The Greek philosopher, Plato, said, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Throughout history, technological developments have been strongly influenced by social and economic factors. During the 19th century in the United States, the Industrial Revolution gave birth to many technological advancements that greatly altered the course of America’s economic future. Such inventions included the steam engine (1775), cotton gin (1793), sewing machine (1844), telephone (1876) and Model T. Ford (1908). All these inventions sprouted from necessity, whether it is necessity of energy in order to move machinery, or necessity of faster transportation, inventions play a central role in our economy and society. Especially in cases of war, certain inventions or discoveries can impact life or death outcomes.
Santoprene “Block Design” 60A
After the invention of the automobile, natural rubber production flourished. People soon discovered that natural rubber could be used for a number of applications in various industries. However, the events leading up to World War II presented some countries with limited natural rubber resources. As a result, these events propelled the discovery, production and wide distribution of synthetic rubber material. One of the first artificial elastomers invented was a quality synthetic rubber that is known as Styrene Butadiene rubber. Styrene Butadiene rubber (SBR) is a commonly used elastomer. If you look at the heels or soles of your shoes, or even the tires of an automobile, a synthetic elastomer like SBR is typically used because of its unyielding defense against abrasion.
SBR rubber was invented during times of rubber shortages in World Wars I and II. During these periods, rubber demand was high, but resources scarce. In World War I, Germany was denied many exports from the Allies, including rubber. In order to accommodate this detrimental loss, Germany had to look to different ways of making elastomer, which inevitably led to the invention of synthetic rubber. The first chemist to produce Styrene Butadiene rubber was German chemist, IG Farbenindustrie, in 1929. In 1933, the compound was improved on and patented as “Buna S” by two other German chemists, Eduard Tschunkur and Walter Bock. The original name literally referred to the chemical components that make up the synthetic rubber material. “Bu” stood for butadiene, “Na” for sodium, and “S” for styrene.
Santoprene – 60A
- Slow burn rate
- Low compression and tension set
- Also available in a blocked surface texture option
- Thermoplastic material stocked in popular gauges
- Continuous Temperature Range: -50° F to 275° F
Intermittent Temperature Range: -74° F to 300° F - Santoprene rubber is polyolefin based and completely recyclable
Great for Automotive Use: One simply has to consider the performance virtues of this thermoplastic material when considering a type of sheet rubber for use in automotive applications. It is already a physically durable material to begin with. However, this high quality synthetic rubber also features other characteristics that make it ideal for the harsh requirements of automotive use. Firstly, Santoprene sheets exhibit a great resistance to the oils and greases commonly found in automotive settings. Secondly, it has the ability to perform in temperatures that go up to 300° F. With these great characteristics, Santoprene rubber is meant for use in the auto industry.
Can Operate in Outdoor Conditions: The Santoprene thermoplastic elastomer is unique in the fact that it can function well in outdoor conditions. UV rays and ozone are a regular presence in the outdoors. They can often damage various other rubber products over time by causing cracks to form on the material surfaces. These Santoprene sheets will not suffer from that problem. This is largely due to the EPDM material used to make them. This quality synthetic rubber can be used in the outdoors fully exposed to UV rays and other weather conditions.
During World War II, the United States faced the same problem that Germany had in the previous World War. Japan had taken over most of the natural rubber plantations in Malaysia and the East Indies. Using this to their advantage, Japan restricted elastomer exports to the United States and pitted them in the same position as the Germans in World War I. The United States developed their own synthetic rubber material similar to the German’s Buna S. American styrene butadiene rubber manufacturers combined a copolymer of 75% butadiene and 25% styrene. The ratio of styrene and butadiene is actually quite important because it determines the characteristics of the final product. For example, a higher amount of styrene will result in a less rubbery compound. This is important to understand because it is the characteristics of Styrene Butadiene rubber that makes it valuable.
Prior to changing its name to SBR, styrene butadiene rubber manufacturers named this all-purpose synthetic rubber material, Government Rubber-Styrene (GR-S). It became one of the most important quality synthetic rubber used, comprising about 50% of the world’s total artificial elastomer production. SBR was essential to the United State’s survival during World War II, because U.S. war machinery and apparatuses required elastomer for certain parts and components, such as gaskets.
Skirtboard – SBR Rubber – 70A – 1500 PSI
- Blended with natural gum rubber
- Operates in temperatures between -20° F and 212° F
- Good resistance to certain chemicals, but not meant for use with oils
- Available in a large assortment of thickness and widths
Variety of Gauges: Our Skirtboard rubber material comes in a variety of different thickness gauges so that you can have the right part for your application. We offer gauges that range from 1/8” to 2” thick upon request. The thickness of a skirting rubber part can correlate with its durability and effectiveness. Therefore, the thicker the material, the more long-lasting the rubber part will be.
Meant for Tough Jobs: Skirtboard rubber is meant for tough jobs that involve a lot of physical abrasions. The SBR rubber used to make the material provides for the enhanced durability that makes it so popular. This thick rubber material is well suited for use as conveyor skirting, belt wipers, blast curtains, bumpers, and street sweeper and snowplow blades. All of these applications involve rough physical conditions that could damage machines. This type of hard rubber is the perfect material to handle such jobs and protect the overall integrity of the application.
In 1940, the U.S. government started a natural and synthetic elastomer program by creating the Rubber Reserve Company. However, between 1946 and 1955, artificial elastomer plantations owned by the U.S. government were either closed or sold off to private industries. Today, styrene butadiene rubber manufacturers are completely privatized productions. Styrene Butadiene rubber is still widely used for many abrasive applications, making it an important synthetic rubber material. This quality synthetic rubber is not only affordable, but has awesome abrasion resistance and longevity. SBR rubber products appear everywhere and are commonplace in various everyday machinery and apparatuses. For instance, the snowplow that cleared last year’s storm most likely will have an SBR blade on its tip. Also, SBR rubber can be found on the legs of some chairs, bike tires, seats, handle bars, windows seals, refrigerator door seals, gaskets, and so on. As the world goes on developing, we will continuing seeing how synthetic rubber impacts our society and economy.
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