Styrene-Butadiene Rubber
SBR Rubber
SBR is the workhorse general-purpose synthetic rubber, prized for abrasion resistance and low cost. We stock SBR sheet in a range of hardnesses and thicknesses for industrial gaskets, linings, and wear pads where petroleum oil resistance is not required.
At a Glance
Temperature Range
-40 °C to +80 °C continuous (filled industrial grades); intermittent peak +100 °C
Thickness Range
1.5 mm to 25 mm
Hardness Range
40–90 Shore A
Available Forms
Colours
Technical Properties
Typical values across stocked grades. Specific grade data sheets available on request.
Physical Characteristics
Density
1.10–1.55 g/cm³ (filled industrial grades, ASTM D792)
Tensile Strength
8–20 MPa (ASTM D412)
Elongation at Break
200–500% (ASTM D412)
Compression Set
20–40% at 70 °C / 22 h (ASTM D395)
Tear Strength
20–50 kN/m (ASTM D624)
Chemical Resistance
Resistant To
- Water (cold and warm, to 80 °C)
- Dilute acids and alkalis
- Alcohols and glycols
- Brake fluids (glycol-based, DOT 3/4)
Limited Resistance
- Concentrated mineral acids
- Strong oxidising agents
- Ozone and UV (degrades without protection)
Not Recommended
- Petroleum oils, fuels, and greases (use nitrile (NBR) instead)
- Mineral-based hydraulic fluids: use nitrile or FKM
- Aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene, where FKM is the right choice
- Halogenated solvents (chloroform, carbon tetrachloride), which call for FFKM
- Ketones (acetone, MEK) — SBR swells severely; specify EPDM or butyl (IIR)
- Phosphate ester hydraulic fluids (Skydrol-class) — SBR is at best marginal; the aviation/industrial spec is EPDM or butyl
- Ozone-rich environments. EPDM or silicone is preferred here
Environmental Ratings
Weather Resistance
Poor. Degrades in UV and ozone without antiozonant additives
UV Resistance
Poor; carbon black loading is required for outdoor use
Standards & Certifications
Standards Compliance
Common Applications
- General-purpose industrial gaskets (non-oil service)
- Abrasion-resistant linings and wear pads
- Mining and quarry chute linings
- Water system gaskets and seals
- Vibration dampening pads and mounts
- Conveyor belt skirting and guides
- Mud flaps and protective sheeting
- Low-cost sealing where chemical resistance is not critical
Not Recommended For
- No resistance to petroleum oils, fuels, or mineral hydraulic fluids, so use nitrile for oil contact
- Cracks in ozone exposure without protective additives. EPDM is the better choice for outdoor weathering
- Poor UV resistance: black (carbon-filled) grades are required for any outdoor use
- Maximum continuous temperature 80 °C. For higher service, use EPDM, silicone, or FKM
- We do not stock food-grade SBR. For food contact, specify NR FDA-grade, EPDM, silicone, or PTFE — note that FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 covers some SBR-based food compounds, but stocked industrial SBR is not formulated to that spec
Available Grades
Standard SBR (65 Shore A)
General-purpose black SBR sheet — our standard grade for industrial gaskets, wear pads, and linings. Good abrasion resistance at an economical price point.
SBR Insertion (Fabric-Reinforced)
SBR bonded to nylon fabric plies for improved tear resistance and dimensional stability. Used in large gaskets, diaphragms, and applications with handling stress.
Related Resources
Related Materials
Need SBR Rubber?
We supply sbr rubber in sheet, roll, and custom die-cut forms. Contact our team for pricing, data sheets, or technical assistance.
Disclaimer
This resource is provided for general engineering reference only and does not constitute professional advice, specification, or guarantee of performance. Actual results depend on specific application conditions. Universal Gaskets Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for decisions made based on this information. For full terms, see our Terms & Conditions.