# Synthetic Lattices: CR, NBR, and SBR
Human page: https://retifist.com/literature-reviews/liquid-synthetic-lattices
> **Chemistry literacy.** Synthetics change oil, solvent, and ozone behavior and the cure package. No NR latex proteins. Type IV accelerator chemistry can still apply. See [Allergy and Skin Contact](/literature-reviews/allergy-and-skin-contact).
## Executive summary
Industrial wearable films also use polychloroprene (CR), nitrile (NBR), and SBR latices for oil, ozone, solvent, or modulus targets NR does not meet.[^1] Polymer is chosen before accelerators. CR film requires **≥5 phr ZnO and 2 phr antioxidant**, fully dispersed.[^3] Carboxylated NBR is used for wet-gel strength in dipped goods; mixed compound ages in the pot.[^4]
Use when a project needs oil or outdoor ozone resistance, or when NR allergy literacy points at a synthetic. Synthetics are not a blanket hypoallergenic NR substitute.[^7] Oils and solvents: [Compatibility Matrix](/literature-reviews/compatibility-matrix-metals-oils-plastics). Joins: [Adhesives and Seam Integrity](/literature-reviews/liquid-adhesives-and-seam-integrity).
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## Why these polymers show up
**CR.** Sunlight, ozone, heat-aging, solvent, abrasion, flame, and barrier resistance; often outperforms NR in those environments.[^2] First major CR latex use: oil, grease, and solvent industrial gloves.[^2] Photosensitive; light colors often impractical; dark carbon black or red iron oxide films age best outdoors.[^8]
**CR compounding.** ≥5 phr ZnO and 2 phr antioxidant, fully dispersed; raise ZnO toward 15 phr for long sun or heat exposure.[^3]
**Carboxylated NBR.** Preferred for wet-gel strength in household-glove formulations. Compound age causes prevulcanization and mud-cracking on dry; replenish with fresh compound.[^4] 2 phr DBP aids integration with little modulus effect. Limit dry temperature: low water-vapor permeability.[^4]
**SBR.** Low polarity, like NR.[^5] Used for modulus or blend targets, not NR’s oil or ozone profile.
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## Polarity when joining
Adhesive/substrate polarity guide: **high** = NBR, XNBR; **medium** = CR; **low** = NR, SBR.[^5] Match glue family to the rubber.
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## Decision cues
- CR for sun, ozone, or oil/grease when a ZnO-plus-antioxidant package is executable (5 and 2 phr floor; ZnO toward 15 phr for long heat and sun).
- Carboxylated NBR for dipping that needs wet-gel strength; mix what will be used; mud-crack on dry marks an aged pot.
- SBR when polarity and modulus match an SBR TDS, not as a silent NR swap.
- Allergy: no NR proteins; Type IV from cure chemicals can still apply.[^7]
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## Endnotes
[^1]: Vanderbilt Latex Handbook — CR / synthetic latex chapters (properties vs NR targets).
[^2]: Vanderbilt Latex Handbook — polychloroprene latex properties; oil/grease/solvent glove lineage.
[^3]: Vanderbilt Latex Handbook — CR compounding mandate; ZnO ≥5 phr, antioxidant 2 phr; ZnO toward 15 phr for sun/heat.
[^4]: Polymer Latices Vol 3 — Application of Latices — dipping chapter; carboxylated NBR wet-gel, pot age, mud-cracking, DBP 2 phr, dry-temperature limit.
[^5]: Vanderbilt Latex Handbook — adhesive polarity guide (NBR/XNBR high; CR medium; NR/SBR low).
[^6]: Polymer Latices Vol 3 — Application of Latices — dipping-compound principles (NBR/CR formulations).
[^7]: NIOSH Pub. 97-135 (1997) — NRL protein Type I context; synthetics lack those proteins; Type IV is chemical.
[^8]: Vanderbilt Latex Handbook — CR photosensitivity; dark carbon black or red iron oxide for outdoor aging.
[^9]: Vanderbilt Latex Handbook — Neoprene 571 dipped-film compound example (handbook Table 2 series).
Deep dive: CR dipped-film factory example
Vanderbilt Neoprene 571 dipped-film example: DARVAN SMO 3, DARVAN WAQ 1, ZnO 5, antioxidant 2, optional McNAMEE clay 10, accelerators; coagulant-dipped, leached, dried, cured. Uncured tensile ~14 MPa, EB ~840–950%. After 60 min at 141°C, ETHYL TUADS + BUTYL NAMATE system ~25 MPa.[^9] Factory example, not a home costume card. CR photosensitive; dark pigments age better outdoors.[^8]
Deep dive: NBR pot age
Carboxylated NBR household-glove compounds: wet-gel strength declines with compound age (prevulcanization); mud-cracking on dry; replenish fresh compound; 2 phr DBP; limit dry temperature.[^4][^6]