Polybutadiene

Polybutadiene (CAS 9003-17-2), abbreviated PBD and also known as butadiene rubber, is a synthetic elastomeric polymer produced by polymerization of 1,3-butadiene.

Where is Polybutadiene used?

• Tire manufacturing: blended with styrene-butadiene rubber for tread and sidewall compounds, reducing rolling resistance and affecting fuel efficiency ratings
• Plastics compounding: impact modifier in high-impact polystyrene and ABS resins, improving toughness in injection-molded automotive and consumer parts
• Industrial rubber goods: conveyor belts, hoses and seals combining abrasion resistance with low-temperature flexibility
• Liquid-grade PBD acts as a reactive plasticizer and rheology modifier in adhesive and sealant formulations.

Good to know: Standard grades are differentiated by microstructure, including high-cis and low-cis variants, and by vinyl content, each targeting specific performance profiles. Food-contact or pharmaceutical specifications are not typical; FCC, USP, Ph. Eur., BP, EP or ACS standards are generally not applicable.