Chemical Properties
low molecular weight formulations are liquid, Polybutadiene is a homopolymer of butadiene. The catalysts involved in the polymerization process determine the structure and molecular weight of the rubber. It is used in tires and for other products that require abrasion resistance. At times both SBR and polybutadiene are extended with oils. There are underlying hazards associated with the individual oils, some of which are carcinogenic in animals and suspected human carcinogens.
Uses
PB-
cis can be polymerized with styrene for the formation of high impact polystyrene (HIPS). It may also be used as a toughening agent for acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (ABS) based resins.
Uses
Co-reactant for air curing coatings.
Uses
Component of water soluble binders and electrical encapsulants.
Definition
ChEBI: A macromolecule composed of repeating but-2-ene-1,4-diyl units.
Production Methods
The production of polybutadiene involves copolymerizing
three parts butadiene and one part styrene. Also present in
small amounts is an initiator or catalyst, which is usually a
peroxide, and a chain-modifying agent such as dodecyl
mercaptan. Isotactic cis-1,4 polybutadiene has been synthesized
using a titanium halide such as titanium tetrachloride or
titanium tetrabromide; using a cobalt salt of octanoate or
napthenate, or complexes with pyridine; or using nickel
halide catalyst based on boron trifluoride reduced by aluminum
alkyls.
General Description
Polybutadiene is a synthetic rubber that is produced by solution polymerization of 1,3-butadiene. It has excellent mechanical properties which include low temperature flexibility and abrasion resistance. It can be cured by using sulfur based donors and peroxides to result in a highly cross-linked polymer with high resilience.
Carcinogenicity
The individual oil extenders are
classified as suspected human carcinogens.
