BUTADIENE STYRENE RUBBER SKS-30 SBR-1502

Butadiene Styrene Rubber SKS-30 SBR-1502 is a general-purpose emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber grade corresponding to the light-colored, non-oil-extended, non-staining SBR-1502 family. The technically specific SKS designation is SKS-30 ARKPN / SBR-1502, a random copolymer of styrene and 1,3-butadiene produced by cold emulsion polymerization using a mixture of rosin and fatty-acid soaps and stabilized with a non-staining antioxidant. Current SKS-30 ARKPN grade data place bound styrene at approximately 22-25%, raw Mooney viscosity ML(1+4) at 100°C at approximately 46-58, volatile matter at not more than approximately 0.8%, ash at not more than approximately 0.5%, organic acids around 5-7%, soap at not more than approximately 0.3% and antioxidant around 1-2%. Butadiene Styrene Rubber SKS-30 SBR-1502 is supplied as light-colored rubber bales and is used in tires, tire sidewalls, footwear, soles, hoses, cables, floor coverings, gaskets, seals, rollers, molded goods, extruded goods, sporting goods and other rubber articles where good abrasion resistance, useful tensile properties, processability and minimal staining are required. Because SBR-1502 is a high-molecular-weight random copolymer rather than a discrete small molecule, the commercial rubber does not have one exact molecular formula or one fixed molecular weight. The current Ataman Chemicals TDS, SDS and batch COA should control the exact supplied-grade specification, packaging, storage, shelf life and safety information.

PRODUCT IDENTITY

Product Name: Butadiene Styrene Rubber SKS-30 SBR-1502
Preferred Technical Grade Name: SKS-30 ARKPN / SBR-1502
Standard Polymer Name: Styrene-Butadiene Rubber
Common Abbreviation: SBR
Polymerization Type: Cold emulsion polymerization
Polymer Structure: Random styrene-butadiene copolymer
Oil Extension: Non-oil-extended
Staining Character: Non-staining / non-discoloring stabilizer system
Principal Monomers: Styrene and 1,3-butadiene
Generic SBR CAS Number: 9003-55-8
Generic SBR EC Number: 618-370-2
Fixed Molecular Formula: Not applicable to the commercial copolymer
Fixed Molecular Weight: Not applicable because the polymer has a molecular-weight distribution
Representative Copolymer Description: Poly(styrene-co-butadiene)
Bound Styrene Content: Approximately 22-25% for current SKS-30 ARKPN grade
Typical SBR-1502 Bound Styrene Reference: Approximately 23.5%
Butadiene-Derived Polymer Fraction: Approximately 75-78% on a monomer-derived basis
Raw Mooney Viscosity ML(1+4) at 100°C: Approximately 46-58 for current SKS-30 ARKPN grade
Mooney Viscosity Spread Within Batch: Current grade data specify a limited spread, with the current COA controlling the exact acceptance value
Volatile Matter: Not more than approximately 0.8% for current SKS-30 ARKPN grade
Ash Content: Not more than approximately 0.5% for current SKS-30 ARKPN grade
Organic Acids: Approximately 5.0-7.0%
Residual Organic-Acid Soap: Not more than approximately 0.3%
Non-Staining Antioxidant: Approximately 1.0-2.0% in current SKS-30 ARKPN data
Appearance: Light-yellow to beige rubber bales / briquettes
Typical Bale Weight: Approximately 30 kg for the SKS-30 ARKPN reference grade, with packaging depending on supply configuration
Typical SBR Specific Gravity: Approximately 0.94 g/cm³ for non-oil-extended SBR-1502-type rubber
Typical Glass Transition Temperature: Around approximately -50°C for conventional 23.5% styrene emulsion SBR, depending on microstructure and test method
Water Solubility: Insoluble
Primary Function: General-purpose synthetic elastomer
Primary Advantages: Abrasion resistance, tensile performance, processability, light color, non-staining behavior and broad compounding versatility
Main Limitation: Lower natural tack, tear strength and fatigue behavior than natural rubber in some demanding formulations unless compound design compensates
Storage Principle: Store dry, protected from direct sunlight and atmospheric precipitation, at or below approximately 30°C for the referenced SKS-30 ARKPN grade

SYNONYMS

Butadiene Styrene Rubber SKS-30 SBR-1502, Styrene Butadiene Rubber SKS-30 SBR-1502, Styrene-Butadiene Rubber SKS-30 SBR-1502, SKS-30 SBR-1502, SKS-30 ARKPN, SKS-30 ARKPN SBR-1502, SKS 30 ARKPN, SBR-1502, SBR 1502, SBR1502, Emulsion SBR 1502, E-SBR 1502, ESBR 1502, Cold Emulsion SBR 1502, Non-Oil-Extended SBR 1502, Non-Staining SBR 1502, Light-Colored SBR 1502, General-Purpose SBR 1502, Styrene Butadiene Copolymer 1502, Butadiene Styrene Copolymer 1502, Poly(styrene-co-butadiene), Styrene Butadiene Rubber, Styrene-Butadiene Rubber, SBR Rubber, Synthetic Styrene Butadiene Rubber, 23.5% Styrene SBR, Cold Polymerized SBR, CAS 9003-55-8, EC 618-370-2, SKS-30 ARKPN Rubber

WHAT IS BUTADIENE STYRENE RUBBER SKS-30 SBR-1502?

Butadiene Styrene Rubber SKS-30 SBR-1502 is a synthetic elastomer produced by copolymerizing styrene with 1,3-butadiene.
The grade is part of the emulsion-SBR family rather than solution-polymerized SBR.
Cold polymerization produces a random copolymer with the microstructure and molecular-weight distribution associated with conventional general-purpose E-SBR.
SBR-1502 is differentiated from staining SBR grades by the use of a non-staining antioxidant system.
The grade is also non-oil-extended, meaning processing oil is not deliberately incorporated into the polymer at the standard oil-extension level used in oil-extended SBR grades.
The result is a versatile light-colored raw rubber suitable for both black and light-colored compounds.

