The majority of SBR used is in light application automotive tires and parts. Because of its inferior heat resistance to natural rubber, it’s used in lessening proportions in car tires up to high performance or heavy-duty tires. Heavy duty applications like airplane tires are fully natural rubber and need more heat resistance. Cold emulsion SBR is especially used in lighter duty tires, while solution SBR is used more commonly in specialty applications due to its greater cost, like radial car tires and motorcycle treads. SBR is also used for automotive parts, including drive couplings.
Apart from its automotive applications, SBR can also be found in industrial applications as belting, insulation for wire and cabling, haul-off pads, roll coverings, hoses, gaskets, seals, and coated fabrics, thanks to its abrasion resistance. SBR is especially used for rubber gaskets, thanks to its metal adhesion and abrasion resistance. On the more commercial side, SBR is included in shoe soles, carpet backing adhesive, and in molded rubber goods.
