The elastomer is used
widely in pneumatic tires, shoe heels and soles,
gaskets and even
chewing gum. It is a
commodity material which competes with natural rubber. Latex SBR is
extensively used in coated
papers, being one of the most cost-effective resins to bind
pigmented coatings. It is also used in building applications, as a
sealing and binding agent behind renders as an alternative to
PVA, but is more
expensive. In the latter application, it offers better durability,
reduced shrinkage and increased flexibility, as well as being
resistant to emulsification in damp conditions. SBR can be used to
\'tank\' damp rooms or surfaces, a process in which the rubber is
painted onto the entire surface forming a continuous, seamless damp
proof liner; a typical example would be a basement.