SKS-30 ARKPN AND SBR-1502 RELATIONSHIP

SKS-30 ARKPN is a regional grade designation corresponding technically to the SBR-1502 family.
Current grade documentation directly identifies SKS-30 ARKPN as SBR-1502.
Both names describe a cold-emulsion styrene-butadiene copolymer made using mixed rosin and fatty-acid soap emulsifiers.
The grade contains a non-staining antioxidant package and no intentional oil extension.
Bound styrene is maintained near the conventional SBR-1502 target of approximately 23.5%.
When purchasing, SKS-30 ARKPN and SBR-1502 should be compared using Mooney viscosity, bound styrene, volatile matter, ash, organic acids, soap and cure-test data rather than the grade name alone.

EMULSION POLYMERIZATION

SBR-1502 is manufactured by emulsion polymerization of styrene and butadiene in water.
Surfactant soaps stabilize monomer droplets and polymer particles during reaction.
The SKS-30 ARKPN process uses a mixture of rosin-derived and fatty-acid soaps as emulsifiers.
Cold polymerization is used to control molecular architecture and produce desirable rubber performance.
After conversion, residual monomers are removed, the latex is stabilized, coagulated, washed, dried and formed into bales.
Process residues such as organic acids, soaps, ash and volatile matter are therefore controlled as part of the commercial rubber specification.

COLD POLYMERIZATION

Cold emulsion SBR is polymerized at a lower temperature than historical hot SBR.
Lower polymerization temperature generally reduces branching and improves molecular regularity compared with older hot-polymerized grades.
This contributes to better abrasion resistance and physical properties in the final vulcanizate.
SBR-1502 is therefore a classic cold E-SBR grade.
Cold polymerization should not be confused with low-temperature service performance of the finished rubber compound, which depends on glass transition, plasticizer, filler and cure system.

POLYMER STRUCTURE

SBR-1502 is a random copolymer rather than a block copolymer.
Styrene and butadiene-derived units are distributed statistically along the polymer chain.
The butadiene units can occur in different microstructures including 1,4- and 1,2-addition arrangements.
The exact sequence distribution and microstructure depend on polymerization chemistry.
This random elastomer structure gives SBR rubber-like behavior at ordinary service temperatures.
SBR-1502 should not be confused with SBS thermoplastic elastomer, which contains distinct styrene blocks and butadiene-rich blocks.

BOUND STYRENE

Bound styrene is one of the most important SBR composition parameters.
Current SKS-30 ARKPN specification data place bound styrene at approximately 22-25%.
Many SBR-1502 specifications use a narrower typical target around 22.5-24.5% or nominally 23.5%.
Increasing styrene content generally raises hardness, glass-transition temperature and certain dynamic properties.
Lower styrene content generally increases rubbery character and can improve low-temperature flexibility.
The approximately 23.5% level provides the conventional balance expected from general-purpose SBR-1502.

NON-OIL-EXTENDED CHARACTER

SBR-1502 is a non-oil-extended grade.
This means the raw rubber is not supplied with the large quantity of extender oil present in common oil-extended SBR grades.
The compounder therefore controls processing oil and plasticizer addition directly during mixing.
Non-oil-extended rubber provides strong formulation flexibility for light-colored, high-modulus or controlled-extractables compounds.
It also delivers more polymer per unit mass than an oil-extended grade.
Processing can be somewhat more demanding than highly oil-extended rubber, so internal mixers, plasticizers and mixing sequence should be optimized.

NON-STAINING ANTIOXIDANT

SBR-1502 uses a non-staining antioxidant system.
This is a critical difference from grades designed only for black rubber compounds.
Non-staining antioxidants reduce discoloration of white, beige, colored and adjacent light-colored materials.
The antioxidant protects raw rubber against oxidative degradation during storage and processing.
Non-staining does not mean perfectly colorless because the raw rubber itself can range from light yellow to beige.
Finished light-colored compounds should still be tested for heat aging, ultraviolet exposure and migration from all formulation ingredients.

MOONEY VISCOSITY

Mooney viscosity characterizes the flow resistance and processing behavior of raw rubber.
Current SKS-30 ARKPN data specify ML(1+4) at 100°C around approximately 46-58.
This viscosity range is typical of general-purpose SBR-1502 grades.
Lower Mooney values generally provide easier mixing and extrusion but can change green strength and final compound behavior.
Higher Mooney values can increase mixing energy and process viscosity.
Incoming-rubber control should use the same Mooney method and conditioning procedure as the commercial specification.

VOLATILE MATTER

Volatile matter measures residual moisture and volatile processing residues in the raw rubber.
Current SKS-30 ARKPN grade data limit volatile matter to approximately 0.8% maximum.
Excess volatile content can create porosity, odor, inconsistent mass balance or processing variability.
Low volatile matter is particularly important in dense molded goods and extrusion.
The current COA should control the accepted maximum for the supplied grade.

ASH CONTENT

Ash represents inorganic residue remaining after controlled combustion.
Current SKS-30 ARKPN data limit ash to approximately 0.5% maximum.
Inorganic residue can originate from coagulation chemistry, process aids or minor contamination.
Excess ash can alter compound consistency and electrical properties.
Ash testing is therefore an important raw-rubber quality-control parameter.

