SBR

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) at a glance

SBR is a synthetic rubber (copolymer of styrene and butadiene) with robust mechanical properties and economical processing. In practice, SBR is often chosen when abrasion resistance, elasticity and value for money are the priority.

In brief

• Material: Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), copolymer of styrene and butadiene.
• Typical strengths: abrasion-resistant, elastic, easy to process, cost-effective.
• Typical applications: seals, sheet material, conveyor technology, general industrial applications.
• Classification for selection: SBR is often used as the standard elastomer for mechanically stressed components when resistance to oil and many solvents is not a primary requirement.

For specific components and cut pieces, the combination of material selection and geometry is what matters: for sheet material, the product page SBR rubber sheet is the appropriate basis; for sealing applications, SBR seal provides the direct entry point.

The next step describes the material-specific properties (abrasion, elasticity, ageing, media) in a structured way, so that the material can be selected on the basis of requirements.

Material properties of SBR

SBR is one of the most frequently used synthetic rubbers in industry. The material properties are clearly geared towards mechanical load capacity and economical processing.

Mechanical properties

SBR exhibits good elasticity and high abrasion resistance. This makes the material suitable for dynamically stressed components such as seals, pads or rubber sheets in conveyor and plant engineering.

Thermal behaviour

The typical service temperature range of SBR is approximately between −30 °C and +70 °C. Higher temperatures are possible for short periods, but other elastomers are better suited to continuous thermal loads.

Resistance to media and ageing

SBR shows good resistance to water as well as dilute acids and alkalis. The material has limited resistance to oils, greases, fuels and many solvents. Under the influence of UV and ozone, SBR ages faster than specially formulated elastomers.

For applications where these properties are sufficient, SBR rubber sheets are often used as the base material. Where the geometry and sealing function are defined, SBR seals are used.

The next section provides a clear distinction between SBR and other elastomers, in order to avoid material mix-ups during the selection phase.

Material properties of SBR

SBR is one of the most frequently used synthetic rubbers in industry. The material properties are clearly geared towards mechanical load capacity and economical processing.

Mechanical properties

SBR exhibits good elasticity and high abrasion resistance. This makes the material suitable for dynamically stressed components such as seals, pads or rubber sheets in conveyor and plant engineering.

Thermal behaviour

The typical service temperature range of SBR is approximately between −30 °C and +70 °C. Higher temperatures are possible for short periods, but other elastomers are better suited to continuous thermal loads.

Resistance to media and ageing

SBR shows good resistance to water as well as dilute acids and alkalis. The material has limited resistance to oils, greases, fuels and many solvents. Under the influence of UV and ozone, SBR ages faster than specially formulated elastomers.

For applications where these properties are sufficient, SBR rubber sheets are often used as the base material. Where the geometry and sealing function are defined, SBR seals are used.

The next section provides a clear distinction between SBR and other elastomers, in order to avoid material mix-ups during the selection phase.

SBR compared with other elastomers

For the right material choice, looking at the properties of SBR alone is not enough. What matters is the distinction from other frequently used elastomers with similar fields of application.

SBR vs. NR (natural rubber)

In its mechanical characteristics, SBR is similar to natural rubber (NR), but offers more consistent quality and better industrial reproducibility. NR has a higher resilience, while SBR is preferred in many applications due to more stable abrasion values.

SBR vs. NBR

Compared with NBR (acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber), SBR has lower resistance to oils and greases. In return, SBR is more economical and sufficiently capable for applications without permanent media contact. For oil-exposed environments, NBR is generally used.

SBR vs. EPDM

EPDM is characterised by high resistance to weathering, ozone and UV. SBR, by contrast, is primarily suitable for indoor applications or shielded industrial environments. For permanent outdoor exposure, EPDM is the technically appropriate alternative.

Classification for practice

SBR is the objectively correct choice when mechanical load capacity, abrasion resistance and an economical material are the priority. As soon as media resistance or weathering influences dominate, specialised elastomers should be considered.

The next section gives concrete examples of typical fields of application for SBR based on real industrial applications.

Typical fields of application for SBR

SBR is used wherever mechanical load capacity, abrasion resistance and an economical material solution are required. The material is found above all in standard industrial applications with clearly defined requirements.

Seals and moulded parts

In sealing technology, SBR is used for flat gaskets, punched parts and simple moulded seals. The elasticity and abrasion resistance are suitable for static and slightly dynamic seals without permanent oil or fuel contact. Typical designs are SBR seals to drawing or sample.

