Styrene Elastomers

Styrene Elastomers: Triblock copolymers based on polystyrene and polybutadiene are the largest in terms of commercial production 

2. Styrenics are the lowest priced elastomers.

3. Styrenics are block co-polymers with hard(Styrene) and soft segments (polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene-propylene).

Structure and Synthesis:

1. Most of the polystyrene/polybutadiene block copolymers have the basic structure of Poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) or poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene).

2. This is a phase separated system and retain their basic properties.

3. These block copolymers are prepared in inert hydrocarbon solvent by anionic polymerization

General properties:

1. Tensile strength is lower and elongation is higher than SBR or natural rubber.

2. Resistant against alcohol's, dilute alkalis and acids.

3. Soluble in chlorinated solvents, esters and ketones.

4. Weather resistance is same as that of SBR and natural rubber.

Applications:

1. Applications of styrene-butandiene copolymer blocks include disposable medical products, food packaging, tubing, sheet, belting, mallet heads and shoe soles.

2. These materials also used as sealants, hot melt adhesives, coatings for wire and cable insulation.