{"id":1029,"date":"2023-08-10T00:19:39","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T04:19:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/?p=1029"},"modified":"2025-05-20T05:00:38","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T09:00:38","slug":"styrenic-block-copolymer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/blog\/styrenic-block-copolymer\/","title":{"rendered":"What are styrenic block copolymers?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"circle_s bg_orange circle_left\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are styrenic block copolymers?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group holder_author has-light-green-cyan-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-post-author\"><div class=\"wp-block-post-author__content\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-author__byline\">Author<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-post-author__name\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/author\/robin-conrad\/\" target=\"_self\">Robin Conrad<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2023-08-10T00:19:39-04:00\">10. August 2023<\/time><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"col_short\">Styrenic block copolymers (SBCs) are widely used polymers from the family of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/blog\/what-is-tpe\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"81\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs)<\/a><\/strong>. TPEs are materials with rubber-like elasticity and excellent processability of a thermoplastic material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"col_short\">SBCs are used as a base polymer for TPE compounds referred to as TPS (<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">T<\/span>hermo<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">p<\/span>lastic <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">S<\/span>tyrenic Elastomers). These should not be confused with <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">T<\/span>hermo<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">p<\/span>lastic <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">S<\/span>tarch (also abbreviated as TPS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of molecular structure, SBCs commonly consist of two hard thermoplastic polystyrene end-blocks and a soft, elastomeric mid-block. However, there are various possible block configurations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Diblock (polystyrene block \u2013 elastomeric block)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Linear triblock (polystyrene block \u2013 elastomeric block \u2013 polystyrene block)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diverse branched configurations, such as a radial structure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/kuraray-elastomer-styrenic-block-copolymers-grafic.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1033\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Typical block configurations of SBCs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"circle_b bg_beige circle_top_right\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Properties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This table compares the properties of SBCs to those of other types of TPEs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-8\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-8\" aria-describedby=\"tablepress-8-description\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Properties\/Materials<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">TPS<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">TPO<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">TPVC<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">TPU<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">TPC<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">TPA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><td class=\"column-2\"><\/td><td class=\"column-3\"><\/td><td class=\"column-4\"><\/td><td class=\"column-5\"><\/td><td class=\"column-6\"><\/td><td class=\"column-7\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Shore Hardness<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">30A \u301c 70A<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">60A \u301c 95A<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">40A \u301c 70A<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">80A \u301c 80D<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">90A \u301c 70D<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">40D \u301c 65D<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Tensile strength (MPa)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">9.8 \u301c 34.3<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">2.9 \u301c 18.6<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">9.8 \u301c 19.6<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">29.4 \u301c 49<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">25.5 \u301c 39.2<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">11.8 \u301c 34.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Elongation (%)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">500 \u301c 1,200<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">200 \u301c 600<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">400 \u301c 500<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">300 \u301c 800<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">350 \u301c 450<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">200 \u301c 400<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Rebound resilience (%)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">45 \u301c 75<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">40 \u301c 60<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">30 \u301c 70<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">30 \u301c 70<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">60 \u301c 70<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">60 \u301c 70<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Density (g\/cm\u00b3)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">0.91 \u301c 0.95<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0.88<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">1.2 \u301c 1.3<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">1.1 \u301c 1.25<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">1.17 \u301c 1.25<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">1.01<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Abrasion resistance<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Fair<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Poor<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Fair<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Excellent<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">Fair<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">Good<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Bending resistance at room temperature<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Good<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Fair<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Good<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Good<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">Excellent<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">Excellent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Heat