Published December 2023
Styrenic block copolymers (SBC or SBC elastomers) are widely used polymers from the family of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). As with other thermoplastic elastomers, SBCs are characterized by their ability to be processed as thermoplastic materials while possessing the physical and mechanical properties characteristic of filled vulcanized elastomers. In addition, the scrap generated is reprocessable.
Styrenic block copolymers encompass unhydrogenated SBC (USBC) and hydrogenated SBC (HSBC). The main unsaturated SBCs include styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) block copolymers and styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) block copolymers. The main hydrogenated SBCs include styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) and styreneethylene- propylene-styrene (SEPS), as well as other lower-volume HSBCs, for example SEEPS and other specialty grades.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of styrenic block copolymers:
Mainland China continues to dominate the SBC market in terms of capacity, production and consumption. In recent years, mainland Chinese consumption of SBCs accounted for roughly half of global consumption. The majority of this consumption was for uses in bitumen modification (street/road/highway paving and roofing), footwear production and adhesives and sealants applications, as well as polymer modification and compounding.
For more detailed information, see the table of contents, shown below.
S&P Global’s Chemical Economics Handbook –Styrenic Block Copolymers is the comprehensive and trusted guide for anyone seeking information on this industry. This latest report details global and regional information, including
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