Introduction

ISRPL TAIPOL® E – SBR Cold Emulsion Polymerized Styrene-Butadiene Rubber is one of the most worldwide used in rubber industries in a large variety of applications which significantly contribute to our standards of living as well as in enhancing our quality of life. The range of ISRPL products with TSRC technology covers E-SBR field of application like All types of Tyres, Footwear, light coloured mechanical goods, Flooring, Adhesives, O-ring / Seals articles, Hoses, Conveyor belts, high hardness soles and Rubber sheets.

Basics of Emulsion SBR polymerization

• Styrene and Butadiene monomers are polymerise in the presence of an emulsifier (soaps), an initiator system, a modifier and water.
• Cold Polymerisation is the redox reaction.
• The molecular weight distribution is primarily controlled by addition of Shortstop agent which terminates the growing chains.
• Polymerisation takes place at the mild conditions, typically for emulsion polymerization, controlling at the same time the reactants flow rate up to the addition of the shortstop agent – when desired conversion is reached – which rapidly reacts with free radicals blocking reaction.
• Residual butadiene and styrene are then removed from the shortstop added latex, and its stabilized by addition of appropriate antioxidant.
• The latex is coagulated by using an inorganic acid and chemical aids to regulate the crumb dimensions.
• The coagulated crumbs are washed, dewatered, dried, baled and packed.