[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, characteristics of cis-polybutadiene rubber

Properties of cis-polybutadiene rubber

Polybutadiene Rubber (BR) is a kind of polymer material synthesized from 1,3-butadiene. Its molecular structure is mainly composed of cis-1, 4-units, which give it unique physical and chemical properties. Cis-polybutadiene rubber has excellent low-temperature flexibility and high elasticity, and its anti-wear performance is also very superior, so it performs well in many industrial applications. Its glass transition temperature is low (about -100°C), so that it can still maintain good flexibility and elasticity in low temperature environment.

Cis-polybutadiene rubber use

The excellence of cis-polybutadiene rubber makes it widely used in many fields. It is one of the important raw materials for the manufacture of tires, especially in truck and bus tires. The use of butadiene rubber improves the wear resistance and crack resistance of tires. Butadiene rubber is also used in the production of soles, conveyor belts, rubber tubes, auto parts and sports equipment. Its good elasticity and impact resistance make it an ideal material for high-performance sneaker and golf balls. Due to its excellent electrical insulation properties, butadiene rubber is also used in the coating materials of cables and wires.

cis-polybutadiene rubber upstream raw material

The production of butadiene rubber mainly depends on petrochemical products. 1,3-Butadiene is the main raw material of cis-polybutadiene rubber, which is usually extracted from the C4 fraction as a by-product in the ethylene production process. In some cases, 1,3-butadiene can also be obtained by separation from cracked gas in a refinery. With the fluctuation of global oil resources and the increase of environmental pressure, the research on the synthesis of 1,3-butadiene by biomass route is also advancing. In addition to 1,3-butadiene, the synthesis of butadiene rubber also requires the use of catalysts and solvents. The quality and choice of these chemicals have an important impact on the performance of the final product.

cis-polybutadiene rubber downstream products

After processing, cis-polybutadiene rubber can be made into various downstream products, which are widely used in different industrial fields. The most typical downstream product is tires, which are mixed with other rubbers (such as natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, etc.) to produce tires that adapt to different road conditions and conditions of use. Butadiene rubber can also be blended with other polymer materials to make composite materials with special properties, such as rubber products that improve oil resistance or increase flame retardancy. In the automotive industry, cis-polybutadiene rubber is also used to make key components such as shock absorbers, sealing strips and dust covers to improve the durability and comfort of vehicles.

Cis-polybutadiene rubber production process

The production process of butadiene rubber mainly includes emulsion polymerization and solution polymerization. Emulsion polymerization method is the use of 1,3-butadiene in the presence of emulsifier, the use of persulfate initiator in the water phase polymerization reaction, this method is low cost and the process is more mature. The solution polymerization law is to carry out the polymerization reaction in an organic solvent, usually using a lithium-based catalyst, this method can accurately control the molecular weight distribution and microstructure, so as to produce a more excellent performance of the rubber. Both processes have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of process depends mainly on the final application needs of the product and production cost considerations.

Cis-polybutadiene rubber storage method

Due to its specific chemical structure, butadiene rubber has certain requirements for storage conditions. Avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment to prevent rubber aging and performance deterioration. Generally, cis-polybutadiene rubber should be stored in a cool, dry and ventilated warehouse, the temperature is controlled between 5-30°C, and the humidity is kept below 50%. Contact with acids, alkalis, oils and other chemicals should be avoided, because these substances may cause chemical reactions of rubber, resulting in a decrease in its performance. During transportation, attention should be paid to avoid mechanical damage and excessive extrusion to ensure the integrity and quality of the rubber.

Cis-Butadiene Rubber Market Prospects

With the development of the global economy and the improvement of people's living standards, the demand for high-performance tires and rubber products is increasing, which brings broad prospects for the butadiene rubber market. Especially in the Asia-Pacific region, the rapid development of the automobile industry and the advancement of infrastructure construction have further promoted the growth of demand for butadiene rubber. With the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the market demand for low rolling resistance and high wear resistance tires is also rising, which provides new market opportunities for butadiene rubber. The market is also facing challenges such as raw material price fluctuations and environmental pressure. Enterprises need to continuously innovate technology, improve production efficiency, and reduce costs to cope with market competition.

Conclusion

With its excellent performance, butadiene rubber has been widely used in many fields. By optimizing the upstream raw material supply chain and improving the production process, it can further enhance its market competitiveness. Despite some challenges, the prospects for butadiene rubber in the global market, especially in emerging economies, are still very broad. Enterprises should actively respond to market changes, seize opportunities and innovate continuously to achieve sustainable development.