SEBS Thermoplastic Elastomer: Advanced Block Copolymer Solutions
Overview
Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene (SEBS) is a premium thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) featuring a triblock copolymer structure with CAS number 66070-58-4. This advanced hydrogenated SBS polymer combines polystyrene end blocks with an ethylene-butylene mid-block, delivering exceptional elasticity without vulcanization. SEBS offers superior UV resistance, thermal stability up to 150°C, and excellent chemical resistance, making it ideal for automotive, medical, and adhesive applications. Leading manufacturers including Kraton (USA), Asahi Kasei (Japan), and Kuraray (Japan) have established SEBS as the benchmark for high-performance elastomeric materials.
Key Features & Benefits
- Exceptional Elasticity: Rubber-like flexibility without vulcanization requirements
- Superior Weather Resistance: Excellent UV stability and ozone resistance due to hydrogenation
- High Temperature Performance: Continuous service temperature up to 150°C (302°F)
- Chemical Resistance: Outstanding resistance to acids, alkalis, and polar solvents
- Processing Versatility: Compatible with injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding
- Recyclability: Fully recyclable thermoplastic processing without cross-linking
- Biocompatibility: Medical-grade formulations available for healthcare applications
- Blending Compatibility: Excellent compatibility with PP, PE, and PS for compound formulations
- Low Compression Set: Maintains elasticity under prolonged compression
Applications
Automotive Industry
SEBS thermoplastic elastomer serves critical functions in automotive weatherstripping, interior trim components, and under-hood applications. Its temperature resistance and flexibility make it ideal for gaskets, seals, and vibration dampening components, while maintaining performance in extreme weather conditions.
Medical & Healthcare
Medical-grade SEBS provides excellent biocompatibility for tubing, stoppers, syringe components, and medical device housings. Its sterilization resistance (gamma, ETO, steam) and chemical inertness ensure safe contact with pharmaceuticals and biological fluids.
Adhesives & Sealants
In hot-melt adhesives and pressure-sensitive adhesives, SEBS delivers superior bonding strength, flexibility, and temperature resistance. Its compatibility with tackifying resins enables formulation of high-performance adhesive systems for packaging, construction, and industrial applications.
Consumer Goods & Packaging
SEBS enables soft-touch overmolding for tools, appliances, and electronic devices, providing enhanced grip and comfort. In packaging applications, it offers excellent clarity and flexibility for food-contact applications and protective films.
Technical Specifications
SEBS thermoplastic elastomer exhibits excellent mechanical properties with tensile strength ranging from 15-35 MPa, elongation at break up to 800%, and Shore A hardness from 30-95. The material demonstrates outstanding thermal stability with a glass transition temperature of -60°C and continuous service temperature up to 150°C. Key processing parameters include melt flow index of 1-50 g/10min and processing temperatures of 180-220°C.
For complete technical data including rheological properties, thermal characteristics, and processing guidelines, please view our datasheet (TDS).
FAQ
What is SEBS used for?
SEBS thermoplastic elastomer is primarily used in automotive weatherstripping, medical tubing and devices, hot-melt adhesives, soft-touch overmolding, and flexible packaging applications. Its unique combination of elasticity, temperature resistance, and processability makes it ideal for applications requiring rubber-like performance with thermoplastic processing advantages.
Is SEBS suitable for high-temperature applications?
Yes, SEBS demonstrates excellent high-temperature performance with continuous service temperatures up to 150°C (302°F). The hydrogenated structure provides superior thermal stability compared to conventional SBS polymers, making it suitable for automotive under-hood applications and industrial processes requiring elevated temperature resistance.
What's the difference between SEBS and SBS?
SEBS is a hydrogenated version of SBS, where the butadiene mid-block is converted to ethylene-butylene through hydrogenation. This modification significantly improves UV resistance, thermal stability, and chemical resistance while maintaining the elastomeric properties. SEBS offers superior weatherability and can withstand higher temperatures compared to conventional SBS polymers.