ORGANIC ACIDS AND SOAP

Residual organic acids and soaps originate from the emulsion-polymerization and coagulation system.
Current SKS-30 ARKPN data place organic acids around approximately 5-7% and residual organic-acid soap at not more than approximately 0.3%.
These materials can influence compounding behavior, cure kinetics and filler dispersion.
Stearic acid added during compounding should be considered separately from process-origin organic acids already present in the raw rubber.
A change in residual soap or acid level can alter mixing response even when Mooney viscosity remains within specification.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Raw SBR-1502 is supplied as an elastic solid bale rather than as a thermoplastic pellet.
Typical bale specific gravity is approximately 0.94 g/cm³.
The rubber is insoluble in water.
Unvulcanized SBR can swell or dissolve in suitable hydrocarbon, aromatic or chlorinated organic solvents depending on molecular weight and solvent quality.
After sulfur crosslinking, the vulcanized network no longer dissolves but can swell in compatible solvents.
Physical properties such as tensile strength, elongation, hardness and modulus are primarily properties of the compounded and cured rubber rather than of the raw bale alone.

GLASS TRANSITION TEMPERATURE

Conventional 23.5% styrene emulsion SBR has a glass-transition temperature around approximately -50°C, with the exact value depending on microstructure and measurement method.
Above Tg, the uncrosslinked and crosslinked polymer has elastomeric chain mobility.
As temperature approaches Tg, stiffness rises sharply.
Plasticizer and oil can lower compound glass-transition behavior.
Higher styrene content tends to raise Tg.
Finished low-temperature performance should be measured on the actual compound rather than inferred from generic SBR Tg alone.

ABRASION RESISTANCE

Good abrasion resistance is one of the major reasons SBR is used in tires and footwear.
Properly reinforced SBR-1502 compounds resist wear under repeated sliding and rolling contact.
Carbon black grade and loading strongly affect abrasion resistance.
Silica-reinforced systems can also provide strong wear performance when coupling chemistry is optimized.
Cure state and dispersion are equally important.
SBR-1502 should therefore be viewed as a strong abrasion-resistant base polymer whose final performance depends on compound design.

TENSILE PROPERTIES

SBR-1502 can provide high tensile strength when properly reinforced and vulcanized.
Representative standard test compounds commonly exceed approximately 24-25 MPa tensile strength after the specified cure.
Ultimate elongation of standard reference compounds is commonly at least approximately 350%.
The exact values are not intrinsic constants of the raw polymer because filler, sulfur, accelerator and cure time determine the result.
Production compounds can be deliberately formulated much softer, harder, stronger or more extensible than the standard test recipe.

HEAT AND AGING RESISTANCE

SBR generally provides better heat-aging and oxidative-aging resistance than unprotected natural rubber when both are appropriately stabilized.
The polymer still contains unsaturation and can oxidize under heat, oxygen and ozone exposure.
Antioxidants and antiozonants are therefore important in demanding service.
Non-staining applications require protective additives that do not discolor the finished article.
Heat aging can increase hardness and reduce elongation if crosslinking or oxidation continues.
Compound design should match the expected service temperature.

OZONE RESISTANCE

SBR contains unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds and is not inherently ozone-proof.
Strained surfaces can develop ozone cracks if the compound lacks adequate protection.
Antiozonant waxes and chemical antiozonants are widely used in black tire and technical-rubber compounds.
Light-colored compounds require non-staining protection systems.
Static and dynamic ozone tests should be used for outdoor seals, hoses and tire components.

ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES

Properly compounded SBR can provide useful electrical-insulation properties.
Electrical performance depends strongly on filler type, ionic contamination, moisture and cure system.
Conductive carbon black can make an SBR compound electrically conductive or antistatic.
Mineral-filled or light-colored formulations can be designed for higher resistivity.
Raw-rubber ash and ionic residues are therefore relevant for some cable and insulation applications.

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE

SBR vulcanizates generally show useful resistance to water, dilute acids, dilute alkalis and many polar aqueous media.
Resistance to hydrocarbon oils, gasoline and many nonpolar solvents is limited.
Nonpolar liquids can swell SBR strongly and extract compounding ingredients.
For oil-resistant seals or fuel-contact applications, nitrile rubber or another specialized elastomer is usually more suitable.
Chemical resistance should be tested using the actual fluid, temperature and exposure duration.

APPLICATIONS

Passenger tire components
SBR-1502 is used in tire compounds where abrasion resistance, tensile properties and processability are required.

Tire sidewalls
Non-staining SBR-1502 can be used in sidewall formulations, including colored or white-sidewall constructions where discoloration control is important.

Tire carcass compounds
General-purpose SBR can be blended with natural rubber or other elastomers in carcass and structural tire compounds.

Tire tread blends
E-SBR can be used in selected tread compounds, often blended with natural rubber, BR or other SBR technologies to balance wear, traction and hysteresis.

Bicycle tires
SBR-1502 is widely used in bicycle tire compounds for abrasion resistance and economical processing.

Motorcycle tire components
Selected motorcycle tire compounds can use SBR-1502 as part of the elastomer blend.

White-wall tires
The non-staining antioxidant system makes SBR-1502 suitable for light-colored tire-sidewall compounds.

Footwear soles
SBR-1502 is widely used in shoe soles requiring abrasion resistance, flexibility and light or colored appearance.

Shoe heels
Rubber heels can use SBR-1502 for wear resistance and controlled hardness.

Sports footwear
Light-colored or colored sports-shoe rubber can use SBR-1502 where staining must be minimized.

Rubber boots
General-purpose flexible footwear compounds can incorporate SBR-1502 alone or in blends.

Floor coverings
SBR-1502 can be used in resilient rubber flooring and floor-covering compounds.

Rubber tiles
Molded floor tiles can use SBR-1502 with mineral fillers and pigments.

Mats
Industrial and household rubber mats can use SBR-1502 for wear resistance and processability.

Conveyor belts
Selected conveyor-belt covers and components can use SBR in blends where wear resistance is important and severe oil resistance is not required.

