Rubber and Plastics

One of the largest industrial applications of butyllithium is its well-known property as an initiator for anionic polymerization reaction leading to various types of synthetic rubbers and plastics. One of the major applications is the production of low styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymers (SBS) which are used mainly in the manufacture of footwear. These polymers are also used in the formulation of bitumen (road pavement and roofs) as additive in polystyrene (makes it softer and increases the crack resistance) as well as adhesives. When the styrene content is in the range of 70 % the product is no longer considered an elastomer, showing plastic properties. These high Styrene polymers are used for medical components, toys, food packaging, cups and garment hangers, etc. Well known brands include K-Resin® and Styrolux®. Chemetall has also developed a new nitrite-free heat transfer medium that is used for vulcanization of rubber in salt baths. Its commercial name is Sabalith®.