English 
THE ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES OF RUBBER
Polybutadiene (BR)
| The rubber: | Polybutadiene (BR) is the second most produced rubber in the world, next to SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber). In 1999 the production already increased to 1.952.000 cubic tons worldwide. |
| Resistance and properties: |
Butadiene rubber has a strong resistance to low temperatures. It has a low Tg (Glass Transition temperatures) in the region of – 75 degrees Celsius to – 100% degrees Celsius. This rubber has good flexibility and low hysterisis at ambient temperatures and these properties are maintained to temperatures well below zero. |
| Downsides: |
Butadiene rubber has poor “wet traction” qualities as a result of the low Tg. This can be improved by combining BR with other elastomeres such as natural rubber or SBR. |
| Applications: |
Butadiene rubber is used in car tyres, treads, side walls and in compounds as a blend with natural rubber and SBR. |
