SEBS (Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene)

THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMER RAW MATERIALS

SEBS Resin – Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene

EXTRUTEX supplies SEBS resin from internationally recognised manufacturers and established Chinese producers. We offer different grades of Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene (SEBS) for thermoplastic elastomer compounding, plastic modification, adhesives, soft-touch products, automotive components, wire and cable applications, footwear and consumer products.

SEBS is a hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer that combines rubber-like elasticity with thermoplastic processing characteristics. Compared with conventional SBS, its hydrogenated ethylene-butylene soft block provides improved resistance to heat, oxidation, ozone and outdoor weathering.

We can help customers source suitable SEBS grades according to hardness, styrene content, molecular structure, flow characteristics, oil absorption, elasticity, compression set and final processing requirements.

What Is SEBS Resin?

SEBS stands for Styrene-Ethylene/Butylene-Styrene. It is a thermoplastic elastomer made from styrene-based block copolymer chemistry. Its molecular structure contains hard polystyrene end blocks and a soft ethylene-butylene midblock.

The polystyrene blocks create physical crosslinking points that help the material maintain its shape, while the soft midblock provides flexibility, stretch and elastic recovery. Because these physical crosslinks can be softened during heating, SEBS can be processed using conventional thermoplastic equipment without the same permanent chemical vulcanisation required by many traditional rubber materials.

Hydrogenation is a key difference between SEBS and SBS. The hydrogenated soft block has fewer carbon-carbon double bonds, improving resistance to oxidation, ozone, UV exposure and heat aging.

Main Characteristics

• Excellent elasticity and flexibility.
• Improved heat and oxidation resistance compared with conventional SBS.
• Good resistance to ozone and outdoor weathering.
• Good compatibility with many polyolefins, including polypropylene and polyethylene.
• Good oil absorption and formulation flexibility.
• Useful impact modification and toughness improvement.
• Suitable for soft-touch and flexible thermoplastic elastomer compounds.
• Can be processed by injection moulding, extrusion and other thermoplastic processing methods, depending on grade and formulation.
• Can be blended with suitable oils, fillers, polypropylene, polyethylene and other additives.
• Available in different molecular structures, styrene contents and molecular-weight ranges.

SEBS Resin Grades from International Brands

EXTRUTEX can source SEBS from major international manufacturers. The available grades cover general-purpose compounding, high-flow processing, resin modification, adhesive formulations, elastic films and specialised applications.

Chinese SEBS Resin Manufacturers and Grades

China is an important source of SEBS raw materials for domestic and international thermoplastic elastomer compounders. Chinese grades are widely used in soft-touch materials, plastic modification, footwear, cable compounds, automotive components, toys, seals and general-purpose TPE formulations.

Baling Petrochemical – China

Baling Petrochemical, based in Yueyang, Hunan Province, is a recognised Chinese producer of styrenic block copolymers. Its YH-series SEBS products include linear, star-shaped and other polymer structures.

Other YH-series designations reported in the Chinese market include YH-507, YH-511, YH-515, YH-522, YH-530, YH-533 and YH-610. Availability and current production status must be confirmed individually.

Other Chinese SEBS Supply Options

EXTRUTEX can also assist with sourcing Chinese-market SEBS materials through qualified supply channels. The actual manufacturer, grade designation, production origin and documentation are confirmed before a quotation is issued.

For customers evaluating domestic Chinese alternatives, we can compare available grades according to styrene content, polymer structure, tensile strength, elongation, hardness, solution viscosity, oil absorption and processing behaviour.

SEBS Grade Selection by Application

The correct SEBS grade depends on the finished product and the formulation. Hardness alone is not enough to determine suitability. Molecular structure, styrene content, molecular weight, melt flow, oil absorption and compatibility with the other polymers in the compound all influence performance.

SEBS for TPE Compounding

One of the most important applications of SEBS is as the base polymer in thermoplastic elastomer compounds. SEBS can be blended with polypropylene, polyethylene, mineral oil, fillers, pigments and stabilising additives to achieve the required mechanical and processing properties.

