Polybutadiene rubber (PBR) is the second most widely used synthetic elastomer. Most of the PBR consumed is in tires and tire products, with non-tire markets comprising applications in plastics modification and a wide variety of mechanical parts and other miscellaneous uses. Because PBR has good abrasion resistance, it is used primarily in tire treads. Lesser amounts are used in carcass and sidewall components, where its flexibility and resilience tend to moderate heat buildup.
PBR tends to be a more specialized commodity rubber, primarily due to the various catalyst systems that are used to produce rubber with different properties. Tire manufacturers design around the specific performance characteristics of the various rubber types, making the supply source critical to them. It is common for consumers to enter into global supply arrangements with producers. Additionally, some large tire producers are upstream integrated into PBR production and supply their internal demand through deep-water shipments. These market dynamics can lead to trade patterns that appear counterintuitive, with material being imported into and exported from the same country.