resistance<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">\u301c 80\u00b0C<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">\u301c 120\u00b0C<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">\u301c 100\u00b0C<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">\u301c 100\u00b0C<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">\u301c 140\u00b0C<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">\u301c 100\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Oil resistance<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Poor<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Fair<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Good<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Excellent<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">Excellent<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">Excellent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Weather resistance<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Poor - good<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Good<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Fair - good<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Fair - good<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">Fair<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">Good<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Brittleness temperature<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">< -70\u00b0C<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">< -70\u00b0C<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">-50\u00b0C \u301c -30\u00b0C<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">< -70\u00b0C<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">< -70\u00b0C<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">< -70\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-14\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Applications<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Footwear,<br \/>\nresin blends,<br \/>\nadhesives,<br \/>\nasphalt modification<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Automotive hoses \/ tubes,<br \/>\nconsumer goods<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Automotive,<br \/>\nelectric wires \/ cables,<br \/>\ncivil engineering \/ construction<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Footwear,<br \/>\nindustrial goods,<br \/>\nconsumer goods,<br \/>\nmedical goods<\/td><td class=\"column-6\">Automobiles,<br \/>\nelectronics,<br \/>\nindustrial goods<\/td><td class=\"column-7\">Sporting goods,<br \/>\nindustrial goods<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<span id=\"tablepress-8-description\" class=\"tablepress-table-description tablepress-table-description-id-8\">Properties of SBCs compared to other types of TPEs |\u00a0Source: Takemura, Y.: Nippon Gomu Kyokaishi, 83, 269-276 (2010). Partially revised.<\/span>\n<!-- #tablepress-8 from cache -->\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mechanical properties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The fundamental mechanical characteristics of SBCs are their <strong>rubber-like elastic properties<\/strong> combined with <strong>excellent softness<\/strong>. This makes them well-suited for <strong>soft-touch applications<\/strong> in various industries, such as <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/sporting-goods-and-footwear\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"35\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sporting goods and footwear<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/consumer-goods\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"50\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">consumer goods<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/automotive-polymers\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"32\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mobility<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/electronics\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"46\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">electronics<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/medical-grade-tpe\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"40\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">medical<\/a><\/strong> applications. For a full list, <a href=\"#applications\"><strong>see below<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For applications that require higher hardness and mechanical strength, other TPEs such as TPUs, TPCs and TPAs may be more suitable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"circle_s bg_cyan circle_left\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Density<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SBCs are lower in density compared to TPUs, TPAs, TPCs and TPVCs, and comparable density with TPO and TPV.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thermal properties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>heat resistance<\/strong> of SBCs is dependent on the chemical structure and glass transition temperature of the end-blocks. The maximum operation temperature is ~ 80\u2103. The <strong>brittleness temperature<\/strong> is the point at which the polymer transitions from a rubbery state into glass, which is much harder and more fragile. The low brittleness temperature of SBCs allows it to be used in low temperature applications requiring good impact and flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For observed scores, refer to the table above.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Molecular weight distribution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SBCs have a narrow molecular weight distribution compared to other TPEs, as TPS is produced by living anionic polymerization.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Processability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SBCs can be <strong>injection molded<\/strong>, <strong>extruded<\/strong>, <strong>extrusion blow molded<\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/3d-printing\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"48\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3D printed<\/a><\/strong>. This, alongside with their great performance characteristics, makes them an excellent material choice for a broad range of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"31\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">applications<\/a><\/strong> in many industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ability to <strong>melt and remold<\/strong> SBCs allows for recycling and enables <strong>low-waste<\/strong> processing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1542\" height=\"867\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/kuraray-elastomer-styrenic-block-copolymers-rubber-vulcanization.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1034\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/kuraray-elastomer-styrenic-block-copolymers-rubber-vulcanization.jpg 1542w, https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/kuraray-elastomer-styrenic-block-copolymers-rubber-vulcanization-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/kuraray-elastomer-styrenic-block-copolymers-rubber-vulcanization-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1542px) 100vw, 1542px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The processing of materials with elastomeric properties has changed a lot over the centuries and decades. Rubber vulcanization is a time and energy-intensive process.