Butyl rubber IIR – Butyl rubber
Butyl rubber IIR or otherwise butyl rubber is abbreviated as IIR. It is a synthetic rubber resulting from isobutylene polymerization or isobutylene copolymerization. Usually, it also contains a small admixture of isoprene or buta-1,3-diene. Sulfur or nitrous compounds are most often used for vulcanization. Due to the high content of isobutylene, it has a very wide range of applications. It is valued in the vulcanization industry. It is characterized by high resistance to aging and limited gas permeability. Moreover, it is distinguished by high resistance to acids and bases. It also has mechanical and electrical insulating properties.
What does the abbreviation IIR stand for?
The abbreviation IIR comes from the English language. Means isobutylene isoprene rubber. In Polish, it is isoprene-butane rubber, or otherwise butyl rubber.
Butyl rubber – properties
Due to the small amount of isoprene, butyl rubber has vulcanization abilities in the industry. Its heat resistance is around 140 degrees. It achieves flexibility at low temperatures – even down to -40 degrees. Effectively dampen vibrations.
It is also characterized by high chemical resistance to:
- Effect of ozone and aging by weather conditions and weather fluctuations
- Vegetable and animal fats and lubricants
- Ozone
- Oxidizing chemicals
- Inorganic acids
- Alkali solutions
- Salt solutions
- Polar solutions – alcohols, esters and ketones
- Oils and greases
However, it is not resistant to fuels and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Rubbers with an admixture of chlorine (CIIR) and bromine (BIIR) are distinguished by high processing properties. They do not age even with low air permeability.
Butyl rubber – application
Due to its properties, butyl rubber is readily used in construction and vulcanization. In construction, butyl rubber is found for its resistance to ozone and gas impermeability. Its ability to dampen vibrations and electrically insulate is also very useful.
It is most often used in the production of tires, inner tubes and rubber elements. These are shock absorbers and rubber cushions as well as gaskets and insulators. Thanks to its resistance to high temperatures, it is willingly used for the production of hoses for hot liquids and steam. Elements such as gas-tight membranes, drug closures and heaters are also created using butyl rubber. With its help, butyl tapes are also produced.
Butyl tapes are commonly used sealants. Thanks to their material, they effectively fill holes, dampen vibrations and shocks. They are useful for fixing damaged elements. They protect against moisture.
Trade names under which butyl rubber is hidden:
- Enjay-Butyl
- Hycar-Butyl
- Petrolex-Butyl
- Polysar-Butyl
- Soca-Butyl
- Esso-Chlorobutyl
- Esso-Brombutyl
