baseline to formulate from points to 1500.
Storage and handling
SBR bales should be stored off the ground, away from direct sunlight and below 30°C. Oil-extended grades in particular will cold-flow and block together if stacked too high in a warm warehouse, which turns a simple material handling job into a difficult one.
If you are unsure which grade suits your compound, send us the application and the target properties — our technical desk will propose a grade and explain the reasoning.