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1542\" height=\"867\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/kuraray-elastomer-styrenic-block-copolymers-injection-molding.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1035\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/kuraray-elastomer-styrenic-block-copolymers-injection-molding.jpg 1542w, https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/kuraray-elastomer-styrenic-block-copolymers-injection-molding-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/kuraray-elastomer-styrenic-block-copolymers-injection-molding-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1542px) 100vw, 1542px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Today, materials like SBCs can be processed at an industrial scale, using techniques such as injection molding.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"circle_s bg_orange circle_left\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SBCs vs. other materials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>SBCs are thermoplastic elastomers <strong>without crosslinks<\/strong>, unlike silicone, EPDM and natural rubbers. However, SBCs display <strong>elastic properties<\/strong> due to their molecular structure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A brief history of styrenic block copolymers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1962, one of the first patents of SBCs was filed by Shell USA Inc. (US3265765). In 1964, styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymers (SBS) were manufactured at Shell\u2019s pilot plant, and the following year commercialized by Shell. The first customer of SBS was Scotty Shoes, a footwear manufacturer in Massachusetts. In 1964, one of the first patents of hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers (HSBCs) was also filed (US3431323). In the late 1960s, HSBCs became available on a commercial scale.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How it\u2019s made<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>SBCs are made by <strong>anionic polymerization<\/strong>, a versatile and powerful technique for the synthesis of polymers with well-designed structures and tailored material properties.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"circle_b bg_yellow circle_top_right\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types of SBCs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are 2 categories of SBCs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unhydrogenated\/non-hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers (USBCs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers (HSBCs)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are USBCs?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unhydrogenated\/non-hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers (USBCs) consist of styrene and diene monomer units arranged in a block-like structure. The diene block can be polybutadiene (PB) or polyisoprene (PI). USBCs <strong>have not undergone any hydrogenation process<\/strong>, so they retain their <strong>unsaturated diene block<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This makes them <strong>more reactive<\/strong> compared to their hydrogenated counterparts, so they can be further <strong>customized<\/strong> through chemical reactions such as crosslinking or functionalization. They display <strong>excellent elastomeric properties<\/strong> and <strong>lower processing costs<\/strong> compared to HSBCs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, due to the unsaturated diene and the susceptibility to degradation, they have <strong>lower thermal stability<\/strong>, <strong>reduced chemical resistance<\/strong> and they are more <strong>susceptible to aging<\/strong>. USBCs are more prone to developing a <strong>yellowish tint<\/strong> over time, which may not be critical for some applications, but problematic for others \u2013 such as packaging and medical, where <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/kurarity-transparent-tpe\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"56\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">transparent TPEs<\/a><\/strong> are preferred.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types of USBCs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Abbr.<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Molecular structure<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Products from Kuraray<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/blog\/sebs\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"77\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBS<\/a><\/td><td>Styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer<\/td><td>N\/A<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>SIS<\/td><td>Styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer<\/td><td>N\/A<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>V-SIS<\/td><td>Vinyl-bond rich styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/hybrar\/#non-hydrogenated\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/hybrar\/#non-hydrogenated\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HYBRAR\u2122 5000-series<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"circle_b bg_cyan circle_top_right\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are HSBCs?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers (HSBCs) <strong>undergo a hydrogenation process<\/strong>, which adds hydrogen to chemically <strong>saturate<\/strong> previously unsaturated bonds in the diene block. This converts the diene block into a <strong>saturated<\/strong> block, such as ethylene\/butylene (EB), ethylene\/propylene (EP), and ethylene\/ethylene\/propylene (EEP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, HSBCs have <strong>improved thermal stability, durability, weathering resistance, chemical resistance<\/strong> and <strong>UV resistance<\/strong> compared to USBCs. They also undergo significantly <strong>less yellowing<\/strong>. They may be the better material choice for particularly demanding applications in industries such as <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/automotive-polymers\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"32\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">automotive<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/electronics\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"46\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">electronics<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/medical-grade-tpe\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"40\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">medical<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to the additional hydrogenation step, HSBCs may exhibit <strong>higher processing costs<\/strong> compared to USBCs. Once hydrogenated, SBCs have <strong>reduced reactivity<\/strong>, which limits the availability of further chemical modification or crosslinking options.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/kuraray-elastomer-styrenic-block-copolymers-pellets.