Several synthetic rubbers have captured the natural rubber market. Now a days we can use tailorable elastomers for any desired specific purpose. Buna-S rubber is one of the commonly used synthetic rubber.
Synthetic scheme of Buna-S Rubber |
Buna-S Rubber:
It is a random co-polymer formed by the emulsion polymerisation of a mixture of 1:3 butadiene and styrene in the presence of peroxide catalyst at 5 degree Celsius and therefore the product is called as cold rubber. The rubber obtained is also called Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR).
In Buna-S, Bu stands for butadiene and, Na for sodium and S for styrene. It is vulcanised with sulfur. The rubber is slightly inferior to natural rubber in its physical properties.
Application of Buna-S |
Applications: It finds application due to its high resistance to abrasion.
- It is used for the manufacture of passenger car tyres and treads,motor cycle and scooter tyres,cycle tyres and tubes.
- They are also used for the manufacture of conveyor belts,foot-wares, shoe soles,hoses and electrical insulation.