SBS Transparent | High-Performance Clear Styrene Butadiene Styrene for Transparent Applications
Overview
SBS Transparent (Styrene Butadiene Styrene) represents a specialized grade of thermoplastic elastomer engineered for applications requiring exceptional optical clarity and transparency. Unlike conventional opaque SBS, transparent SBS features a unique molecular architecture that minimizes light scattering, delivering crystal-clear appearance while maintaining the superior elasticity and processing advantages of traditional SBS. With CAS number 9003-55-8, transparent SBS enables innovative applications in transparent footwear materials, clear adhesives, optical components, and specialty films where both flexibility and visual clarity are essential performance requirements.
SBS Transparent belongs to the styrene-butadiene block copolymer family, featuring a linear triblock structure of styrene-butadiene-styrene segments. The transparency mechanism stems from the careful control of molecular weight distribution and the elimination of crystalline domains that typically cause light scattering in conventional SBS. The butadiene midblock provides elasticity while the styrene endblocks create physical crosslinks, resulting in a thermoplastic elastomer with rubber-like properties at room temperature.
The optical clarity is achieved through precise polymerization control that creates a homogeneous phase structure with minimal refractive index differences between polymer segments. This molecular engineering eliminates the opacity-causing crystalline regions found in standard SBS, while maintaining the material's excellent mechanical properties and processing characteristics.
Leading international manufacturers produce transparent SBS grades including Kraton (USA), Dynasol (Spain), LCY Chemical (Taiwan), and various Chinese petrochemical companies. These specialized grades typically exhibit light transmission values exceeding 85-90% and haze levels below 5%, making them suitable for demanding optical applications.
Key Features & Benefits
- Exceptional Optical Clarity: Light transmission >85% with haze <5% for crystal-clear appearance
- Superior Transparency vs Traditional SBS: Eliminates opacity and cloudiness of conventional grades
- Maintained Elasticity: Retains excellent flexibility and elongation properties of standard SBS
- UV Stability: Enhanced resistance to yellowing and clarity loss under UV exposure
- Low Temperature Flexibility: Maintains transparency and flexibility down to -40°C
- Excellent Adhesion: Superior bonding to various substrates while maintaining clarity
- Processing Versatility: Compatible with injection molding, extrusion, and solution processing
- Chemical Resistance: Resistant to oils, alcohols, and many solvents without clarity loss
- Colorability: Accepts transparent dyes and colorants for tinted applications
- Recyclability: Thermoplastic nature allows reprocessing without significant property loss
Applications
SBS Transparent's unique combination of optical clarity and elastomeric properties opens innovative applications across multiple industries:
Transparent Footwear Materials
- Clear Shoe Soles: Transparent outsoles and midsoles for fashion footwear and athletic shoes
- Transparent Heel Components: Clear heel caps, heel counters, and decorative elements
- See-Through Sandal Straps: Crystal-clear strapping materials for summer footwear
- Transparent Protective Footwear: Clear safety toe caps and protective overlays
Clear Adhesives & Sealants
- Transparent Hot Melt Adhesives: Clear bonding for packaging, labels, and optical applications
- Optical Bonding Adhesives: Display assembly and lens bonding applications
- Clear Pressure Sensitive Adhesives: Transparent tapes and protective films
- Transparent Sealants: Weather sealing for windows and transparent structures
Optical & Display Applications
- Protective Films: Screen protectors and optical component protection
- Light Guides: LED lighting applications and optical waveguides
- Transparent Gaskets: Sealing for optical devices and display assemblies
- Clear Encapsulation: Protection of electronic components while maintaining visibility
Medical & Healthcare
- Transparent Medical Tubing: IV lines, catheter components, and fluid handling
- Clear Medical Devices: Transparent housings for monitoring equipment
- Optical Medical Components: Lenses and transparent protective barriers
- Transparent Wound Care: Clear dressings and protective films
Consumer & Industrial Products
- Transparent Toys: Clear toy components and safety applications
- Clear Automotive Parts: Transparent trim, gaskets, and decorative elements
- Optical Packaging: Clear containers and protective packaging
- Transparent Sports Equipment: Clear protective gear and equipment components
Technical Specifications
SBS Transparent exhibits excellent optical properties with light transmission typically exceeding 85-90% and haze values below 5%. The material maintains tensile strength of 15-25 MPa, elongation at break of 600-800%, and Shore A hardness of 65-85. Glass transition temperature ranges from -60°C to -80°C for the butadiene phase, ensuring flexibility at low temperatures while maintaining transparency.
For full technical details and specific grade comparisons, please view our datasheet (TDS).
FAQ
What is SBS Transparent used for?
SBS Transparent is primarily used for applications requiring both elastomeric properties and optical clarity, including transparent footwear materials, clear adhesives, optical components, medical tubing, protective films, and transparent consumer products. Its unique combination of flexibility and transparency makes it ideal for innovative applications where traditional opaque materials cannot meet aesthetic or functional requirements.
Is SBS Transparent suitable for outdoor applications?
Yes, SBS Transparent grades are formulated with UV stabilizers to maintain optical clarity and prevent yellowing under outdoor exposure. However, for critical outdoor applications, additional UV protection or specialized weather-resistant grades may be recommended. The material maintains its transparency and flexibility across a wide temperature range from -40°C to 80°C continuous service.
What's the difference between SBS Transparent and traditional non-transparent SBS?
The key difference lies in the molecular structure and processing control. Traditional SBS contains crystalline domains and phase separations that scatter light, causing opacity. SBS Transparent is engineered with controlled molecular weight distribution and homogeneous phase structure that eliminates light scattering, achieving >85% light transmission. While maintaining similar mechanical properties, transparent grades offer superior optical clarity, UV stability, and specialized processing characteristics for demanding transparent applications.
Contact SBS Transparent Supplier Shenzhen Bohr Chem
Ready to enhance your transparent applications with premium SBS Transparent materials? Contact us today for technical datasheets, samples, or consultation on SBS Transparent solutions for your specific requirements.