THERMOPLASTIC RUBBERS (SBS–SEBS–SIS)

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) are styrenic block copolymers that combine rubber-like elasticity with thermoplastic processing behavior.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) include styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene, and styrene-isoprene-styrene polymer families.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) are used in adhesives, footwear, asphalt, sealants, polymer modification, flexible molded products, coatings, cables, and specialty compounds.

CAS Number: Not assigned as a single number; representative identifiers include 9003-55-8 for SBS, 66070-58-4 for many SEBS grades, and 25038-32-8 for SIS
EC Number: Not assigned as a single number; representative identifiers include 618-370-2 for SBS and 607-504-5 for SIS, while SEBS identifiers vary with substance definition
Molecular Formula: Variable block-copolymer structures, commonly represented as SBS [C₈H₈]x[C₄H₆]y, SEBS [C₈H₈]x[C₄H₈]y, and SIS [C₈H₈]x[C₅H₈]y
Molecular Weight: High and grade dependent, with broad variation according to block length, architecture, and molecular-weight distribution

SYNONYMS

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS), Thermoplastic Rubber, Thermoplastic Rubbers, Thermoplastic Elastomer, Thermoplastic Elastomers, TPE, TPR, Styrenic Thermoplastic Elastomer, Styrenic Thermoplastic Elastomers, Styrenic Block Copolymer, Styrenic Block Copolymers, SBC, Styrene Block Copolymer, Styrene Block Copolymers, TPS Elastomer, Thermoplastic Styrenic Elastomer, SBS, Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene, Styrene Butadiene Styrene, Polystyrene-block-Polybutadiene-block-Polystyrene, SBS Triblock Copolymer, SBS Block Copolymer, Linear SBS, Radial SBS, Star SBS, Oil-Extended SBS, Non-Oil-Extended SBS, SEBS, Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene, Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene, Polystyrene-block-Poly(ethylene-co-butylene)-block-Polystyrene, Hydrogenated Styrene-Butadiene Block Copolymer, Hydrogenated SBS, SEBS Triblock Copolymer, SEBS Block Copolymer, Linear SEBS, Maleic-Anhydride-Grafted SEBS, Functionalized SEBS, SIS, Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene, Styrene Isoprene Styrene, Polystyrene-block-Polyisoprene-block-Polystyrene, SIS Triblock Copolymer, SIS Block Copolymer, Linear SIS, Radial SIS, Hot-Melt Adhesive Elastomer, Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Elastomer, Asphalt Modifier, Bitumen Modifier, Footwear Elastomer, Polymer Impact Modifier, Flexible Compounding Polymer, Melt-Processable Rubber, Physically Crosslinked Elastomer, CAS 9003-55-8, CAS 66070-58-4, CAS 25038-32-8