Rubber sheets and cut pieces

SBR is a widely used material for rubber sheets employed as protective, backing or wear material. Fields of application include machine foundations, workbenches, conveyor systems or separating layers in plant engineering. For these applications, SBR rubber sheets in a defined thickness are frequently used.

Conveyor and transport technology

Thanks to its good abrasion resistance, SBR is suitable for applications in conveyor technology, for example as a pad, protective covering or simple damping component. The focus is on mechanical stress under moderate ambient conditions.

General industrial requirements

Further fields of application include spacers, buffer stops, simple damping elements and technical rubber parts in general mechanical and plant engineering. Here, SBR is used as a functional standard material.

The next section summarises the relevant advantages and technical limits of SBR, in order to allow a final assessment of the material choice.

Advantages and limits of SBR

SBR is assessed in a practical way through its strengths and clear application limits. This allows the material to be selected in a targeted manner and without false assumptions.

Advantages of SBR

• Good abrasion resistance under mechanical stress
• Elastic behaviour for static and slightly dynamic applications
• Consistent quality thanks to synthetic production
• Economical material for standard applications
• Widely available as sheet, cut piece and seal

Technical limits

• Limited resistance to oils, greases and fuels
• Limited resistance to weathering, UV and ozone
• Temperature range for continuous load technically limited

Classification for design and purchasing

SBR is particularly suitable for applications with clearly defined mechanical requirements and controlled ambient conditions. For components with media contact or permanent outdoor exposure, selecting specialised elastomers is technically advisable.

For typical standard solutions, SBR rubber sheets and SBR seals are available in various designs.

The next section provides a structured summary of the relevant technical specifications of SBR.

Technical specifications of SBR

The following specifications are typical guide values for SBR. Depending on the formulation, hardness and manufacturing process, the actual values may vary. They serve as a reliable orientation for the design of components.

Specification	Typical value
Hardness (Shore A)	50 – 80
Tensile strength	8 – 20 MPa
Elongation at break	300 – 500 %
Service temperature (continuous)	−30 °C to +70 °C
Density	approx. 1.1 – 1.2 g/cm³
Abrasion resistance	good
Oil and grease resistance	limited
Weathering and ozone resistance	limited

These specifications form the basis for selecting SBR rubber sheets as well as for designing SBR seals in standardised industrial applications.

The next section explains in which cases SBR is technically suitable and when alternative elastomers should be preferred.

When is SBR the right choice?

SBR is suitable for applications with clearly defined mechanical requirements and controlled ambient conditions. The following classification supports an objective pre-selection.

SBR is suitable when

• mechanical load capacity and abrasion resistance are the priority
• there is no permanent contact with oils, greases or fuels
• use is predominantly indoors
• an economical standard material is sought

Consider alternative elastomers when

• oil or media resistance is required
• permanent weathering, UV or ozone exposure is present
• extended temperature ranges are required

For typical standard applications, SBR rubber sheets in various thicknesses and SBR seals for static and slightly dynamic seals are available.

The next section covers cut to size, production and available delivery forms of SBR.

Frequently asked questions about SBR

What is SBR?

SBR is a synthetic rubber based on styrene and butadiene. The material is produced industrially and serves as a standard elastomer for mechanically stressed applications.

Is SBR oil-resistant?

SBR has limited resistance to oils, greases and fuels. For applications with permanent media contact, elastomers such as NBR are better suited.

For which temperature ranges is SBR suitable?

The typical service temperature range of SBR is continuously between −30 °C and +70 °C. Higher temperatures are possible for short periods, but other materials are more suitable for continuous loads.

Is SBR suitable for outdoor use?

SBR has limited resistance to UV radiation, ozone and weathering. For permanent outdoor applications, EPDM is frequently used in practice.

What is SBR typically used for?

SBR is used, among other things, for seals, rubber sheets, cut pieces, protective pads and applications in conveyor technology where mechanical load capacity is the priority.

In which delivery forms is SBR available?

SBR is available as rubber sheet, cut piece, punched part and seal. The choice depends on geometry, hardness and application.

For specific applications, SBR rubber sheets and SBR seals are available in various designs.

Synonyms for the material SBR

What else SBR is called.

• Styrene-butadiene rubber
• Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (English designation)
• Styrene-butadiene gum
• SBR rubber
• SBR elastomer
• SBR plastic