Polybutadiene Rubber

Abstract

Polybutadiene (PBR) occupies the second position among synthetic rubber after styrene‐butadiene rubber with a global production capacity of ∼2.8 million metric tons per year. It is produced by solution polymerization process using the Ziegler‐Natta catalyst system. PBR with varied microstructure feature is produced using different types of transition metal in combination with alkyl aluminum. The presence of different microstructures in the product impact properties and performances of the rubber. This article focuses on PBR polymerization processes with different types of catalyst systems and their effect on microstructure of products.