Transmission belts
General-purpose belt compounds can use SBR where dynamic requirements are compatible with the polymer.

Hoses
Water, air and general-service hoses can use SBR-1502 where oil and fuel resistance are not critical.

Air hoses
Flexible SBR compounds can provide economical abrasion-resistant air-hose covers or tubes.

Water hoses
General-purpose water-hose compounds can use SBR alone or in elastomer blends.

Radiator-related rubber compounds
Selected non-oil-contact rubber parts can use SBR blends where heat requirements remain within the compound's capability.

Cable insulation
SBR can be used in selected electrical compounds where the filler and cure system provide the required dielectric properties.

Cable jackets
General-purpose cable-sheathing compounds can use SBR for flexibility and abrasion resistance.

Wire coverings
SBR-1502 can be formulated into protective rubber coverings for wire and cable.

Gaskets
General-purpose gaskets can use SBR where water, air and mild chemical resistance are sufficient.

Seals
Static seals can use SBR in non-oil service when compression and aging requirements are appropriate.

O-rings for non-oil service
Selected low-demand sealing applications can use SBR, although specialized elastomers are preferred for fuels, oils or extreme temperatures.

Rubber rollers
SBR-1502 can be compounded for abrasion-resistant rollers and covered rolls.

Printing rollers
Selected roller compounds can use SBR where solvent exposure is limited and hardness is appropriate.

Rice and grain-processing rollers
Wear-resistant rubber rollers can use SBR blends for mechanical processing applications.

Mechanical rubber goods
SBR-1502 is a general-purpose base polymer for a broad range of molded and extruded mechanical rubber products.

Molded rubber parts
Bushings, pads, bumpers, covers and other molded components can use SBR-1502 in suitable service environments.

Extruded profiles
SBR-1502 can be processed into profiles, strips and channels using conventional rubber extrusion.

Rubber sheet
General-purpose rubber sheet can use SBR-1502 with carbon black or mineral fillers.

Rubber lining
Selected abrasion-focused linings can use SBR where chemical exposure is mild.

Sporting goods
Light-colored balls, grips, pads and other sporting goods can use non-staining SBR-1502.

Toys
SBR-1502 is used in selected rubber toys and molded articles where applicable finished-product safety requirements are met.

Household rubber goods
General household rubber products can use SBR-1502 for economical flexibility and wear resistance.

Rubberized fabrics
SBR compounds can be calendered or coated onto textiles for selected technical-fabric applications.

Adhesive compounds
SBR can be used in solvent- or latex-derived adhesive technologies, although SBR-1502 bale rubber requires dissolution or compounding and is not equivalent 
to SBR latex.

Light-colored rubber compounds
Non-staining stabilization makes the grade especially useful in white, beige, pastel and pigmented formulations.

Black rubber compounds
SBR-1502 can also be reinforced with carbon black for conventional black technical-rubber goods.

TIRE COMPOUNDING

Tire applications use SBR because the polymer provides strong abrasion resistance and useful dynamic properties.
SBR-1502 can be blended with natural rubber to improve processing and wear balance.
Butadiene rubber can be added to improve resilience and low-temperature behavior.
Carbon black is commonly used to reinforce the elastomer network.
Silica systems require suitable coupling chemistry to obtain strong reinforcement.
A tire formulation should be optimized for rolling resistance, traction, wear, fatigue and heat buildup rather than using SBR grade designation as the only design variable.

FOOTWEAR COMPOUNDING

Footwear is a major market for non-staining SBR-1502.
Light color allows mineral fillers, titanium dioxide and pigments to produce white or colored soles.
Abrasion resistance supports outsole durability.
Foamed sole compounds can use blowing agents and controlled cure to reduce density.
Plasticizer, filler and resin can tune hardness and flexing behavior.
Finished footwear should be tested for flex cracking, abrasion, compression set and color stability.

LIGHT COLORED RUBBER

SBR-1502 is preferred over staining SBR grades when the finished rubber must remain white or colored.
A non-staining antioxidant minimizes migration of strongly discoloring protection chemicals.
Light-colored reinforcement can use precipitated silica, clay, calcium carbonate and other mineral fillers.
Titanium dioxide can provide opacity and whiteness.
Pigment selection must consider sulfur cure chemistry and heat stability.
Every additive, including oils and resins, should be screened for staining because non-staining base rubber alone cannot guarantee final color stability.

CARBON BLACK REINFORCEMENT

Carbon black is the most common reinforcing filler for SBR.
High-surface-area grades increase tensile strength, abrasion resistance and modulus but also increase compound viscosity and heat buildup.
Lower-surface-area grades improve processing and can reduce hysteresis.
Dispersion quality is critical because agglomerates create weak points.
Mixing temperature must be controlled to achieve filler incorporation without premature cure or polymer degradation.
The optimum black depends on tire, hose, sole, roller or mechanical-goods performance targets.

SILICA REINFORCEMENT

SBR can also be reinforced with precipitated silica.
Silica is important for light-colored rubber because it does not turn the compound black.
Untreated silica has a polar surface and can increase viscosity strongly.
Silane coupling agents can improve interaction between silica and the SBR network.
Moisture and silanization conditions influence mixing behavior.
Silica-filled SBR-1502 can therefore provide strong light-colored mechanical properties when compound design is optimized.

MINERAL FILLERS

Calcium carbonate, clay, talc and other mineral fillers are used to control cost, hardness and processing.
High filler loading can reduce tensile strength and flex life if reinforcement is insufficient.
Surface-treated fillers can improve compatibility.
Moisture in mineral filler can influence cure and porosity.
Light-colored SBR-1502 compounds often combine reinforcing silica with less reinforcing mineral fillers to balance properties and economics.