APPLICATIONS

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) serve as base polymers in hot-melt adhesive formulations requiring rapid melting, coating, bonding, and solidification.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) provide cohesive strength and elasticity while compatible tackifying resins, oils, and waxes control adhesion and processing.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) support pressure-sensitive adhesives used in tapes, labels, films, and protective laminates.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) allow tack, peel strength, holding power, and low-temperature adhesion to be adjusted through polymer selection and formulation.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) function in packaging tapes requiring continuous tack and resistance to bond failure during handling.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) must be balanced with tackifiers and plasticizers to prevent excessive creep, edge lifting, or adhesive residue.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) contribute to label adhesives used on paper, polymer films, glass, metal, and coated substrates.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) require substrate-specific testing because surface energy, temperature, moisture, and contamination influence adhesion.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) support hygiene-product adhesives used to assemble nonwoven, film, absorbent, and elastic components.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) intended for sensitive-use products require appropriate purity, odor, extractables, skin-contact, and regulatory assessments.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) function in construction adhesives for panels, flooring, insulation, roofing, and compatible building materials.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) can provide flexible bonds that tolerate limited movement, vibration, and differences in substrate expansion.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) contribute to footwear adhesives requiring flexible bonding of rubber, leather, textile, foam, and synthetic components.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) must be evaluated for initial tack, heat activation, flex resistance, water exposure, and long-term bond durability.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) serve as principal elastomers in molded and extruded footwear soles.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) provide cushioning, flexibility, grip, abrasion resistance, and economical thermoplastic processing.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) support midsoles, insoles, heel components, sandals, and flexible footwear accessories.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) hardness and rebound can be adjusted through styrene content, polymer architecture, fillers, oils, and foaming conditions.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) function as asphalt and bitumen modifiers in road-paving binders.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) improve elastic recovery, rutting resistance, crack resistance, and temperature-dependent binder performance when properly dispersed.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) contribute to polymer-modified bitumen used in roofing membranes and waterproofing sheets.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) help provide flexibility, low-temperature crack resistance, dimensional stability, and resistance to flow at elevated temperatures.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) support bridge-deck membranes, joint materials, and bituminous protective coatings.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) performance depends on bitumen compatibility, polymer concentration, mixing temperature, shear, and thermal history.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) function as impact modifiers in polystyrene and compatible styrenic polymer systems.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) introduce an elastomeric phase that can absorb impact energy and reduce brittle fracture.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) contribute to polypropylene compounds requiring improved flexibility, impact resistance, and soft-touch behavior.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) based on SEBS are commonly evaluated in polyolefin compounds because of their saturated elastomeric mid-block.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) support compatibilization of otherwise poorly compatible polymer blends.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) can be chemically functionalized to improve interaction with polar polymers, fillers, fibers, and inorganic surfaces.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) function in automotive interior compounds for grips, mats, flexible trim, knobs, and soft-touch components.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) intended for vehicle interiors must be assessed for odor, fogging, ultraviolet exposure, heat aging, emissions, and abrasion.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) contribute to automotive sealing, cushioning, and vibration-control components.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) based on SEBS are generally preferred where improved weathering and thermal-aging resistance are required.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) support household products such as handles, flexible covers, mats, grips, and protective edges.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) can be overmolded onto compatible rigid substrates when adhesion and processing temperatures are properly controlled.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) function in sporting goods requiring flexible grips, cushioning, impact absorption, and surface friction.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) can be adjusted for softness, resilience, damping, colorability, and repeated deformation.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) contribute to toys and recreational products requiring soft and melt-processable elastomeric components.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) suitability for children’s products requires grade-specific assessment of residual monomers, additives, migration, and applicable standards.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) support cable compounds requiring flexibility, insulation, bedding, or protective jacketing.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) must be formulated with suitable flame-retardant, electrical, weathering, smoke, and thermal-stability additives.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) function in flexible tubing, hoses, profiles, seals, and extruded technical components.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) should be tested for pressure, compression set, chemical contact, temperature range, permeability, and dimensional stability.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) contribute to sealants and caulking compounds requiring flexibility and movement accommodation.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) can improve cohesive strength and elastic recovery while tackifiers, fillers, and oils control application behavior.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) support coatings and protective films requiring elasticity, adhesion, toughness, or crack-bridging performance.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) can be dissolved or dispersed in suitable systems, although solvent compatibility and regulatory requirements vary by grade.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) serve in laboratory development and production optimization of thermoplastic elastomer compounds.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) can be evaluated through melt-flow, rheology, tensile, elongation, hardness, compression-set, aging, adhesion, and dynamic-mechanical testing.

DESCRIPTION

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) are members of the styrenic block-copolymer family.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) combine rigid polystyrene blocks with soft elastomeric blocks in the same polymer chain.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) commonly possess linear ABA triblock structures, although diblock, radial, star, and multiblock architectures are also available.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) architecture influences melt viscosity, strength, elasticity, processability, and compatibility.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) form microphase-separated structures because the styrene and elastomeric blocks are thermodynamically incompatible.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) contain glassy polystyrene domains that act as reversible physical crosslinking points within a continuous rubbery phase.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) soften and become processable when the polystyrene domains lose their rigid physical-network function at elevated temperature.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) recover rubber-like strength after cooling because the hard styrene domains reform.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) can therefore be extruded, injection molded, compression molded, calendered, coated, and hot-melt blended.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) generally do not require the permanent sulfur vulcanization used for conventional thermoset rubbers.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) classified as SBS contain polystyrene end blocks and a polybutadiene elastomeric middle block.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) classified as SBS retain carbon-carbon double bonds in the polybutadiene phase.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) classified as SIS contain polystyrene end blocks and a polyisoprene elastomeric middle block.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) classified as SIS commonly provide high tack and low-temperature flexibility useful in adhesive systems.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) classified as SEBS are produced by selective hydrogenation of the polybutadiene block of an SBS-type precursor.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) classified as SEBS contain a substantially saturated ethylene-butylene middle block.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) based on SEBS normally resist oxidation, ultraviolet exposure, ozone, and thermal aging better than unsaturated SBS and SIS.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) based on SBS or SIS usually require stronger antioxidant and stabilizer packages for demanding exposure conditions.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) are normally supplied as porous pellets, crumbs, granules, powder, or dense pellets.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) may also be supplied in oil-extended, functionalized, branched, radial, or precompounded forms.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) are not represented by one fixed molecular formula or molecular weight.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) vary in styrene content, block ratio, molecular weight, diblock content, architecture, hydrogenation level, and functionalization.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) are commonly manufactured through living anionic polymerization with sequential addition of styrene and diene monomers.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) may undergo coupling, selective hydrogenation, grafting, stabilization, devolatilization, and pelletization after polymerization.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) are generally insoluble in water and compatible with many hydrocarbon oils, resins, and nonpolar polymers.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) can swell or dissolve in selected organic solvents depending on polymer structure, styrene content, and solvent polarity.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) are commonly compounded with process oils, tackifiers, fillers, pigments, antioxidants, ultraviolet stabilizers, and processing aids.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) final hardness, tensile strength, elongation, tack, compression set, and weathering behavior depend on the complete compound.

