Polybutadiene facts for kids
Polybutadiene is a special type of polymer, which is a large molecule made of many smaller units. It's mostly used as a synthetic (man-made) rubber. This useful material is created from a tiny building block called 1,3-Butadiene.
Polybutadiene is very strong and can resist wear and tear. This makes it perfect for many different products we use every day.
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What is Polybutadiene Used For?
Polybutadiene is incredibly versatile. Here are some of its main uses:
Making Tires Strong
About 70% of all polybutadiene produced goes into making tires. It helps tires last longer and grip the road better. This is why it's a key material for car, truck, and even racing tires.
Improving Plastics
Around 25% of polybutadiene is added to plastics. It acts like a special ingredient that makes plastics tougher and more resistant to breaking if they are dropped or hit. For example, it's used in plastics like polystyrene and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which you might find in toys, computer casings, or car parts.
Other Cool Uses
- Golf Balls: The core (center) of many golf balls is made from polybutadiene. This gives golf balls their bounce and helps them fly far.
- Elastic Objects: Because it's a rubber, polybutadiene is used in many other stretchy items.
- Electronics: It can also be used to cover or protect electronic parts. It helps keep them safe and has high electrical resistivity, meaning it doesn't let electricity pass through easily.
In 2012, polybutadiene rubber made up about a quarter of all synthetic rubbers used worldwide.
Who Discovered Polybutadiene?
The first person to successfully create polybutadiene was a Russian chemist named Sergei Vasilyevich Lebedev. He managed to polymerize (link together many small units of) butadiene in the early 20th century, paving the way for this important material.
More Pictures
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Sergei Vasilyevich Lebedev, a Russian chemist, was the first to polymerize butadiene
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Racing tires need to be very durable, thanks to materials like polybutadiene.
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A cross section of a golf ball; its core often consists of polybutadiene.
See also
In Spanish: Polibutadieno para niños