PROCESSING OILS

Because SBR-1502 is non-oil-extended, the compounder can select processing oil independently.
Oil lowers viscosity and improves filler incorporation and extrusion.
Excess oil reduces hardness and modulus and can increase migration.
Aromatic, naphthenic, paraffinic or specially regulated low-PAH oils can be selected according to compatibility and end-use requirements.
Tire and consumer applications must consider current restrictions on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
The oil level should be controlled in phr relative to rubber.

MIXING

SBR-1502 is commonly mixed in internal mixers or on two-roll mills.
The first stage typically incorporates polymer, filler, oil, zinc oxide, stearic acid and protective additives.
Sulfur and accelerators are normally added in a lower-temperature final stage to avoid premature vulcanization.
Mixing temperature affects filler dispersion and polymer breakdown.
Overmixing can increase temperature and reduce molecular weight.
Undermixing leaves poor dispersion and inconsistent mechanical properties.

MASTICATION

Mechanical mastication lowers raw-rubber viscosity and improves processability.
SBR requires less mastication than natural rubber in many formulations.
Excessive mastication can reduce molecular weight and compromise strength.
Raw Mooney viscosity should therefore be considered when setting mixer energy and time.
Processing aids can reduce the need for aggressive mechanical breakdown.

EXTRUSION

SBR-1502 can be extruded into hoses, profiles, cable coverings and continuous rubber sections.
Extrusion behavior depends on compound Mooney viscosity, filler, oil and temperature.
Poorly dispersed filler can produce rough surface and die lines.
Excessive temperature can cause scorch.
Insufficient temperature can cause poor flow and dimensional instability.
Extrudate swell should be considered in die design.

CALENDERING

SBR compounds can be calendered into sheets or coated onto textile reinforcement.
Compound viscosity must be controlled for smooth gauge and good fabric penetration.
Insufficient tack can complicate ply assembly compared with natural-rubber-rich compounds.
Tackifying resins can be used where needed.
Calender temperature and roll friction should be optimized to avoid trapped air and surface defects.

MOLDING

Compression, transfer and other rubber-molding methods can process SBR-1502 compounds.
The mold cycle depends on cure package, article thickness and temperature.
Scorch safety is important during preforming and mold loading.
Air entrapment can create voids.
Post-cure is generally not required for ordinary sulfur-cured SBR unless a specific compound demands it.
Mold release should be controlled because excess silicone or release agent can affect downstream bonding or painting.

SULFUR VULCANIZATION

SBR-1502 is most commonly crosslinked with sulfur-based cure systems.
Sulfur creates crosslinks through the unsaturated butadiene-derived segments.
Accelerators reduce cure time and control crosslink structure.
Zinc oxide and stearic acid commonly activate the sulfur cure.
Crosslink density controls hardness, modulus, tensile behavior, heat buildup and compression set.
Cure optimization requires rheometer testing on the actual production formulation.

ACCELERATORS

Sulfenamide accelerators are widely used in SBR because they provide scorch safety and efficient vulcanization.
Thiazoles, thiurams, dithiocarbamates and other accelerator families can be used depending on cure speed and regulatory requirements.
Some accelerators can generate or contain nitrosamine-related species, so modern product requirements can restrict accelerator choice.
Light-colored compounds also require attention to staining.
The accelerator package should therefore be selected for both cure kinetics and finished-product compliance.

RHEOMETER TESTING

Current SKS-30 ARKPN reference data include rheometric characterization using ASTM D5289-type conditions.
Representative current ranges include minimum torque around 1.8-3.0 dN·m and maximum torque around 15-21 dN·m in the stated standard compound.
Representative ts1 is approximately 2.2-4.5 minutes.
Representative t50 is approximately 7-12 minutes and t90 approximately 13-21 minutes under the referenced test conditions.
These cure values belong to the standard test recipe and are not direct cure-time recommendations for every production compound.
Filler, accelerator, sulfur, temperature and mixing history can change rheometer behavior substantially.

STANDARD TEST COMPOUND

A standardized reference recipe is used to compare SBR raw-rubber quality.
Current SKS-30 ARKPN reference testing uses 100 parts rubber, approximately 3 parts zinc oxide, 50 parts N330-type reference carbon black, 1.75 parts sulfur, 1 part stearic acid and 1 part sulfenamide accelerator in the specified method.
The reference formulation is designed for quality comparison rather than as a universal commercial recipe.
Production compounds require their own optimized filler, oil, cure and stabilizer system.
Standard-compound results are meaningful only when mixing and cure conditions are controlled consistently.

QUALITY CONTROL

Important incoming-control parameters include identity, appearance, bale condition, Mooney viscosity, volatile matter, ash, bound styrene, organic acids, soap and antioxidant content where specified.
Rheometric behavior can be used as an additional consistency check.
Foreign contamination such as metal, wood, paper, sand or incompatible rubber should be avoided.
Bales should be inspected for dirt, water exposure, excessive blocking and unusual odor.
The current Ataman Chemicals specification and batch COA should control acceptance.

BOUND STYRENE TESTING

Bound styrene is commonly measured using standardized spectroscopic or chemical methods.
The result represents styrene incorporated into the copolymer rather than free residual styrene.
Current SKS-30 ARKPN reference specification is approximately 22-25%.
A significant shift in bound styrene can change glass transition, hardness and dynamic behavior.
The same method should be used for supplier and incoming-quality comparison.

MOONEY VISCOSITY TESTING

Mooney viscosity is measured under standardized rotor, temperature and time conditions.
ML(1+4) at 100°C means a large rotor with one minute preheat and four minutes measurement at 100°C.
Sample preparation strongly influences reproducibility.
Comparing ML(1+4) with another Mooney schedule can be misleading.
The current grade specification should always be reported together with the test condition.

