Polybutadiene fills about 25% of the world rubber market. It can be
obtained in different ways, which differ in terms of molecular
microstructure, average molar masses, molar mass distributions, degree
of branching, types of branching and functionalization of terminal
groups . It can be obtained through different types of catalysts, and
free radical, cationic, anionic or coordination initiators can be used .
The high-cis polybutadiene is catalytically produced by Ziegler-Natta
(ZN) catalysts. Among the ZN, cobalt, nickel, titanium and
neodymium-based catalysts are the most employed.