SBS OE | High-Performance Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene for TPR Shoe Soles
SBS OE (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Oil Extended) is a specialized thermoplastic elastomer designed for high-performance TPR shoe sole applications. This oil-extended block copolymer combines excellent flexibility, durability, and processing characteristics, making it the preferred choice for footwear manufacturers seeking superior comfort, wear resistance, and cost-effective production of thermoplastic rubber shoe soles.
Product Overview
SBS OE belongs to the styrene block copolymer family, featuring a radial structure with multiple butadiene arms radiating from a central coupling agent and styrene end blocks. The oil extension process incorporates paraffinic or naphthenic processing oils during polymerization, resulting in enhanced flexibility and improved processability while maintaining the inherent strength of the SBS backbone. This modification makes SBS OE particularly suitable for TPR shoe sole compounds where flexibility and comfort are paramount.
The unique molecular architecture of SBS OE provides thermoplastic processing behavior at elevated temperatures while exhibiting rubber-like elasticity at service temperatures. This dual nature enables efficient injection molding and extrusion processing for shoe sole manufacturing while delivering the performance characteristics required for demanding footwear applications. The oil extension typically ranges from 25-75 parts per hundred rubber (phr), allowing for customized hardness and flexibility profiles.
Key Features & Benefits
- Superior Flexibility: Oil extension provides enhanced flexibility ideal for comfortable shoe sole applications
- Excellent Processability: Thermoplastic nature enables efficient injection molding and extrusion processing
- Outstanding Durability: High tensile strength and tear resistance for long-lasting shoe sole performance
- Slip Resistance: Excellent grip properties essential for safe footwear applications
- Weather Resistance: Good UV and ozone resistance for outdoor footwear durability
- Cost-Effective: Oil extension reduces material costs while maintaining performance
- Recyclable: Thermoplastic nature allows for recycling and reprocessing
- Wide Hardness Range: Available in various hardness levels from 30-90 Shore A
- Good Adhesion: Excellent bonding to upper materials and midsole components
Applications
SBS OE finds extensive use in footwear manufacturing, with TPR shoe soles being the primary application:
TPR Shoe Soles (Primary Application)
SBS OE is the cornerstone material for manufacturing high-quality TPR shoe soles across various footwear categories. Its excellent flexibility, durability, and slip resistance make it ideal for athletic shoes, casual footwear, work boots, and fashion shoes. The material provides superior comfort through its cushioning properties while maintaining structural integrity under repeated flexing and impact.
Athletic Footwear
Essential for sports shoe outsoles requiring high performance, energy return, and durability. SBS OE compounds deliver the flexibility needed for natural foot movement while providing excellent traction and wear resistance.
Safety Footwear
Used in work boot soles where slip resistance, chemical resistance, and durability are critical. The material's ability to maintain properties across temperature ranges makes it suitable for industrial environments.
Fashion Footwear
Enables creative sole designs with excellent aesthetic properties, color retention, and the ability to achieve various textures and patterns through molding processes.
Children's Footwear
Provides the lightweight, flexible, and safe sole solutions required for growing feet, with excellent impact absorption and comfort characteristics.
Technical Specifications
SBS OE typically appears as white to light yellow pellets or granules with excellent flow properties for processing. Key characteristics include Shore A hardness ranging from 30-90, tensile strength of 8-25 MPa, and elongation at break of 400-800%. The material demonstrates excellent low-temperature flexibility down to -40°C and maintains stability up to 80°C continuous service temperature.
For full details, please view our datasheet (TDS).
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to standard SBS, SBS OE offers enhanced flexibility and lower processing viscosity due to oil extension, making it more suitable for shoe sole applications requiring superior comfort. When compared to TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), SBS OE provides better processability and lower cost while maintaining comparable performance in most footwear applications. EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) alternatives offer lighter weight but lack the durability and slip resistance of SBS OE compounds.
SEBS (Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene) provides superior weather resistance and thermal stability but at higher cost and with more complex processing requirements. The choice depends on specific performance requirements, processing capabilities, and cost considerations for the intended footwear application.
FAQ
What is SBS OE used for?
SBS OE is primarily used for manufacturing TPR shoe soles, providing excellent flexibility, durability, and comfort. It's also used in other footwear components, automotive parts, and flexible thermoplastic applications requiring enhanced processability and performance.
Is SBS OE suitable for high-performance athletic footwear?
Yes, SBS OE is excellent for athletic footwear applications. Its superior flexibility, energy return properties, and durability make it ideal for sports shoes requiring high performance under demanding conditions while maintaining comfort and traction.
What's the difference between SBS OE and standard SBS?
SBS OE contains processing oils (typically 25-75 phr) that enhance flexibility, reduce processing viscosity, and lower material costs. This makes SBS OE more suitable for applications requiring enhanced flexibility like shoe soles, while standard SBS offers higher strength for more rigid applications.
Can SBS OE be recycled?
Yes, SBS OE is thermoplastic and can be recycled through reprocessing. This makes it an environmentally friendly choice for footwear manufacturing, allowing for waste reduction and material recovery in production processes.
What hardness ranges are available for SBS OE in shoe sole applications?
SBS OE for shoe soles is typically available in Shore A hardness ranges from 40-80, with 50-70 Shore A being most common for general footwear applications. Softer grades (40-55 Shore A) are used for comfort applications, while harder grades (65-80 Shore A) are used for durability-focused applications.
Contact SBS OE Supplier Shenzhen Bohr Chem
Ready to enhance your TPR shoe sole formulations with high-quality SBS OE? Contact us today for product samples, specifications, or custom solutions tailored to your footwear manufacturing needs.