What is "butyl rubber"

n. A synthetic rubber made by the polymerization of isobutene and isoprene

n. synthetic rubber made by polymerizing isobutylene

Butyl rubber is a synthetic rubber, a copolymer of isobutylene with isoprene. The abbreviation IIR stands for isobutylene isoprene rubber. Polyisobutylene, also known as "PIB" or polyisobutene, (CH), is the homopolymer of isobutylene, or 2-methyl-1-propene, on which butyl rubber is based. Butyl rubber is produced by polymerization of about 98% of isobutylene with about 2% of isoprene. Structurally, polyisobutylene resembles polypropylene, having two methyl groups substituted on every other carbon atom. Polyisobutylene is a colorless to light yellow viscoelastic material. It is generally odorless and tasteless, though it may exhibit a slight characteristic odor.

Butyl rubber has excellent impermeability, and the long polyisobutylene segments of its polymer chains give it good flex properties.

The formula for PIB is: –(–CH–C(CH)–)–

The formula for IIR is:

It can be made from the monomer isobutylene or CH=C(CH) only via cationic addition polymerization.

A synthetic rubber, or elastomer, butyl rubber is impermeable to air and used in many applications requiring an airtight rubber. Polyisobutylene and butyl rubber are used in the manufacture of adhesives, agricultural chemicals, fiber optic compounds, ball bladders, caulks and sealants, cling film, electrical fluids, lubricants (2 cycle engine oil), paper and pulp, personal care products, pigment concentrates, for rubber and polymer modification, for protecting and sealing certain equipment for use in areas where chemical weapons are present, as a gasoline/ diesel fuel additive, and even in chewing gum. The first major application of butyl rubber was tire inner tubes. This remains an important segment of its market even today.