What is the most common rubber compound?

The most common rubber compound used in various industries, including automotive, manufacturing, and consumer goods, is styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).

Styrene-butadiene rubber is a synthetic rubber derived from the copolymerization of styrene and butadiene. It offers a good balance of properties, including:

1. Durability: SBR has excellent abrasion resistance, making it suitable for applications where the rubber is subjected to wear and tear.

2. Tensile Strength: It has relatively high tensile strength, providing good resistance to tearing and stretching.

3. Flexibility: SBR remains flexible over a wide temperature range, making it suitable for use in both hot and cold environments.

4. Weather Resistance: It exhibits good resistance to weathering, ozone, and UV radiation, prolonging its lifespan in outdoor applications.

5. Cost-effectiveness: SBR is a cost-effective rubber compound compared to some other synthetic rubbers, making it widely used in applications where cost is a consideration.

6. Compatibility: It can be easily blended with other rubber compounds and materials to achieve specific properties or performance requirements.

Due to its versatility and favorable properties, SBR is commonly used in tire manufacturing, conveyor belts, footwear, seals, gaskets, and various molded rubber products.