5
Polymer Usage
Polybutadiene (PB): As illustrated in Table 1.1,
PB, produced by the polymerization of butadiene,
is the largest use of the monomer (approximately
25%). Some of the uses for this polymer are as a
raw material for tires, as an intermediate in the
production of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
(ABS) resin and in impact modifiers. Such impact
modifiers enhance the ability of a material to
accept a sudden blow or shock without fracture or
substantial damage.
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR): Approximately
23% of the butadiene end-use in the U.S., is in the
production of SBR. Produced by the polymerization
of styrene and butadiene, the primary use of SBR
is in tires and tire products. This material also is
used in adhesives and sealants, coatings for wire
and cable and many other rubber articles such as
shoe soles.
Styrene-Butadiene Latex (SBL): SBLs comprise
about 8% of the butadiene end-use in the U.S.
Latex, in general, can be described as a stable
aqueous dispersion, which contains discrete
polymer particles of approximately 0.05 to 5
micrometers in diameter. SBL applications include
foam rubber (carpet backing, cushions, pads,
sponges, etc.), adhesives (floorings, tiles, road and
roofing, etc.), sealants and paper coatings.
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Resins:
ABS resins are two-phase blends. They can
be prepared by either emulsion polymerization
or suspension grafting polymerization where
homopolymers of polybutadiene are grafted onto a
styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer. The production of
ABS resins account for about 4% of the butadiene
usage in the U.S. These resins are used in a wide
range of applications that include automotive parts,
telephones, office machines such as computers,
and appliances.
Nitrile Rubber (NBR): NBR is produced by the
copolymerization of acrylonitrile and butadiene.
It also is referred to as nitrile-butadiene rubber.
NBR accounts for about 3% of the butadiene
consumption in the United States. This material
is used in a variety of products including hoses,
fuel lines, automotive parts, gasket seals, lattices,
structural adhesives, oil resistant clothing or
articles, gloves and footwear.
Styrene-Butadiene Block Copolymers (SBS and
SEBS): Blocks of styrene, butadiene and styrene
are polymerized to form styrene-butadiene-
styrene (SBS) block copolymers. Similarly, blocks
of styrene, ethylene/butylene and styrene form
SEBS block copolymers. End uses for these
thermoplastic materials include asphalt extenders,
lubricating oil additives, adhesives, automotive
applications, food and other types of packaging,
medical devices, footwear, toys, disposable
dinnerware and polymer modification such as
impact modifiers.
Methyl Methacrylate-Butadiene-Styrene (MMBS):
MMBS resin is used as an impact modifier in
automotive parts, bottles and food packaging.
Chemical Intermediate Usage
1,3-Butadiene also is used in the production of a
number of intermediate chemicals.
Adiponitrile >> Hexamethylenediamine >> Nylon:
The production of the chemical intermediate
adiponitrile is the largest use of 1,3-butadiene
in this type of application. This represents
approximately 23% of the overall butadiene usage.
One method employed to produce adiponitrile
involves the direct hydrocyanation of butadiene
followed by hydrocyanation of the pentenenitrile
compounds produced in the butadiene reaction.
This material is then hydrogenated to form
hexamethylenediamine, which is polymerized in the
manufacture of nylon resins and fibers.
Chloroprene: Chloroprene is formed by
chlorinating butadiene. This material is then
polymerized to produce neoprene. Neoprene
rubber is a multipurpose material that accounts
for about 3% of the butadiene usage. It is used
in applications that include gloves, coatings,
adhesives, binders, sealants, tires, belts, hoses,
faucet washers and footwear.
Other Chemical Intermediate Uses: Butadiene
also is used in the production of 1,4- hexadiene,