Application of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) in the shoe rubber industry

Styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) is white granular, has excellent tensile strength, elasticity and electrical properties, and is permanent Small deformation, good flexibility and resilience, and large surface friction. Resistant to ozone, oxygen, and ultraviolet radiation, its performance is similar to that of styrene-butadiene rubber. Excellent breathability. Due to the double bonds contained in the main chain, SBS has poor aging resistance. Under the oxidation conditions of high-temperature air, the butadiene block will be cross-linked, thereby increasing the hardness and viscosity. Soluble in cyclohexane, toluene, benzene, methyl ethyl ketone, ethyl acetate, dichloroethane, but insoluble in water, ethanol, solvent gasoline, etc. SBS is mainly used in four major application areas: rubber products, resin modifiers, adhesives and asphalt modifiers.

The excellent properties of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer SBS make it widely used in the shoemaking industry (mainly used for shoe soles):

SBS can be processed and formed with thermoplastic processing equipment, such as extrusion, injection, blow molding, etc. The molding speed is faster than the traditional vulcanized rubber process. Using SBS instead of vulcanized rubber and polyvinyl chloride can produce soles with good elasticity and beautiful colors. , has the advantages of good wet slip resistance, air permeability, abrasion resistance, low temperature resistance and flex resistance, no foot odor, comfortable wearing, etc. It has a high friction coefficient on asphalt pavement, wet and snowy pavement.

SBS corner-added materials can be recycled multiple times, saving resources and conducive to environmental protection. Waste SBS shoe soles can be recycled and reused at a moderate cost. The sole style can be translucent tendon sole or brightly colored two-color sole, or it can be made into foam sole. Inexpensive overall molded canvas shoes made of SBS are 15-25% lighter than PVC resin shoes, have a friction coefficient 30% higher, and have excellent wear resistance and low-temperature softness.