Abstract

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is a synthetic copolymer of styrene and butadiene, widely used across various industrial sectors due to its favorable mechanical and processing characteristics. However, the presence of residual carbon–carbon double bonds within the polybutadiene segments contributes to oxidative and thermal degradation, limiting its long-term performance. This study focuses on the hydrogenation of SBR latex to reduce unsaturation and enhance stability. The Hydrogenated SBR (HSBR) was evaluated in gum compounds without the addition of fillers or anti-degradants to assess the intrinsic polymer properties. Comparative studies were conducted using Natural Rubber (NR), Emulsion SBR (ESBR), and Solution SBR (SSBR). The SSBR, synthesized via anionic polymerization, exhibits controlled unsaturation, while ESBR is produced through free radical polymerization. NR, with its inherently high unsaturation, served as a benchmark. HSBR demonstrated superior mechanical and curing performance relative to the other rubbers. These improvements are attributed to the controlled hydrogenation process and the absence of natural proteins and other impurities. These results suggest HSBR can effectively replace conventional rubbers in high-performance applications, especially for enhanced wear properties in tires when compounded with reinforcing fillers such as carbon black or silica.

Keywords:Hydrogenated Styrene Butadiene Rubber (HSBR); Catalyst; Gum compound; Vulcanization; Mechanical properties; Thermal stability