Styrene/Butadiene Rubber Prepared by Anionic Bulk Polymerization in a Twin-Screw Extruder

Styrene/butadiene rubber (SBR) was prepared by anionic polymerization using a twin screw extruder as the reactor. To study the relationship between microstructure and phase morphology, three SBRs were synthesized using different initiator complexes. With the addition of tetrahydrofuran (THF), the vinyl content of butadiene increased; the microstructure of SBRs was randomized, simultaneously. Transmission electron microscope and dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the compatibility of the two components became better with the increasing relative mass of the THF. The method used in this paper provides an environmentally friendly way to synthesize SBR, which is always synthesized through anionic solution polymerization.