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1030\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/kuraray-elastomer-styrenic-block-copolymers-pellets.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/kuraray-elastomer-styrenic-block-copolymers-pellets-768x403.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">HSBC pellets<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types of HSBCs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Abbr.<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Molecular structure<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Products from Kuraray<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>SEP<\/td><td>Styrene-ethylene\/propylene block copolymer<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon\/#s-1000\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon\/#s-1000\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SEPTON\u2122 1000-series<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>SEPS<\/td><td>Styrene-ethylene\/propylene-styrene block copolymer<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon\/#s-2000\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon\/#s-2000\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SEPTON\u2122 2000-series<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>SEEPS<\/td><td>Styrene-ethylene\/ethylene\/propylene-styrene block copolymer<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon\/#s-4000\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SEPTON\u2122 4000-series<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/blog\/sebs\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"539\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SEBS<\/a><\/td><td>Styrene-ethylene\/butylene-styrene block copolymer<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon\/#s-8000\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon\/#s-8000\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SEPTON\u2122 8000-series<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>V-SEPS<\/td><td>Vinyl-bond rich SEPS<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/hybrar\/#hydrogenated\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/hybrar\/#hydrogenated\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HYBRAR\u2122 7125F<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>V-SEEPS<\/td><td>Vinyl-bond rich SEEPS<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/hybrar\/#hydrogenated\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/hybrar\/#hydrogenated\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HYBRAR\u2122 7311F<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Specialty Grades<\/td><td><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon-v-series\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon-v-series\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SEPTON\u2122 V-series<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon-j-series\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon-j-series\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SEPTON\u2122 J-series<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon-q-series-insulated-cable-material\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon-q-series-insulated-cable-material\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SEPTON\u2122 Q-series<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon-bio-series\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon-bio-series\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SEPTON\u2122 BIO-series<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"applications\">Applications of SBCs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"applications-feed\" class=\"wp-block-group columns-teaser has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tile_download has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full download_img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/adhesives-coatings-sealants\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"484\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/adhesives-coatings-sealants-elastomers-application-tape.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-525\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adhesives, coatings &amp; sealants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"link_downloads\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/adhesives-coatings-sealants\/\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tile_download has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full download_img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/compounding\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"484\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/compounding-rubber-elastomers-polymers-application.jpg\" alt=\"Compounding\" class=\"wp-image-45\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Compounding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"link_downloads\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/compounding\/\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tile_download has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full download_img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/consumer-goods\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"484\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/consumer-goods-elastomers-application-diaper-baby.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-647\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Consumer goods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"link_downloads\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/consumer-goods\/\" data-type=\"page\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tile_download has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full download_img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/electronics\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"484\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/electronics-elastomers-application-cable-protection.jpg\" alt=\"Electronics\" class=\"wp-image-47\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Electronics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"link_downloads\"><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/applications\/electronics\/\">Read m<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/electronics\/\">ore<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tile_download has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full download_img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/industrial-and-construction\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"484\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/09\/industrial-construction-elastomers-application-mortar.