Elastomer synthesis styrene-butadiene rubber

The general reaction chemistry used in the synthesis of common rubbers and elastomers mentioned in Table 21.1 is described in the following. The discussion covers four types of rubbers styrene-butadiene rubbers (SBRs), polybutadiene, ethylene-propylene-diene rubbers, and thermoplastic polyurethanes. 

Uses Synthetic rubbers and elastomers (styrene-butadiene, polybutadiene, neoprene) organic synthesis (Diels-Alder reactions) latex paints resins chemical intermediate. 

Significant developments in synthetic rubber began at this time. Outstanding were the introduction of polychloroprene (neoprene) by Carothers, and of the oil-resistant polysulfide rubber Thiokol by Patrick. These were soon followed by styrene-butadiene copolymers, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, and various other types, some of which were rushed into production for the war effort in the early 1940s. The stereospecific catalysts researched by Ziegler and Natta aided this development, including synthesis of true rubber hydrocarbon (polyisoprene). Since 1935 synthetic rubbers have been referred to as elastomers. 

Butadiene is a petroleum product obtained by catalytic cracking of naphtha or light oil or by dehydrogenation of butene or butane. It is used to produce butadiene-styrene elastomer (for tires), synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, food wrapping materials, and in the manufacture of adiponitrile. It is also used for the synthesis of organics by Diels-Alder condensation. 

In the synthesis above styrene reacts with butadiene to form long chains while at the same time retaining a double bond per two molecules. Subsequently sulphur is added and sulphur bridges are formed between the remaining double bonds which interconnect the chains. These bridges are represented by small dashes. SBR is for instance used in the manufacture of car tyres. Another elastomer is polyurethane rubber PUR which is used as a foam in head rests. 

Uses Catalyst in mfg. of rubbers and plastics based on styrol-butadiene, polyisoprene, and polybutadiene initiator in anionic polymerization of styrene and conjugated dienes, thermoplastic elastomers organic synthesis... 

The process may easily be transformed for the synthesis of other elastomers and copolymers with a double bond in the backbone of the monomer unit. Therefore, the range of elastomers is extensive isoprene, butadiene, butadiene-styrene rubbers, ethylene-propylene terpolymer, and so on. 

---