butyl rubber

Description

A synthetic copolymer containing from 0.5 to 2.0 molar percent of isoprene, the remainder, respectively, consisting of isobutylene. It is prepared by copolymerization of isobutylene and isoprene in methyl chloride solution, using aluminum chloride as the catalyst. After completion of polymerization, the rubber particles aretreated with hot water containing a suitable food-grade deagglomerating agent, such as stearic acid. Finally, the coagulum is dried to remove residual volatiles.

The Uses of butyl rubber

Butyl rubber is formed from the polymerization of isobutene (isobutylene) with small amounts of chloroprene, isoprene, or butadiene and may be halogenated. The reaction is carried out in a closed system with an aluminum chloride catalyst. Butyl rubber is highly impervious to gases, which makes it the rubber best suited for inner tubes and tires, air chambers, adhesives, and dielectrics. Isobutene is an anesthetic and asphyxiant gas and can be hazardous in concentrations high enough to produce asphyxia. At these concentrations, explosion is an additional hazard.