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-513\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Industrial &amp; construction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"link_downloads\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/applications\/industrial-and-construction\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"52\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tile_download has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full download_img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/medical-grade-tpe\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"484\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/medical-grade-tpe-application-tubing.jpg\" alt=\"Medical\" class=\"wp-image-41\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medical<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"link_downloads\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/medical-grade-tpe\/\" data-type=\"page\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tile_download has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full download_img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/automotive-polymers\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"484\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/automotive-polymers-mobility-elastomers-application-baby-car.jpg\" alt=\"Mobility\" class=\"wp-image-39\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mobility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"link_downloads\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/automotive-polymers\/\" data-type=\"page\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tile_download has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full download_img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/oil-modification\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"484\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/oil-modification-elastomers-application-liquid.jpg\" alt=\"Oil Modification\" class=\"wp-image-38\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oil modification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"link_downloads\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/oil-modification\/\" data-type=\"page\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tile_download has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full download_img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/diaper-elastics\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"484\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/diaper-elastics-personal-care-hygiene-small.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1097\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Personal care &amp; hygiene<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"link_downloads\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/diaper-elastics\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1091\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tile_download has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full download_img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/sporting-goods-and-footwear\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"484\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/sporting-goods-footwear-elastomers-application-swimmer.jpg\" alt=\"Sporting Goods &amp; Footwear\" class=\"wp-image-36\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sporting goods &amp; footwear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"link_downloads\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/sporting-goods-and-footwear\/\" data-type=\"page\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tile_download has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full download_img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/3d-printing\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"484\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/3d-printing-elastomers-application-additive-manufacturing.jpg\" alt=\"3D Printing\" class=\"wp-image-49\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3D printing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"link_downloads\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/3d-printing\/\" data-type=\"page\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Discover SBCs from Kuraray<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group columns-teaser has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tile_download has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full download_img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"484\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/10\/kuraray-septon-hsbc-tpe-clear-pellets.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-652\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SEPTON\u2122<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>High-performance TPE<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"link_downloads\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon\/\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tile_download tile_green has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full download_img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon-bio-series\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"484\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/10\/septon-bio-series-tpe.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-654\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SEPTON\u2122 BIO-series<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Bio-based TPE<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"link_downloads\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/septon-bio-series\/\" data-type=\"page\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group tile_download has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full download_img\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/hybrar\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"484\" height=\"273\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/10\/hybrar-tpe-sbc-pellets.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-653\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">HYBRAR\u2122<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Vinyl-rich high-performance TPE<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"link_downloads\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/products\/hybrar\/\" data-type=\"page\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"circle_s bg_cyan circle_left\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medical grade SBCs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Certain grades of SBCs pass regulatory requirements and are certified for medical applications in different uses (e.g. skin contact, blood contact, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information, please visit our page on <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/medical-grade-tpe\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"40\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">medical grade TPEs<\/a><\/strong> or <a href=\"#contact\"><strong>contact us<\/strong><\/a>. Our experts are happy to advise you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"740\" height=\"416\" src=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/07\/medical-grade-tpe-device-tubing.