Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latices are copolymers of styrene and butadiene obtained in an emulsion polymerization process. Mostly, they are agglomerated, degassed and concentrated. Those latices are delivered to the processing industry at a solid content of more than 60 % (HSSBR). After processing products with highly elastic and other properties are obtained. They may be used in combination with natural rubber latex. The production and processing of styrene-butadiene rubber latex are well established processes. This paper briefly reviews the different possibilities of the manufacture, the characteristics and the applications of the latices. Moreover, it will depict parameters which influence the properties of the end products. These factors are used in the design of the latices for various fields of application and the optimum performance therein. The focus will be on molded foam applications and the recently developed product that shows viscoelastic properties.
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