Polybutadiene rubber (PBR) is a synthetic rubber that is a polymerization product of butadiene in solution. PBR has a high wear property due to low coefficient of friction and strength properties. It also has excellent elastic properties, low hysteresis loss, and resistance to low temperature. It is widely used in the manufacture of tires.
Polybutadiene rubber is formed by the polymerization process of the monomer 1,3-butadiene. It is prepared by emulsion or solution polymerization. The processes are based on organo-lithium compounds or coordination catalysts. Pure dry butadiene and a solvent are used in the polymerization process. The catalyst is deactivated once the desired conversion is accomplished, and polybutadiene is recovered from the unreacted butadiene and solvent, washed to remove the catalyst residue, and dried.
1. Tires Industry:
Polybutadiene rubber is widely used in automobile tires. It is used primarily in the sidewall of truck tires to improve fatigue to failure life due to the continuous flexing during run.
2. Plastics Industry:
In the plastics industry, polybutadiene rubber is used to improve the mechanical properties of plastics, especially high-impact polystyrene (HIPS). PBR helps polystyrene to be more ductile and resistant.
3. Sports Industry:
Polybutadiene rubber is used for manufacturing golf balls. This material is preferred to other elastomers due to its high resilience property.