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-329\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/blog\/what-are-elastomers\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"899\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Elastomers<\/a><\/strong> in medical devices and tubing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SBCs in hot-melt adhesives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hot-melt adhesives are another common application for SBCs. SBCs are an essential component in providing <strong>adhesive properties<\/strong>. Kuraray offers materials with excellent processability and performance characteristics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additional resources on hot-melt adhesives can be found here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/adhesives-coatings-sealants\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"52\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Adhesives, coatings and sealants<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/blog\/polymer-adhesives\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1071\">Polymer adhesives<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"circle_b bg_beige circle_top_right\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SBCs used for polymer modification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SBCs provide broad versatility, allowing customers to tailor their polymers for specific <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"31\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">applications<\/a><\/strong> across a wide range of industries. From <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/automotive-polymers\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"32\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">automotive components<\/a><\/strong> to packaging materials, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/industrial-and-construction\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"42\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">construction products<\/a><\/strong> to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/applications\/consumer-goods\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"50\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">consumer goods<\/a><\/strong>, SBCs have proven their worth in countless innovative solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By incorporating SBCs into polymer blends, customers can enhance the lifespan and durability of products, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste. SBCs can be useful as a modifier for polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resins (ABS), and polyphenylene ether (PPE).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The improved impact resistance and flexibility provided by SBCs contribute to longer-lasting, more durable products resulting in reduced environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SBCs also enable the creation of lightweight yet strong polymer solutions reducing the overall material consumption and carbon footprint. Their versatility allows for optimized processing characteristics by reducing energy consumption during the manufacturing processes. Learn more about SBCs as <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/blog\/polymer-modification\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"990\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">polymer modifiers<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column col_short is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SBCs used as viscosity index improvers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to achieving precise viscosity profiles, SBCs excel as highly efficient and versatile <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/blog\/viscosity-index-improver\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"918\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">viscosity modifiers<\/a><\/strong>. These polymers have the ability to significantly change the viscosity of lubricant oils at low concentrations, providing exceptional thickening capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the standout features of SBCs is their shear stability, ensuring that the viscosity remains consistent across a range of various shear conditions and temperatures. This makes them ideal for applications involving intense mechanical forces where stability and reliable flow control are crucial. Learn more about SBCs as <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/blog\/viscosity-index-improver\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"918\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">viscosity index improvers<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"contact\" class=\"wp-block-group holder_contact has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"heading_contact\">Contact<\/p>\n\n\n\n<form class=\"contact_form\" method=\"post\" action=\"https:\/\/go.kuraray.com\/l\/448142\/2021-03-03\/pmt2nw\">\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n<label>Company *<\/label> \n<input type=\"text\" class=\"form-control\" name=\"company\" placeholder=\"\" required=\"required\">\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n<label>Country *<\/label> \n<select class=\"form-control\" name=\"country\" required=\"required\">\n<option value=\"\">Select your country&#8230;<\/option>\n<option value=\"Afghanistan\">Afghanistan<\/option>\n<option value=\"Aland Islands\">Aland Islands<\/option>\n<option value=\"Albania\">Albania<\/option>\n<option value=\"Algeria\">Algeria<\/option>\n<option value=\"American Samoa\">American Samoa<\/option>\n<option value=\"Andorra\">Andorra<\/option>\n<option value=\"Angola\">Angola<\/option>\n<option value=\"Anguilla\">Anguilla<\/option>\n<option value=\"Antigua and Barbuda\">Antigua and Barbuda<\/option>\n<option value=\"Argentina\">Argentina<\/option>\n<option value=\"Armenia\">Armenia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Aruba\">Aruba<\/option>\n<option value=\"Australia\">Australia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Austria\">Austria<\/option>\n<option value=\"Azerbaijan\">Azerbaijan<\/option>\n<option value=\"Bahamas\">Bahamas<\/option>\n<option value=\"Bahrain\">Bahrain<\/option>\n<option value=\"Bangladesh\">Bangladesh<\/option>\n<option value=\"Barbados\">Barbados<\/option>\n<option value=\"Belarus\">Belarus<\/option>\n<option value=\"Belgium\">Belgium<\/option>\n<option value=\"Belize\">Belize<\/option>\n<option value=\"Benin\">Benin<\/option>\n<option value=\"Bermuda\">Bermuda<\/option>\n<option value=\"Bhutan\">Bhutan<\/option>\n<option value=\"Bolivia\">Bolivia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Bonaire\">Bonaire<\/option>\n<option value=\"Bosnia and Herzegovina\">Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/option>\n<option value=\"Botswana\">Botswana<\/option>\n<option value=\"Bouvet Island\">Bouvet Island<\/option>\n<option value=\"Brazil\">Brazil<\/option>\n<option value=\"British Indian Ocean Territory\">British Indian Ocean Territory<\/option>\n<option value=\"Brunei Darussalam\">Brunei Darussalam<\/option>\n<option value=\"Bulgaria\">Bulgaria<\/option>\n<option value=\"Burkina Faso\">Burkina Faso<\/option>\n<option value=\"Burundi\">Burundi<\/option>\n<option value=\"Cambodia\">Cambodia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Cameroon\">Cameroon<\/option>\n<option value=\"Canada\">Canada<\/option>\n<option value=\"Cape Verde\">Cape Verde<\/option>\n<option value=\"Cayman Islands\">Cayman Islands<\/option>\n<option value=\"Central African Republic\">Central African Republic<\/option>\n<option value=\"Chad\">Chad<\/option>\n<option value=\"Chile\">Chile<\/option>\n<option value=\"China\">China<\/option>\n<option value=\"Christmas Island\">Christmas Island<\/option>\n<option value=\"Cocos (Keeling) Islands\">Cocos (Keeling) Islands<\/option>\n<option