Styrene butadiene block copolymers (SBCs) are useful base polymers for the formulation of sealants because of their unique combination of strength and elastomeric properties. Generally, SBC sealants can be formulated with movement capability between +/- 10% and +/- 25%, which places them in the medium to high performance sealant category. Hydrogenated versions of these copolymers are especially useful because of their enhanced resistance to heat, oxidation, and chemical attack.
One of the most important features of SBC sealants is their formulation versatility. Because of their thermoplastic nature, SBC can be easily formulated into either a 100% solids hot melt or a solvent borne sealant. Compounding can be done by either melt or solvent solution processing. As a hot melt sealant, the low melt viscosity and fast strength development are significant benefits in both industrial and construction applications.
The SBC solutions dry very fast and strength development is quick. The set time is much shorter than conventional chemically cured, water-release, or other solvent borne sealants.