ISO 3136:2023

Overview

ISO 3136:2023 specifies a standardized testing method for determining the bound styrene content in styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex. This international standard is essential for quality control in the rubber industry, focusing on hot and cold emulsion polymerized SBR lattices. The method uses refractive index measurements of dry polymer sheets after solvent extraction to accurately quantify the bound styrene content. It excludes reinforced SBR, carboxylic SBR (XSBR), and pyridine SBR (PSBR) lattices, ensuring applicability only to relevant SBR types.

This third edition updates previous versions with refined procedures, improved precision data, and reorganized clauses for clarity and ease of use. The method supports manufacturers, testing laboratories, and regulatory bodies by providing reliable and repeatable results critical for material characterization and compliance.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application
  Applicable to:

  • Hot emulsion polymerized SBR latex (~50 °C) with bound styrene content up to 55%
  • Cold emulsion polymerized SBR latex (~5 °C) with bound styrene content between 18% and 40%
    Excluded types: reinforced SBR, XSBR, PSBR.

• Sample Preparation
  Latex is coagulated using suitable coagulants in the presence of antioxidants, following ISO 2028 procedures to produce dry polymer crumb.

• Refractive Index Measurement
  Dry polymer sheets are extracted with ethanol-toluene azeotrope to remove unbound components, then pressed into thin sheets. The refractive index is measured at 25 °C as per ISO 2453 methods.

• Calculation of Bound Styrene Content
  Bound styrene content is calculated from the refractive index using a defined formula or reference tables, enabling precise quantification of styrene within SBR lattices.

• Precision and Reliability
  Extensive interlaboratory testing has established repeatability and reproducibility metrics, ensuring the method delivers consistent results across different operators and laboratories.

• Reporting Requirements
  Test reports must include reference to ISO 3136:2023, detailed sample identification, coagulants used, test results, any deviations or unusual observations, and testing dates to ensure traceability.

Applications

• Quality Control in SBR Manufacturing
  Ensures that the bound styrene content of SBR latex products meets product specifications for performance and regulatory compliance.

• Material Characterization for Rubber Products
  Provides critical data for assessing rubber latex composition that impacts mechanical properties, aging behavior, and suitability for end-use.

• Research and Development
  Facilitates formulation adjustments and polymerization process monitoring in R&D laboratories exploring new SBR latex grades.

• Supplier and Regulatory Compliance Testing
  Supports verification of supplier material specifications and compliance with industrial and international standards for synthetic rubber latex.

• Environmental and Safety Considerations
  Laboratory users are advised to adhere to safe handling and disposal protocols for solvents and waste generated during testing in accordance with local regulations.

Related Standards

• ISO 123: Rubber latex - Sampling
  Defines sampling methods to obtain representative SBR latex samples for testing.

• ISO 2028: Synthetic rubber latex - Preparation of dry polymer
  Specifies procedures for converting latex into dry polymer form necessary for refractive index determination.

• ISO 2453: Rubber, raw styrene-butadiene, emulsion-polymerized - Determination of bound styrene content - Refractive index method
  Provides detailed apparatus and procedures related specifically to refractive index measurement of SBR polymers.

• ISO 19983:2022 Rubber - Determination of precision of test methods
  Establishes the framework for evaluating test method precision, referenced in validating ISO 3136:2023 testing accuracy.

ISO 3136:2023 represents a critical benchmark in the analysis of SBR latex, enhancing quality assurance and fostering global consistency in rubber raw material characterization. Utilizing this standard supports industry stakeholders in maintaining high product integrity and meeting international market requirements.