Question

Which from following polymers is used to manufacture tyres?

• A. Neoprene
• B. SBR
• C. Bakelite
• D. Polyacrylonitrile

Hint:

Always associate SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) directly with automobile tyre tread production due to its high wear and abrasion resistance, making it cheaper and more durable than natural rubber for road applications.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Identify the demand of a tyre.
A tyre needs a synthetic rubber with high abrasion resistance, good traction and long term wear durability.
Step 2: Examine SBR.
Styrene butadiene rubber is a copolymer of styrene and butadiene with excellent abrasion resistance and mechanical stability, the classic tyre material.
Step 3: Reject neoprene.
Neoprene, the chloroprene polymer, is oil and chemical resistant and used for hoses, gaskets and wetsuits, not mainly tyres.
Step 4: Reject bakelite.
Bakelite is a hard, brittle phenol formaldehyde thermoset for switches and handles, far too rigid for tyres.
Step 5: Reject polyacrylonitrile.
PAN is a precursor for carbon fibre and textiles, not a tyre elastomer.
Step 6: Conclude.
Tyres are made largely from SBR, option (B).
\[ \boxed{\text{SBR (option B)}} \]