Solprene Styrenic block copolymer

Solprene Branched block copolymer of styrene and butadiene Phillips Petroleum... 

The butadiene-styrene block copolymers have now been available for over 15 years. Marketed by Shell (Cariflex TR), Phillips (Solprene T) and AN 1C (Europrene), these materials have established markets in the field of shoe soling, modification of polystyrene and polyolefins, as bitumen additives and in adhesive formulations. Whilst the shoe soling applications are, to some extent, subject to the whims of fashion, steady increase in use of these materials may be expected. Similar comments may be made concerning the thermoplastic polyurethanes which have also been available for a number of years. These materials combine the properties of strength, oil resistance and processibility. 

A tapered block copolymer containing 75 percent butadiene and 25 percent styrene, marketed as Solprene 1205, was the first solution copolymer produced commercially by Phillips in 1962. 

We have endeavoured to section styrene-swollen block copolymers, but whilst the monomer makes the sample rigid and easy to cut at -100°C, attempts to preserve the specimens in tlie TEM have been hampered by the lack of a cold stage. Subsequent IPN products have significantly enlarged styrene-rich, unstained domains, consistent with 70% styrene uptake. Thus in the case of Solprene 416 cut normal to cylinders, domain diameters increase from about 10 nm to 30 nm (Figure Id) consistent with Yeo s (16) estimates. 

Thermoplastic rubber is a relatively new class of polymer. It has the solubility and thermoplasticity of polystyrene, while at ambient temperatures it has the toughness and resilience of vulcanized natural rubber or polybutadiene. These rubbers are actually block copolymers. The simplest form consists of a rubbery mid-block with two plastic end blocks (A-B-A), as shown in Figure 5.7. Examples of commercial products are Kraton and Solprene . These materials are often compounded with plasticizers to decrease hardness and modulus, eliminate drawing, enhance pressure-sensitive tack, improve low-temperature flexibility, reduce melt and solution viscosity, decrease cohesive strength or increase plasticity if desired, and substantially lower material costs. Low levels of thermoplastic rubbers are sometimes added to other rubber adhesives. These materials are used as components in the following applications PSAs, hot-melt adhesives, heat-activated-assembly adhesives, contact adhesives, reactive contact adhesives, building construction adhesives, sealants, and binders. Two common varieties of thermoplastic rubber adhesives are styrene-butadiene-styrene (S-B-S) and styrene-isoprene-styrene (S-I-S). ... 

YSBR Kraton, Solprene Block copolymers of styrene and butadiene... 

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