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) in solid commercial form are often not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) nevertheless require control of combustible dust, static electricity, molten-polymer burns, processing fumes, and thermal-decomposition products.

PROPERTIES

Product Type: Styrenic Thermoplastic Elastomer Family

Main Polymer Types: SBS, SEBS, and SIS

Representative CAS Numbers: SBS 9003-55-8; SEBS 66070-58-4; SIS 25038-32-8

Molecular Formula: Variable Block-Copolymer Structure

Molecular Weight: High and Grade Dependent

Physical Form: Pellets, Granules, Crumbs, Powder, or Compounds

Appearance: White, Natural, Translucent, or Light-Colored, Grade Dependent

Water Solubility: Insoluble

Polymer Architecture: Linear, Diblock, Triblock, Radial, Star, or Coupled

Physical Network: Polystyrene Hard Domains within a Rubbery Continuous Phase

Processing Methods: Extrusion, Injection Molding, Calendering, Compression Molding, Coating, and Hot-Melt Blending

Primary Functions: Flexible Elastomer, Adhesive Base Polymer, Asphalt Modifier, Impact Modifier, and Compounding Polymer

Main Uses: Adhesives, Footwear, Asphalt, Sealants, Automotive Parts, Polymer Blends, Cables, and Flexible Molded Products

Weathering Resistance: SBS and SIS Moderate; SEBS Generally Higher

Storage: Cool, Dry, Well Ventilated, and Protected from Heat, Sunlight, Ozone, Ignition Sources, and Contamination

FIRST AID

Inhalation

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) dust or processing-fume exposure requires movement to fresh air and rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) exposure requires medical attention if coughing, headache, dizziness, throat irritation, wheezing, or breathing difficulty persists.

Skin Contact

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) particles should be removed from the skin using soap and water.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) molten-material exposure requires immediate cooling with water and medical treatment for thermal burns without forcibly removing adhered polymer.

Eye Contact

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) dust or particles should be rinsed from the eyes with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) eye exposure requires medical attention if pain, redness, irritation, or visual disturbance continues.

Ingestion

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) accidental ingestion should be followed by rinsing of the mouth without inducing vomiting.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) ingestion requires medical advice when a substantial quantity is swallowed or gastrointestinal symptoms develop.

Note to Physicians

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) exposure should be treated symptomatically with appropriate supportive care.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) assessment should consider the exact polymer type, additives, physical form, processing temperature, decomposition products, route, and symptoms.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) should be handled using equipment that minimizes dust, pellet spillage, static accumulation, and uncontrolled overheating.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) should be kept away from flames, hot surfaces, welding sparks, strong oxidizing agents, and excessive residence time in processing equipment.

Ventilation

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) mixing, extrusion, molding, grinding, coating, and hot-melt areas should have effective general and local exhaust ventilation.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) respiratory protection should be used when engineering controls cannot adequately limit dust, smoke, vapor, or process fumes.

Storage

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) should be stored in a cool, dry, clean, and well-ventilated warehouse.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) should be protected from direct sunlight, ozone-generating equipment, excessive heat, moisture, ignition sources, oxidizing agents, and damaged packaging.

Spill and Leak Procedures

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) pellets, crumbs, or granules should be collected promptly because loose material can create a slipping hazard.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) powder should be recovered with suitable filtered vacuum equipment while dry sweeping and airborne dust generation are avoided.

Handling Precautions

Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) handling should include suitable gloves, protective clothing, safety footwear, and eye protection.
Thermoplastic Rubbers (SBS-SEBS-SIS) processing should follow the exact grade’s Safety Data Sheet, temperature limits, fire precautions, static-control procedures, and fume-extraction requirements.