Hydrogenated Styrene-Butadiene Block Copolymer(SEBS)

Why does the saturated molecular structure of SEBS give it excellent stability?

The excellent stability of SEBS is primarily attributed to its saturated molecular structure, which lacks unsaturated double bonds. Unsaturated double bonds are the more reactive portions in chemical reactions, susceptible to external factors such as light, heat, and oxygen, which can lead to chain breakage or oxidation, thereby affecting material performance.

Understanding the impact of molecular structure on material properties is crucial. In chemistry, molecular structure determines the physical and chemical properties of molecules. For hydrogenated styrene-butadiene block copolymer(SEBS), its saturated molecular structure is a key factor, achieved through hydrogenation reactions that saturate the originally unsaturated double bonds in the molecular chains.

Unsaturated double bonds are the more reactive portions in molecules, vulnerable to external factors such as light exposure, heat, and oxygen. These factors may cause the breakage or oxidation of unsaturated double bonds, thereby affecting the overall material performance. For example, photo-oxidative aging can cause yellowing and performance degradation, while ozone aging can lead to cracking or fracture of the material.

However, when the double bonds in SEBS molecular chains are saturated through hydrogenation reactions, these active double bonds are "stabilized." Saturated molecular chains are more stable and less susceptible to the influence of external factors. It's akin to putting a "protective suit" on the molecular chains of SEBS, enabling them to better resist the erosion of adverse conditions such as light, heat, and oxygen.

The saturated molecular structure of SEBS imparts excellent stability to it. Whether exposed to high temperatures, low temperatures, or prolonged air exposure, SEBS maintains its original physical and chemical properties, such as transparency, hardness, and strength. This stability allows SEBS to exhibit excellent performance in various applications, such as additives in modified plastics and raw materials for rubber products.

The saturated molecular structure of SEBS, by reducing the active portions within the molecules, enhances its resistance to adverse external factors, thus endowing it with outstanding stability. This is also one of the reasons why SEBS stands out among many materials and has become an important raw material in the field of modified plastics and rubber.


How does SEBS act as a modifier to improve the properties of other plastics?

SEBS, as a modifier to enhance the performance of other plastics, relies primarily on its unique physical and chemical properties. Imagine SEBS as a "magician," injecting new vitality into other plastics with its powerful "magic."

The introduction of SEBS can significantly improve the toughness of plastics. Toughness refers to the ability of plastics to resist external impacts without easily breaking. Due to its unique molecular structure, SEBS can form effective cross-linking points within plastics, thereby enhancing intermolecular interactions. This enhanced interaction allows plastics to better disperse and withstand stress when subjected to external forces, thereby improving their toughness.

SEBS can also improve the flowability of plastics. Flowability is a crucial factor in plastic processing, affecting the molding efficiency and production rate of plastics. The addition of SEBS can reduce the viscosity of plastics, making them easier to flow. This means that during processing, plastics can more uniformly fill molds, reducing defects and the formation of bubbles, thus improving product quality.

Furthermore, SEBS can enhance the abrasion resistance and scratch resistance of plastics. Abrasion resistance refers to the ability of plastics to resist wear under friction, while scratch resistance refers to the ability of plastics' surfaces to resist scratches from sharp objects. The addition of hydrogenated styrene-butadiene block copolymer(SEBS) can increase the hardness and smoothness of the plastic surface, making it more resistant to abrasion and scratching.

Moreover, SEBS also significantly improves the weather resistance and aging resistance of plastics. Plastics are often subjected to adverse factors such as ultraviolet radiation and oxidation during long-term use, leading to performance degradation. The styrene segment in SEBS exhibits good stability, resisting the erosion of these adverse factors and thus extending the service life of plastics.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that SEBS, as a modifier, has good compatibility with other plastics. This means that SEBS can easily blend with other plastics to form homogeneous blends. This excellent compatibility makes SEBS widely applicable in the field of modified plastics.