Polybutadiene is the second largest volume synthetic rubber produced, next to styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).
The major application is tyres, with over 70% of the polymer produced going into treads and sidewalls. BR has excellent abrasion resistance (good tread wear), and low rolling resistance (good fuel economy) due to its low glass transition temperature. (About 20,000 metric tons worldwide of polybutadiene is used each year in golf ball cores due to its outstanding resiliency).
Advantages: Good low temperature properties; excellent resilience and abrasion resistance. A very high level of cure can be achieved. Used in tyre applications but mainly blended with other polymers where it reduces heat build up and improves abrasion resistance.
Limitations: Not oil resistant and prone to ozone cracking. Moderate heat resistance and high resilience results in low wet skid resistance in tyre treads. Can be difficult to process.