What Is SBR Rubber? Complete Guide to Styrene-Butadiene Rubber UK 2026
What Is SBR Rubber?
SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) is a synthetic rubber made by polymerising styrene and butadiene monomers together. It is the world's most widely produced synthetic rubber, valued for its excellent abrasion resistance, durability, and low cost. Originally developed as a natural rubber substitute during World War II, SBR now accounts for over 25% of global rubber production and is the primary material in recycled rubber flooring, vehicle tyres, and shoe soles.
What Does SBR Stand For?
SBR stands for Styrene-Butadiene Rubber. The name refers to its chemical composition:
- Styrene — a monomer derived from petroleum, contributing hardness and abrasion resistance
- Butadiene — a monomer that provides elasticity, flexibility, and low-temperature performance
- Rubber — the resulting vulcanised polymer, cross-linked to create a stable, durable material
The ratio of styrene to butadiene determines the final properties — higher styrene content produces harder, more rigid rubber; higher butadiene content produces more elastic, flexible rubber.
SBR Rubber Properties
| Property | SBR Performance |
|---|---|
| Abrasion resistance | Excellent — better than natural rubber |
| Tensile strength | Good (when carbon black reinforced) |
| Elasticity / Flexibility | Good |
| UV / Ozone resistance | Poor — degrades outdoors |
| Oil resistance | Poor — use nitrile for oil exposure |
| Temperature range | -50°C to +100°C |
| Cost | Low — most cost-effective synthetic rubber |
| Electrical insulation | Good |
What Is SBR Rubber Used For?
SBR Rubber Flooring and Matting
SBR is the dominant material in recycled rubber flooring. Recycled SBR granules (often from end-of-life car tyres) are bound together and vulcanised to create durable rubber tiles, rolls, and mats. Applications include:
- Gym and sports flooring tiles (8–40mm thickness)
- Horse stable mats (17–22mm solid rubber)
- Industrial anti-fatigue and anti-slip matting
- Playground mulch and wetpour base layers (pre-consumer SBR)
- Warehouse and factory walkways
Vehicle Tyres
Approximately 70% of SBR production is used in tyre manufacturing. SBR's superior abrasion resistance compared to natural rubber makes it ideal for tyre treads. Most passenger car tyres use a blend of SBR and natural rubber for the optimal combination of wet grip and wear resistance.
Shoe Soles
SBR provides excellent grip and abrasion resistance for shoe soles at low cost. It is the standard material in budget and mid-range shoe construction, and is often blended with natural rubber or polyurethane for performance footwear.
Industrial Seals, Hoses, and Belts
SBR is used in conveyor belts, hoses (non-oil applications), industrial seals, and vibration-dampening components. It is not suitable for seals in oil or solvent-exposed environments where nitrile rubber is specified.
SBR vs EPDM Rubber: Key Differences
| Property | SBR Rubber | EPDM Rubber |
|---|---|---|
| UV resistance | Poor | Excellent |
| Outdoor use | Limited (fades, degrades) | Excellent |
| Indoor use | Excellent | Good |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Colour options | Limited (mostly black) | Wide range, holds colour |
| Abrasion resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Temperature range | -50°C to +100°C | -40°C to +120°C |
Rule of thumb: Use SBR rubber for indoor flooring applications where cost is a priority. Use EPDM rubber for outdoor surfaces, colour applications, or UV-exposed environments.
Is SBR Rubber the Same as Recycled Rubber?
Not exactly. SBR rubber refers to the chemical compound (styrene-butadiene rubber). "Recycled rubber" typically means rubber granules or crumb recovered from end-of-life tyres — and since most car tyres are made from SBR, most recycled rubber flooring is effectively recycled SBR. However, recycled rubber can also contain natural rubber and other compounds from the original tyre mix.
Frequently Asked Questions: SBR Rubber
Is SBR rubber waterproof?
Yes, SBR rubber has good water resistance and is effectively waterproof in most applications. It does not absorb water significantly. However, prolonged submersion in water can cause minor swelling, and SBR is not recommended for fully submerged applications where specialist rubber compounds are available.
Does SBR rubber smell?
New SBR rubber can have a noticeable rubber smell, particularly recycled SBR made from tyre crumb. This smell dissipates over 1–4 weeks in a ventilated space. EPDM rubber has significantly less odour than recycled SBR. If smell is a concern, specify low-odour or EPDM-based rubber products.
Can SBR rubber be used outdoors?
SBR rubber can be used outdoors in the short term, but it is not recommended for permanent outdoor installation. UV radiation causes SBR to oxidise, fade, and eventually crack over time. For permanent outdoor surfaces — playgrounds, patios, garden paths — specify EPDM rubber which maintains its properties and appearance under UV exposure.
What Shore A hardness is SBR rubber flooring?
Commercial SBR rubber flooring typically has a Shore A hardness of 60–75, depending on compound formulation and density. Softer compounds (50–65 Shore A) are used for anti-fatigue applications; harder compounds (70–80 Shore A) are used for high-traffic industrial flooring where abrasion resistance is prioritised.
Shop SBR Rubber Products at Rubberco
Rubberco supplies a comprehensive range of SBR rubber products, manufactured to industrial specification and available cut to size for UK delivery.
- SBR Rubber Sheet — General-purpose SBR sheeting in a range of thicknesses from 1.5mm to 25mm. Available in full rolls or cut to your exact dimensions.
- SBR Rubber Matting Rolls — Heavy-duty SBR rolls for industrial and commercial flooring. Cut to length, free UK delivery.
- Rubber Flooring Rolls — SBR-based rubber flooring rolls for gyms, garages, warehouses and workshops.
- Rubber Gym Flooring — SBR rubber tiles and rolls engineered for gym use — impact resistant, easy to install, designed to last 15–20 years.
- Stable Mats — Premium SBR rubber stable mats in 17mm and 22mm thicknesses — the most popular agricultural rubber matting in the UK.
- Industrial Floor Mats — Heavy-duty SBR industrial matting for factories, warehouses and workshop environments.
Not sure which SBR product is right for your project? Get in touch — our team can specify the correct compound, thickness and size for your application.
Related Guides
- SBR Rubber Sheet UK: Properties, Grades & Applications
- SBR vs EPDM Rubber Flooring — Which Is Better?
- EPDM Rubber Sheet UK: Complete Guide
- Nitrile Rubber Sheet UK: Properties & Applications
- Complete Guide to Rubber Compounds: SBR vs EPDM vs Nitrile vs Neoprene
About the Author
Rubberco Flooring Experts — Our team of rubber flooring specialists has years of hands-on experience with industrial, commercial and domestic flooring solutions. All our guides are reviewed for technical accuracy against current UK standards.
