Kraton styrenic block copolymers (SBC) are a class of thermoplastic elastomers – a material that processes like plastic but behaves like rubber. This is largely due to the physical crosslinks inherent in the block copolymer structure, which are reversible when heated or dissolved. This enables the rubber to retain shape memory and enhance elasticity with easy processing characteristics. When the material is stretched, those crosslinks bring it back to its original shape.
Made from butadiene, styrene and isoprene raw materials, SBC copolymers have a two-phase structure composed of hard polystyrene endblocks and soft rubber midlocks. This helps make SBC compatible with a wide range of polyolefins, styrenics and resins. It also provides the flexibility to handle varying temperatures, high impact resistance, tailored adhesion and property control. The synthetic versatility enables control of block sizes and compositions as well as polymer arm distributions and midblock microstructures.
Kraton USBC technologies are used in a variety of applications including paving, roofing, adhesives and film applications. These products offer excellent low temperature flexibility and are compatible with polyethylene and polystyrene. Some may be crosslinked for enhanced properties and performance. USBC grades are marketed under the Kraton D product family, which includes Kraton™ SIS, SBS and SIBS polymers and oiled polymers.
Kraton HSBC technologies are used in many applications, including personal care, medical, wire and cable, protective films, impact resistant plastics and food packaging. High melt flow HSBC polymers stretch current capabilities of applications like automotive soft skins, adhesives and packaging. HSBC grades are marketed under the Kraton G product family, which includes Kraton A, ERS, SEBS, SEP and FG polymers and oiled polymers.
Cariflex™ polyisoprene products are ideal alternatives to natural rubber and natural rubber latex in applications that demand extreme purity, exceptional protection, and consistently high quality. They are pure and versatile options for manufacturing applications requiring the high tensile strength and tear resistance of natural rubber without the impurities linked to discoloration, odor and allergic reactions. The Cariflex product family includes Cariflex Isoprene Rubber and Cariflex Isoprene Rubber Latex.
Cariflex IR Latex is a unique polyisoprene latex with controlled structure and low chemical impurity levels manufactured through an anionic polymerization process. Cariflex isoprene rubbers are anionically polymerized with high molecular weight and can be processed in a similar way as natural rubber, including vulcanization.