Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Production and Market in the CIS

     Styrene-butadiene rubbers (SBR) are obtained through the copolymerisation of butadiene with styrene (or α-methylstyrene). Of all synthetic rubbers, they have the highest manufacturing volume. SBRs are used mainly in tyre production. Apart from this, they are converted into conveyor belts, hoses, various moulded and extruded rubber goods, footwear and other consumer goods. Some grades of styrene-butadiene rubbers, those that are waterproof and free from impurities, are utilised in the cable industry.
Protective rubbers resistant to γ-radiation are also SBR-based.
     In the CIS, the production of styrene-butadiene rubbers has been established only in Russia. Today, there are four companies engaged in this activity. In 2008, they turned out 235,900 tonnes of the products, down 15.5% in comparison with 2007. Russia exports a considerable part of its styrene-butadiene rubbers. In 2007, exports accounted for almost a half. In 2008, in view of growing domestic demand, the supplies to the foreign market declined by one third from 134,700 to 88,500 tonnes. At the same time, imports skyrocketed by more than 2.5 times from 1,900 to 5,000 tonnes.
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