STORAGE

Store SBR-1502 bales in a covered, dry and well-ventilated warehouse.
Current SKS-30 ARKPN guidance specifies storage at a temperature not exceeding approximately 30°C.
Protect the rubber from direct sunlight, atmospheric precipitation, dirt and chemical contamination.
Do not store bales near strong heat sources.
Long-term heat can increase blocking, oxidative aging and bale deformation.
The current Ataman Chemicals TDS and supplied-product documentation should control the exact shelf-life statement.

SHELF LIFE

Current SKS-30 ARKPN product data give a guaranteed shelf life of approximately one year for the specified grade under recommended storage conditions, while some non-specified SKS documents and regional SBR supply references use longer periods.
Shelf life should therefore be treated as grade- and supply-specific rather than universal to every SBR-1502 product.
Rubber stored beyond the stated shelf life can sometimes remain usable after confirming compliance with specification.
Mooney viscosity, appearance and cure behavior should be rechecked for aged stock.
The current Ataman Chemicals batch documentation should control the commercial shelf-life claim.

PACKAGING

SBR-1502 is normally supplied as rubber bales wrapped in polyethylene film.
Current SKS-30 ARKPN reference packaging uses approximately 30 kg bales.
The polyethylene wrap can often be incorporated into rubber mixing only when the compound and processing practice specifically permit it.
Bales can be assembled in box pallets or larger transport containers.
Packaging should protect the rubber from dirt, moisture and direct handling contamination.
Bale weight and pallet configuration should follow the current commercial offer.

SAFETY AND HANDLING

SBR-1502 is a high-molecular-weight solid polymer and generally has low acute hazard in ordinary bale handling.
The commercial product should nevertheless be handled according to its current SDS.
Hot processing can generate fumes from polymer, residual additives and compounding ingredients.
Good local and general ventilation should be provided around mills, internal mixers, extruders and curing operations.
Bales and packaging can create manual-handling hazards because of their weight and tacky surfaces.
Static control and fire-safety practices should be used in rubber-processing areas.

THERMAL DECOMPOSITION

SBR can decompose when exposed to excessive heat or fire.
Thermal degradation can generate smoke, carbon oxides, hydrocarbons and irritating organic decomposition products.
Trace monomeric or aromatic species can also be released under severe thermal breakdown.
Normal rubber-processing temperature should therefore remain within validated limits.
Local exhaust ventilation is important at mixers, mills and curing equipment where fumes can be generated.

FIRE RESPONSE

SBR bales are combustible solid polymeric material.
They are not handled as a low-flash-point liquid but can sustain combustion after ignition.
Dense stacked bales can produce substantial smoke during fire.
Firefighting media should be selected for solid-polymer and surrounding warehouse materials.
Firefighters may require self-contained breathing apparatus because smoke can contain toxic and irritating decomposition products.
Hot or burning rubber should not be handled without suitable protection.

FIRST AID

Ordinary contact with solid SBR-1502 is not normally expected to create severe acute toxicity, but the current SDS should control workplace first aid.
After eye contact with rubber particles or dust from cutting and grinding, rinse with clean water.
After skin contact, wash with soap and water, particularly when the rubber is contaminated with process chemicals.
After inhalation of smoke or processing fumes, move the affected person to fresh air and obtain medical attention if symptoms occur.
Burns from hot rubber require appropriate thermal-burn treatment.
Finished compounds containing accelerators, sulfur, oils or other additives can have hazards different from the raw polymer.

SPILL AND HOUSEKEEPING

Solid SBR bales do not spill like liquids, but scraps and film can create trip and housekeeping hazards.
Collect rubber scraps and keep them free from metal, dirt and incompatible polymers if internal recycling is planned.
Granulated or ground SBR can generate combustible dust or fine particulate depending on processing.
Grinding and recycling operations require dust collection and ignition control.
Do not allow rubber waste to enter drains or waterways.
Waste management should prioritize clean in-process recycling where technically suitable.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

SBR is a high-molecular-weight polymer with very low water solubility.
The polymer is not expected to dissolve readily in aquatic systems.
Physical rubber particles and microplastic-like fragments can nevertheless persist in the environment.
Tire and rubber abrasion are important routes by which elastomer particles can enter soil and water.
Production scrap should therefore be minimized and collected.
Finished-product design should consider wear, recyclability and end-of-life management.

RECYCLING

Clean uncured SBR scrap can often be returned to rubber processing at controlled levels.
Cured SBR cannot simply be remelted because sulfur crosslinks create a thermoset network.
Vulcanized waste can be ground into crumb rubber for use as filler or in selected recycled-rubber applications.
Devulcanization and reclaim processes can partially break crosslinks and restore processability.
Recycled content can reduce mechanical properties if added excessively.
Quality control should distinguish clean virgin SBR-1502 from reprocessed or reclaimed SBR.

REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

SBR-1502 is a polymeric commercial material and regulatory treatment differs from that of its reactive monomers.
Generic styrene-butadiene rubber is commonly identified by CAS Number 9003-55-8.
Residual styrene and 1,3-butadiene are controlled through manufacturing and should not be assumed to equal monomer hazards at the polymer level.
REACH and other chemical-registration frameworks can contain polymer, monomer and additive obligations that depend on jurisdiction and supply chain.
Toy, medical, food-contact or potable-water applications require separate finished-product evaluation and should not be inferred from general-purpose rubber status.
Ataman Chemicals can provide the current TDS, SDS and COA for commercial evaluation, while the downstream manufacturer remains responsible for finished-article compliance.

COMMON FORMULATION PROBLEMS

Compound is too viscous
Raw Mooney viscosity, filler loading or insufficient oil can be responsible. Adjust processing oil, mixing temperature or filler while maintaining the target physical properties.

Compound is too soft
Plasticizer or oil loading is excessive, or crosslink density is too low. Reduce softener or optimize sulfur and accelerator.