value=\"Colombia\">Colombia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Comoros\">Comoros<\/option>\n<option value=\"Congo\">Congo<\/option>\n<option value=\"Cook Islands\">Cook Islands<\/option>\n<option value=\"Costa Rica\">Costa Rica<\/option>\n<option value=\"Cote d'Ivoire\">Cote d&#8217;Ivoire<\/option>\n<option value=\"Croatia\">Croatia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Cuba\">Cuba<\/option>\n<option value=\"Curacao\">Curacao<\/option>\n<option value=\"Cyprus\">Cyprus<\/option>\n<option value=\"Czech Republic\">Czech Republic<\/option>\n<option value=\"Democratic Republic of the Congo\">Democratic Republic of the Congo<\/option>\n<option value=\"Denmark\">Denmark<\/option>\n<option value=\"Djibouti\">Djibouti<\/option>\n<option value=\"Dominica\">Dominica<\/option>\n<option value=\"Dominican Republic\">Dominican Republic<\/option>\n<option value=\"Ecuador\">Ecuador<\/option>\n<option value=\"Egypt\">Egypt<\/option>\n<option value=\"El Salvador\">El Salvador<\/option>\n<option value=\"Equatorial Guinea\">Equatorial Guinea<\/option>\n<option value=\"Eritrea\">Eritrea<\/option>\n<option value=\"Estonia\">Estonia <\/option>\n<option value=\"Eswatini\">Eswatini<\/option>\n<option value=\"Ethiopia\">Ethiopia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Falkland Islands (Malvinas)\">Falkland Islands (Malvinas)<\/option>\n<option value=\"Faroe Islands\">Faroe Islands<\/option>\n<option value=\"Fiji\">Fiji<\/option>\n<option value=\"Finland\">Finland<\/option>\n<option value=\"France\">France<\/option>\n<option value=\"French Guiana\">French Guiana<\/option>\n<option value=\"French Polynesia\">French Polynesia<\/option>\n<option value=\"French Southern Territories\">French Southern Territories<\/option>\n<option value=\"Gabon\">Gabon<\/option>\n<option value=\"Gambia\">Gambia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Georgia\">Georgia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Germany\">Germany<\/option>\n<option value=\"Ghana\">Ghana<\/option>\n<option value=\"Gibraltar\">Gibraltar<\/option>\n<option value=\"Greece\">Greece<\/option>\n<option value=\"Greenland\">Greenland<\/option>\n<option value=\"Grenada\">Grenada<\/option>\n<option value=\"Guadeloupe\">Guadeloupe<\/option>\n<option value=\"Guam\">Guam<\/option>\n<option value=\"Guatemala\">Guatemala<\/option>\n<option value=\"Guernsey\">Guernsey<\/option>\n<option value=\"Guinea\">Guinea<\/option>\n<option value=\"Guinea-Bissau\">Guinea-Bissau<\/option>\n<option value=\"Guyana\">Guyana<\/option>\n<option value=\"Haiti\">Haiti<\/option>\n<option value=\"Heard Island and McDonald Islands\">Heard Island and McDonald Islands<\/option>\n<option value=\"Holy See (Vatican City State)\">Holy See (Vatican City State)<\/option>\n<option value=\"Honduras\">Honduras<\/option>\n<option value=\"Hong Kong\">Hong Kong<\/option>\n<option value=\"Hungary\">Hungary<\/option>\n<option value=\"Iceland\">Iceland<\/option>\n<option value=\"India\">India<\/option>\n<option value=\"Indonesia\">Indonesia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Iran\">Iran<\/option>\n<option value=\"Iraq\">Iraq<\/option>\n<option value=\"Ireland\">Ireland<\/option>\n<option value=\"Isle of Man\">Isle of Man<\/option>\n<option value=\"Israel\">Israel<\/option>\n<option value=\"Italy\">Italy<\/option>\n<option value=\"Jamaica\">Jamaica<\/option>\n<option value=\"Japan\">Japan<\/option>\n<option value=\"Jersey\">Jersey<\/option>\n<option value=\"Jordan\">Jordan<\/option>\n<option value=\"Kazakhstan\">Kazakhstan<\/option>\n<option value=\"Kenya\">Kenya<\/option>\n<option value=\"Kiribati\">Kiribati<\/option>\n<option value=\"Korea, Democratic People's Republic of\">Korea, Democratic People&#8217;s Republic of<\/option>\n<option value=\"Korea, Republic of\">Korea(Republic of Korea)<\/option>\n<option value=\"Kosovo\">Kosovo<\/option>\n<option value=\"Kuwait\">Kuwait<\/option>\n<option value=\"Kyrgyzstan\">Kyrgyzstan<\/option>\n<option value=\"Lao People's Democratic Republic\">Lao People&#8217;s Democratic Republic<\/option>\n<option value=\"Latvia\">Latvia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Lebanon\">Lebanon<\/option>\n<option value=\"Lesotho\">Lesotho<\/option>\n<option value=\"Liberia\">Liberia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Libya\">Libya<\/option>\n<option value=\"Liechtenstein\">Liechtenstein<\/option>\n<option value=\"Lithuania\">Lithuania<\/option>\n<option value=\"Luxembourg\">Luxembourg<\/option>\n<option value=\"Macau\">Macau<\/option>\n<option value=\"Macedonia\">Macedonia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Madagascar\">Madagascar<\/option>\n<option value=\"Malawi\">Malawi<\/option>\n<option value=\"Malaysia\">Malaysia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Maldives\">Maldives<\/option>\n<option value=\"Mali\">Mali<\/option>\n<option value=\"Malta\">Malta<\/option>\n<option value=\"Marshall Islands\">Marshall Islands<\/option>\n<option value=\"Martinique\">Martinique<\/option>\n<option value=\"Mauritania\">Mauritania<\/option>\n<option value=\"Mauritius\">Mauritius<\/option>\n<option value=\"Mayotte\">Mayotte<\/option>\n<option value=\"Mexico\">Mexico<\/option>\n<option value=\"Micronesia\">Micronesia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Moldova\">Moldova<\/option>\n<option value=\"Monaco\">Monaco<\/option>\n<option value=\"Mongolia\">Mongolia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Montenegro\">Montenegro<\/option>\n<option value=\"Montserrat\">Montserrat<\/option>\n<option value=\"Morocco\">Morocco<\/option>\n<option value=\"Mozambique\">Mozambique<\/option>\n<option value=\"Myanmar\">Myanmar<\/option>\n<option value=\"Namibia\">Namibia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Nauru\">Nauru<\/option>\n<option value=\"Nepal\">Nepal<\/option>\n<option value=\"Netherlands\">Netherlands<\/option>\n<option value=\"New Caledonia\">New Caledonia<\/option>\n<option value=\"New Zealand\">New Zealand<\/option>\n<option value=\"Nicaragua\">Nicaragua<\/option>\n<option value=\"Niger\">Niger<\/option>\n<option value=\"Nigeria\">Nigeria<\/option>\n<option value=\"Niue\">Niue<\/option>\n<option value=\"Norfolk Island\">Norfolk Island<\/option>\n<option value=\"Northern Mariana Islands\">Northern Mariana Islands<\/option>\n<option value=\"Norway\">Norway<\/option>\n<option value=\"Oman\">Oman<\/option>\n<option value=\"Pakistan\">Pakistan<\/option>\n<option value=\"Palau\">Palau<\/option>\n<option value=\"Palestinian Territory\">Palestinian Territory<\/option>\n<option value=\"Panama\">Panama<\/option>\n<option value=\"Papua New Guinea\">Papua New Guinea<\/option>\n<option value=\"Paraguay\">Paraguay<\/option>\n<option value=\"Peru\">Peru<\/option>\n<option value=\"Philippines\">Philippines<\/option>\n<option value=\"Pitcairn\">Pitcairn<\/option>\n<option value=\"Poland\">Poland<\/option>\n<option value=\"Portugal\">Portugal<\/option>\n<option value=\"Puerto Rico\">Puerto Rico<\/option>\n<option value=\"Qatar\">Qatar<\/option>\n<option value=\"Reunion\">Reunion<\/option>\n<option value=\"Romania\">Romania<\/option>\n<option value=\"Russian Federation\">Russian Federation<\/option>\n<option value=\"Rwanda\">Rwanda<\/option>\n<option value=\"Saint Barthelemy\">Saint Barthelemy<\/option>\n<option value=\"Saint Helena\">Saint Helena<\/option>\n<option value=\"Saint Kitts and Nevis\">Saint Kitts and Nevis<\/option>\n<option value=\"Saint Lucia\">Saint Lucia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Saint Martin (French