SBR-Cold Emulsion Process

Abstract

The styrene and butadiene monomers are mixed in an emulsion reactor with water, catalyst emulsifier (soap) and molecular weight modifier (eg tertdodecy mercaptan). The polymerisation temperature is low at SoC. The conversion limit is 60 percent to prevent gel formation, this will typically be achieved in 12-15 hours. Butadiene and styrene are removed from the latex by vacuum and steam stripping respectively and recycled after purification. The product rubber is recovered by coagu 1at i ng the latex, dewatered and dried.