The emergence of anionic, living polymerization in the 1950s enabled the synthesis of polymers with controlled structures. A key consequence of controlled molecular architecture was the distinct phase separation and self-assembling morphologies of polymers containing discrete blocks of styrene and isoprene or butadiene. The self-reinforcing nature of such styrenic block copolymers was recognized for its broad commercial potential as a new class of polymers; styrenic thermoplastic elastomers (TPE-S). More than fifty years after the commercial introduction of styrenic block copolymers, the annual global consumption is significant and includes scores of different polymer structures tailored to meet the specific needs in numerous markets and applications. Applications as diverse as the roads we drive on, the cars in which we drive, the shoes we wear and the personal hygiene utensils we use are all enhanced by the properties of styrenic block copolymer thermoplastic elastomers. New styrenic block copolymers continue to be developed and commercialized as a result of the robust chemistry leading to novel performance features. This presentation will show the versatility of styrene, butadiene and isoprene, combined in block copolymer architectures. This versatility leads to an array of different applications, all based on the self assembly of these materials. Some of these applications will be highlighted.

Kraton Polymers, 50 years of experience with styrenic block copolymers

256th National Meeting (2018)

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