Compound is too hard
Filler loading or crosslink density is high, or plasticizer level is low. Rebalance the formulation.

Poor carbon black dispersion
Mixing energy, fill factor or addition sequence is inadequate. Improve internal-mixer conditions and verify black grade.

Poor silica dispersion
Silica surface polarity and insufficient coupling chemistry can raise viscosity and create agglomerates. Optimize silane, mixing temperature and moisture.

Light-colored compound turns yellow
A staining additive, processing oil, pigment or cure chemical may be responsible. Non-staining SBR alone cannot guarantee final color stability.

White compound becomes brown during cure
Cure temperature, antioxidant, accelerator or contamination may cause discoloration. Review the entire non-staining additive package.

Rubber sticks to mill rolls
Compound temperature or tackifier/oil balance may be wrong. Adjust roll temperature and formulation.

Rubber does not band well
Raw polymer temperature, Mooney viscosity or roll settings may be unsuitable. Condition the rubber and adjust mill friction.

Extrudate surface is rough
Poor dispersion, excessive compound viscosity or low extrusion temperature can cause roughness. Improve mixing and processing conditions.

Extrudate swells excessively
Elastic recovery is high. Adjust die design, temperature, processing aid and compound viscosity.

Compound scorches in extrusion
Processing temperature is too high or cure package has insufficient scorch safety. Reduce temperature or use a delayed-action accelerator system.

Cure is too slow
Accelerator or sulfur level may be low, or cure temperature is inadequate. Confirm rheometer behavior before changing formulation.

Cure is too fast
Accelerator level or temperature is high, or contamination with fast-curing rubber may be present. Improve scorch safety.

Tensile strength is low
Check filler reinforcement, cure state, dispersion, polymer contamination and over-mastication.

Elongation is too low
Crosslink density or reinforcing filler may be too high. Adjust cure or filler.

Abrasion resistance is poor
Filler type, dispersion, cure state or polymer blend is unsuitable. Increase effective reinforcement and optimize cure.

Sole cracks during flexing
Compound is too hard, cure is excessive or filler loading is too high. Improve flex-fatigue balance.

Hose swells in oil
SBR has limited resistance to hydrocarbon oil. Use a more oil-resistant elastomer such as nitrile rubber when required.

Seal fails in fuel
SBR is not a preferred fuel-resistant elastomer. Select a specialized fuel-resistant polymer.

Ozone cracks develop
SBR contains unsaturation and needs suitable antiozonant protection. Add a compatible non-staining or staining system according to color requirements.

Cable resistivity is too low
Conductive filler, ionic contamination or moisture may be excessive. Review carbon black, ash, salts and compound formulation.

Bale is unusually sticky
Heat exposure, aging or storage pressure may have increased blocking. Check storage temperature and polymer condition.

Bale is unusually hard
Aging, cold storage or off-spec Mooney viscosity may be responsible. Condition and test before processing.

Bale contains visible contamination
Foreign inclusions can damage equipment and final articles. Segregate the batch and inspect against specification.

Mooney viscosity is outside specification
Do not correct the raw-rubber result by formulation without quality review. Confirm sampling, test method and batch identity.

Bound styrene is outside range
Polymer composition differs from the grade target. Hold the batch because Tg and compound performance can change.

Volatile matter is high
Moisture or residual volatiles can create processing defects. Drying raw SBR is not a universal corrective action; investigate batch condition first.

Ash content is high
Process residue or contamination may be elevated. Review the batch against the commercial specification.

Organic acid is outside range
Emulsion-process residues differ from the target and can alter cure behavior. Review the COA before use.

Soap content is high
Residual emulsifier can influence mixing, electrical properties or cure. Hold off-spec material for technical review.

Finished rubber has poor tack
SBR has lower natural tack than natural rubber. Add tackifying resin or blend with NR when assembly tack is important.

Green strength is insufficient
SBR generally has lower green strength than natural rubber. Modify polymer blend, filler and tackifier system.

Compound heat buildup is high
Filler, hysteresis, cure state or SBR proportion may be excessive for dynamic service. Consider BR or NR blending.

Cold flexibility is inadequate
Conventional SBR Tg is around -50°C and compound ingredients can raise effective Tg. Increase suitable plasticizer or blend with BR for more severe cold 
service.

Customer asks whether SBR-1502 is oil extended
No. Standard SBR-1502 / SKS-30 ARKPN is non-oil-extended.

Customer confuses SBR-1502 with SBR-1712
SBR-1712 is a common oil-extended grade; SBR-1502 is non-oil-extended and non-staining.

Customer confuses SBR with SBS
SBR-1502 is a random vulcanizable styrene-butadiene elastomer, while SBS is a styrenic block-copolymer thermoplastic elastomer.

Customer asks for one molecular formula
SBR-1502 is a copolymer with a distribution of chain lengths and microstructures, so one fixed molecular formula is not appropriate.

Customer asks for one molecular weight
The polymer has a molecular-weight distribution; commercial grade control uses Mooney viscosity and composition rather than one molecular-weight value.

Customer requests food-contact use
General-purpose SBR-1502 should not be assumed food-contact compliant without specific regulatory documentation for the grade and finished article.

Customer requests pharmaceutical use
General-purpose SBR-1502 is not a pharmaceutical raw material. Specialized medical elastomer requirements must be evaluated separately.

Customer wants transparent rubber
SBR-1502 is light colored but filler, cure system and polymer refractive index determine transparency. Light color does not guarantee transparent vulcanizates.

Aged stock is past shelf life
Retest Mooney viscosity, appearance and cure behavior against the current specification before deciding whether aged stock remains usable.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Butadiene Styrene Rubber SKS-30 SBR-1502?
It is a light-colored, non-oil-extended, non-staining cold-emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber corresponding to SKS-30 ARKPN / SBR-1502.