Common SEBS Compound Components

• SEBS resin: The principal elastomeric polymer responsible for flexibility, elasticity and recovery.
• Polypropylene (PP): Commonly used to adjust stiffness, dimensional stability and thermoplastic processing behaviour.
• Polyethylene (PE): Used in selected formulations to modify flexibility and polymer compatibility.
• Process oil: Often used to reduce hardness and improve softness and processability. Compatibility and migration resistance must be considered.
• Calcium carbonate: Used as a mineral filler to adjust cost, stiffness and other formulation characteristics.
• Silica and other fillers: Selected according to reinforcement, surface and processing requirements.
• Antioxidants and stabilisers: Used to improve processing stability and long-term aging performance.
• Pigments and colour masterbatch: Used to achieve the required colour and appearance.

The correct ratio depends on the target Shore hardness, tensile strength, elongation, compression set, density, surface feel and final application. There is no single SEBS formulation suitable for every TPE product.

SEBS Compared with SBS

SEBS and SBS are both styrenic block copolymers, but their soft-block chemistry differs. SBS contains an unsaturated polybutadiene midblock, while SEBS is produced by hydrogenating the soft block to create an ethylene-butylene structure.

SEBS is not automatically the best choice for every application. SBS can be appropriate where its performance profile and cost are suitable. Selection should be based on the required product properties and service conditions.

SEBS Compared with SEPS and Other TPE Materials

SEBS belongs to the broader family of styrenic thermoplastic elastomers. It should not be confused with SEPS, SBS, SIS, TPU or TPV, which have different polymer structures and performance characteristics.

• SEBS: Hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer with an ethylene-butylene midblock.
• SEPS: Hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer with an ethylene-propylene midblock.
• SBS: Non-hydrogenated styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer.
• SIS: Styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, commonly used in adhesive formulations.
• TPU: Thermoplastic polyurethane, offering a different combination of abrasion, mechanical and chemical properties.
• TPV: Thermoplastic vulcanizate, generally based on dynamically vulcanised rubber dispersed in a thermoplastic matrix.

SEBS Processing and Storage

Processing Methods

Depending on grade and formulation, SEBS can be used in:

• Twin-screw extrusion and compounding.
• Single-screw extrusion of suitable compounds.
• Injection moulding of SEBS-based TPE compounds.
• Film and sheet extrusion.
• Profile extrusion and selected flexible product manufacturing.
• Adhesive and sealant formulation.

Processing temperature, screw configuration, residence time and drying requirements should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific grade. SEBS grades and finished compounds do not necessarily share the same processing window.

Storage and Handling

• Store in the original sealed packaging in a dry, clean warehouse.
• Protect the material from moisture, contamination and prolonged direct sunlight.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommended storage temperature and shelf-life instructions.
• Keep different grades and production batches identified during storage and compounding.
• Review the Safety Data Sheet before handling and processing.

Technical Data and Quality Documentation

SEBS technical properties vary by manufacturer, grade and production batch. EXTRUTEX can provide available technical documentation for the selected product, subject to the manufacturer's supply and documentation conditions.

Test results must be compared using the same test method, specimen preparation, temperature and test conditions. Typical values are not guaranteed product specifications unless the manufacturer explicitly identifies them as such.

EXTRUTEX SEBS Resin Supply

EXTRUTEX supports international customers sourcing thermoplastic elastomer raw materials from established manufacturers and Chinese producers. Our supply service focuses on selecting the appropriate polymer grade, confirming its origin and documentation, and coordinating reliable delivery.

EXTRUTEX product and material development is supported by design, laboratory and R&D activities in Austria, with manufacturing and supply operations in China.

How to Select the Right SEBS Grade

To recommend a suitable SEBS resin, we suggest providing the following information:

1. Application: TPE compound, automotive parts, footwear, wire and cable, adhesive, seal, handle, grip or another product.
2. Target hardness: Shore A or Shore D, if already specified.
3. Processing method: Injection moulding, extrusion, film production, compounding or another process.
4. Existing material: Current manufacturer and grade, if you are replacing an existing material.
5. Formulation: Whether you use PP, PE, oil, calcium carbonate or other additives.
6. Performance requirements: Tensile strength, elongation, compression set, weather resistance, oil resistance and surface requirements.
7. Quantity: Trial quantity, regular monthly consumption or annual demand.
8. Destination: Country and delivery port or address.

If you already use a specific Kraton, Asahi Kasei, TSRC, LCY or Baling grade, provide the complete grade designation. EXTRUTEX can help investigate suitable sourcing options or possible alternatives for evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About SEBS Resin