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polymer Technology

Styrenic Block Copolymers (SBC)

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.  

Advantages

  • Excellent strength and elasticity
  • Exceptional temperature resistance
  • Enhanced precision chemistry and property control
  • Meets FDA clearances for various food and medical packaging applications
  • Compatible with many polyolefins, styrenics and resins

 

 

 

 

Unhydrogenated Styrenic Block Copolymers (USBC)

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.

Advantages

  • Superior rutting and cracking resistance
  • Exceptional cohesive strength
  • Soft stretch and drape
  • Excellent elasticity
  • Compatible with polyethylene and polystyrene
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Hydrogenated Styrenic Block Copolymers (HSBC)

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.

Advantages

  • Excellent PVC alternative
  • FDA approved
  • Meets USP VI and ISO 10993
  • Outstanding UV and thermal color stability
  • Rheology modifier of various oil types
  • Compatible with polypropylene and engineering thermoplastics
  • Improved temperature performance

 

 

 

 

 

Isoprene Rubber (IR) & Latex

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.

Advantages

  • Excellent purity and transparency
  • Low odor and minimal allergy risks
  • High tensile strength and tear resistance
  • Exceed US, EU and Japanese requirements for protection in surgical gloves, condoms and medical stoppers
  • Available in solid rubber or latex form