What is the preferred technical grade name?
SKS-30 ARKPN / SBR-1502.

What does SBR mean?
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber.

What is the generic CAS Number?
9003-55-8.

What is the generic EC Number?
618-370-2.

Does SBR-1502 have one molecular formula?
No. It is a random copolymer with distributed chain length and microstructure.

Does SBR-1502 have one molecular weight?
No. Commercial control uses molecular-weight-distribution-related properties such as Mooney viscosity rather than one fixed value.

What monomers are used?
Styrene and 1,3-butadiene.

How is SBR-1502 polymerized?
By cold emulsion polymerization using surfactant soaps.

What is the bound styrene content?
Current SKS-30 ARKPN data specify approximately 22-25%, with nominal SBR-1502 commonly around 23.5%.

What is the raw Mooney viscosity?
Approximately ML(1+4) 46-58 at 100°C for the current SKS-30 ARKPN reference grade.

Is SBR-1502 oil extended?
No. Standard SBR-1502 is non-oil-extended.

Is SBR-1502 non-staining?
Yes. It is stabilized with a non-staining antioxidant system.

What is the appearance?
Light-yellow to beige rubber bales or briquettes for the current SKS-30 ARKPN reference grade.

What is the typical specific gravity?
Approximately 0.94 g/cm³ for conventional non-oil-extended SBR-1502-type rubber.

Is SBR-1502 soluble in water?
No.

What is the approximate glass-transition temperature?
Around approximately -50°C for conventional 23.5% styrene E-SBR, depending on microstructure and test method.

What are the main advantages?
Good abrasion resistance, useful tensile properties, processability, light color and non-staining behavior.

What is SBR-1502 mainly used for?
Tires, footwear, hoses, cables, floor coverings, gaskets, rollers and general mechanical rubber goods.

Can SBR-1502 be used in white or colored rubber?
Yes. Non-staining stabilization makes it particularly suitable for light-colored compounds.

Can SBR-1502 be used in black rubber?
Yes. It can also be reinforced with carbon black for black technical-rubber goods.

Can SBR-1502 be used in tires?
Yes. Tire applications are a major use area.

Can SBR-1502 be used in shoe soles?
Yes. Footwear soles and heels are major applications.

Can SBR-1502 be used in hoses?
Yes, for general-service hoses where oil and fuel resistance are not primary requirements.

Is SBR-1502 oil resistant?
Its hydrocarbon-oil resistance is limited compared with specialized elastomers such as nitrile rubber.

Is SBR-1502 ozone resistant?
Not inherently. Suitable antiozonant protection is required for severe ozone exposure.

How is SBR-1502 normally cured?
Most commonly by sulfur vulcanization with zinc oxide, stearic acid and an accelerator system.

What is the current volatile-matter limit?
Approximately 0.8% maximum for the current SKS-30 ARKPN reference grade.

What is the current ash limit?
Approximately 0.5% maximum for the current SKS-30 ARKPN reference grade.

How should SBR-1502 be stored?
Store it dry, protected from direct sunlight and precipitation, at or below approximately 30°C for the referenced SKS-30 ARKPN grade.

What documents should be checked before use?
Use the current Ataman Chemicals TDS, SDS and COA for the exact supplied grade and batch.

FINAL TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Butadiene Styrene Rubber SKS-30 SBR-1502 is a general-purpose cold-emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber corresponding technically to SKS-30 ARKPN / SBR-1502.
The rubber is a random copolymer of styrene and 1,3-butadiene produced using rosin and fatty-acid soap emulsifiers.
The generic SBR CAS Number is 9003-55-8 and the generic EC Number is 618-370-2.

Because SBR-1502 is a high-molecular-weight copolymer with a molecular-weight distribution, one fixed molecular formula and one exact molecular weight are not appropriate.
Current SKS-30 ARKPN reference data specify bound styrene approximately 22-25% and raw Mooney viscosity ML(1+4) at 100°C approximately 46-58.
Current quality parameters also include volatile matter not more than approximately 0.8%, ash not more than approximately 0.5%, organic acids approximately 5-7%, residual soap not more than approximately 0.3% and antioxidant approximately 1-2%.
SBR-1502 is non-oil-extended and is stabilized with a non-staining antioxidant system.

The grade is therefore particularly suitable for white, colored and light-colored rubber compounds as well as conventional black compounds.
Major performance strengths include abrasion resistance, tensile performance, processability, broad compounding versatility and economical general-purpose elastomer behavior.
Major applications include tires, tire sidewalls, bicycle tires, footwear soles and heels, hoses, cables, floor coverings, gaskets, seals, rollers, molded parts, extruded profiles, sporting goods and general mechanical rubber goods.
The polymer is widely reinforced with carbon black or silica and vulcanized through sulfur-accelerator systems.
SBR-1502 has limited hydrocarbon-oil resistance and is not inherently ozone resistant, so specialized elastomers or protective additives are required for more demanding service.
Conventional 23.5% styrene E-SBR has a glass-transition temperature around approximately -50°C, but finished low-temperature performance depends on the complete compound.

Storage should be dry, protected from direct sunlight and atmospheric precipitation and maintained within the current supplied-grade temperature limit.
Shelf life is grade- and supply-specific and should be taken from the current commercial documentation rather than assumed from the SBR-1502 designation alone.
For Butadiene Styrene Rubber SKS-30 SBR-1502 specifications, SBR compound design, tire and footwear applications, Mooney and bound-styrene requirements, TDS, SDS, COA and commercial supply, contact Ataman Chemicals with the intended application, target hardness, reinforcement system, cure system, service conditions and packaging requirement.

Ataman Chemicals
Phone: +90 216 577 10 10
Email: info@atamankimya.com