part)\">Saint Martin (French part)<\/option>\n<option value=\"Saint Pierre and Miquelon\">Saint Pierre and Miquelon<\/option>\n<option value=\"Saint Vincent and the Grenadines\">Saint Vincent and the Grenadines<\/option>\n<option value=\"Samoa\">Samoa<\/option>\n<option value=\"San Marino\">San Marino<\/option>\n<option value=\"Sao Tome and Principe\">Sao Tome and Principe<\/option>\n<option value=\"Saudi Arabia\">Saudi Arabia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Senegal\">Senegal<\/option>\n<option value=\"Serbia\">Serbia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Seychelles\">Seychelles<\/option>\n<option value=\"Sierra Leone\">Sierra Leone<\/option>\n<option value=\"Singapore\">Singapore<\/option>\n<option value=\"Sint Maarten (Dutch part)\">Sint Maarten (Dutch part)<\/option>\n<option value=\"Slovakia\">Slovakia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Slovenia\">Slovenia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Solomon Islands\">Solomon Islands<\/option>\n<option value=\"Somalia\">Somalia<\/option>\n<option value=\"South Africa\">South Africa<\/option>\n<option value=\"South Georgia and the South Sandwich Isl\">South Georgia and the South Sandwich Isl<\/option>\n<option value=\"South Sudan\">South Sudan<\/option>\n<option value=\"Spain\">Spain<\/option>\n<option value=\"Sri Lanka\">Sri Lanka<\/option>\n<option value=\"Sudan\">Sudan<\/option>\n<option value=\"Suriname\">Suriname<\/option>\n<option value=\"Svalbard and Jan Mayen\">Svalbard and Jan Mayen<\/option>\n<option value=\"Sweden\">Sweden<\/option>\n<option value=\"Switzerland\">Switzerland<\/option>\n<option value=\"Syrian Arab Republic\">Syrian Arab Republic<\/option>\n<option value=\"Taiwan\">Taiwan<\/option>\n<option value=\"Tajikistan\">Tajikistan<\/option>\n<option value=\"Tanzania\">Tanzania<\/option>\n<option value=\"Thailand\">Thailand<\/option>\n<option value=\"Timor-Leste\">Timor-Leste<\/option>\n<option value=\"Togo\">Togo<\/option>\n<option value=\"Tokelau\">Tokelau<\/option>\n<option value=\"Tonga\">Tonga<\/option>\n<option value=\"Trinidad and Tobago\">Trinidad and Tobago<\/option>\n<option value=\"Tunisia\">Tunisia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Turkey\">Turkey<\/option>\n<option value=\"Turkmenistan\">Turkmenistan<\/option>\n<option value=\"Turks and Caicos Islands\">Turks and Caicos Islands<\/option>\n<option value=\"Tuvalu\">Tuvalu<\/option>\n<option value=\"Uganda\">Uganda<\/option>\n<option value=\"Ukraine\">Ukraine<\/option>\n<option value=\"United Arab Emirates\">United Arab Emirates<\/option>\n<option value=\"United Kingdom\">United Kingdom<\/option>\n<option value=\"United States\">United States<\/option>\n<option value=\"United States Minor Outlying Islands\">United States Minor Outlying Islands<\/option>\n<option value=\"Uruguay\">Uruguay<\/option>\n<option value=\"Uzbekistan\">Uzbekistan<\/option>\n<option value=\"Vanuatu\">Vanuatu<\/option>\n<option value=\"Venezuela\">Venezuela<\/option>\n<option value=\"Viet Nam\">Viet Nam<\/option>\n<option value=\"Virgin Islands, British\">Virgin Islands, British<\/option>\n<option value=\"Virgin Islands, U.S.\">Virgin Islands, U.S.<\/option>\n<option value=\"Wallis and Futuna\">Wallis and Futuna<\/option>\n<option value=\"Western Sahara\">Western Sahara<\/option>\n<option value=\"Yemen\">Yemen<\/option>\n<option value=\"Zambia\">Zambia<\/option>\n<option value=\"Zimbabwe\">Zimbabwe<\/option>\n<\/select>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n<label>First Name *<\/label>\n<input type=\"text\" class=\"form-control\" name=\"first_name\" placeholder=\"\" required=\"required\">\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n<label>Last Name *<\/label>\n<input type=\"text\" class=\"form-control\" name=\"last_name\" placeholder=\"\" required=\"required\">\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n<label>E-Mail *<\/label>\n<input type=\"email\" class=\"form-control\" name=\"email\" placeholder=\"\" required=\"required\">\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n<label for=\"phone\">Telephone number<\/label>\n<input type=\"tel\" class=\"form-control\" id=\"phone\" name=\"phone\"> \n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n<label>Message *<\/label> \n<textarea class=\"form-control\" name=\"txt_Isp_Elas_Inquiry\" placeholder=\"\" required=\"required\"><\/textarea>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"position:absolute; left:-9999px; top:-9999px\">\n<label for=\"pardot_extra_field\">Comments<\/label>\n<input type=\"text\" id=\"pardot_extra_field\" name=\"pardot_extra_field\">\n<\/div>\n  \n<div class=\"form-accepts\">\nPlease refer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kuraray.com\/customer-privacy-notice\/\" target=\"blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Customer Privacy Notice<\/a> for the Kuraray Group&#8217;s handling of personal information related to sales and marketing activities.<br>\nIf you agree to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kuraray.com\/customer-privacy-notice\/\" target=\"blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Customer Privacy Notice<\/a>, please check the box and submit your inquiry.<br>\nPlease refer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kuraray.com\/privacy\/\" target=\"blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Privacy Policy<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/cookie-policy\/\" target=\"blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cookie Policy<\/a> for the handling of other personal information.\n<br>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"form-accepts\">\n<label class=\"switch\" for=\"checkbox\">\n    <input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"checkbox\" name=\"privacynotice\" value=\"true\" required=\"required\" oninvalid=\"this.setCustomValidity('Please fill out this field.')\" onchange=\"this.setCustomValidity('')\">\n    <div class=\"slider round\"><\/div>\n  <\/label>\n <div class=\"switchlabel\">I agree to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kuraray.com\/customer-privacy-notice\/\" target=\"blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Customer Privacy Notice<\/a>. *<\/div>\n<\/div>\n  \n<div class=\"form-submit\">\n<div class=\"required footnote\">* Required<\/div>\n<input type=\"submit\" class=\"Submitbutton\" name=\"submit\" value=\"Submit\">\n<\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Styrenic block copolymers (SBCs) are popular TPE materials that combine a rubber-like elasticity with the excellent processability of thermoplastics.<br class=\"break-more-link\"><br class=\"break-more-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/blog\/styrenic-block-copolymer\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":1030,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"single-blog.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1029","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1029","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1029"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1029\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1030"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1029"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1029"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.elastomer.kuraray.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1029"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}