Materials of Excellence

Crafting with the Best in the Business

At Julong Rubber, we prioritize using the finest materials to ensure the durability, efficiency, and performance of every product. Explore the various high-quality materials that form the foundation of our premium rubber components.

molded rubber sample parts

9. Butyl Rubber (IIR)

The Gas Barrier Specialist

Butyl Rubber, known technically as Isobutylene Isoprene Rubber (IIR), is distinguished by its outstanding impermeability to gases. This attribute, combined with its excellent resistance to heat, aging, weathering, chemical attack, and shock absorption, has positioned it as a valuable material in various applications. It offers impressive flexibility and remains stable over a wide range of temperatures. Additionally, Butyl Rubber is known for its superior dampening and vibration isolation properties, especially in applications requiring an air or watertight seal.

Butyl Rubber (IIR): The Versatile and Reliable Polymer

What is butyl rubber?

Butyl rubber is a synthetic rubber that is made from isobutylene and a small amount of isoprene. It is a highly saturated rubber, which means that it has few double bonds in its molecular structure. This gives butyl rubber several advantages, including:

  • Excellent resistance to air and moisture permeation: This makes butyl rubber ideal for applications where air or moisture sealing is important, such as tires, gaskets, and sealants.
  • Good resistance to heat and chemicals: Butyl rubber can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and is resistant to a wide range of chemicals.
  • Good electrical properties: Butyl rubber is an electrical insulator.
  • Good aging properties: Butyl rubber is stable over a wide range of temperatures and conditions.

Structure of butyl rubber

Butyl rubber is a copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene. Isobutylene is a hydrocarbon with the formula C4H8. Isoprene is also a hydrocarbon, but it has one double bond. The structure of butyl rubber is shown below.

丁基橡胶结构的图片

Manufacturing of butyl rubber

Butyl rubber is manufactured by a process called polymerization. In this process, isobutylene and isoprene are combined in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst causes the monomers to react together to form polymers. The polymers are then cross-linked to form a network.

Properties of butyl rubber

Butyl rubber has a number of properties that make it a valuable material for a variety of applications. These properties include:

  • Excellent air and moisture permeation resistance: Butyl rubber is a highly saturated rubber, which means that it has few double bonds in its molecular structure. This makes it difficult for air and moisture to pass through the rubber. This property makes butyl rubber ideal for applications where air or moisture sealing is important, such as tires, gaskets, and sealants.
  • Good resistance to heat and chemicals: Butyl rubber can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and is resistant to a wide range of chemicals. This property makes butyl rubber suitable for applications where exposure to heat or chemicals is a concern, such as automotive parts, hoses, and seals.
  • Good electrical properties: Butyl rubber is an electrical insulator. This property makes it suitable for applications where electrical conductivity is important, such as electrical insulation and wire coating.
  • Good aging properties: Butyl rubber is stable over a wide range of temperatures and conditions. This property makes it suitable for applications where long-term performance is important, such as tires and roofing materials.

Applications of butyl rubber

Butyl rubber is used in a wide variety of applications, including:

  • Tires: Butyl rubber is the primary material used in the inner liner of tires. It provides excellent air and moisture sealing, which helps to keep the tire inflated and prevent the tread from separating from the casing.
  • Gaskets: Butyl rubber is used in a variety of gaskets, including those used in automotive engines, HVAC systems, and plumbing. It provides excellent sealing against air, moisture, and chemicals.
  • Sealants: Butyl rubber is used in a variety of sealants, including those used in roofing, construction, and automotive repair. It provides a durable and flexible seal that can withstand a variety of conditions.
  • Other applications: Butyl rubber is also used in a variety of other applications, including hoses, electrical insulation, and wire coating.

Conclusion

Butyl rubber is a versatile material with a wide range of properties. It is used in a variety of applications where air and moisture sealing, heat resistance, chemical resistance, electrical properties, or aging resistance are important.

Are you looking for a reliable and versatile material for your next project? Look no further than butyl rubber!

We offer high-quality butyl rubber products in a variety of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses to meet your specific needs. Whether you need it for tires, gaskets, sealants, or other applications, we have the perfect solution for you.

Contact us today to learn more about our butyl rubber products and how they can benefit your project!

FAQs for Butyl Rubber (IIR)：

  1. What is Butyl Rubber Used For?

    Butyl rubber is widely used in tire inner liners, adhesives, medical stoppers, chemical and protective gloves, and automotive gaskets due to its impermeability to gases, chemical resistance, and durability.

  2. How is Butyl Rubber Made?

    It is produced by polymerizing isobutylene with a small amount of isoprene, typically using a catalyst like aluminum chloride.

  3. What Makes Butyl Rubber Different from Other Synthetic Rubbers?

    Its key distinguishing feature is its exceptionally low permeability to gases, particularly air, making it ideal for applications requiring air or gas retention.

  4. Can Butyl Rubber Be Recycled?

    Recycling butyl rubber can be challenging due to its chemical stability and resistance to environmental degradation. However, recycling efforts are important for environmental sustainability.

  5. Is Butyl Rubber Biodegradable?

    Like most synthetic rubbers, butyl rubber is not readily biodegradable. Proper disposal and recycling are important to minimize its environmental impact.

  6. What are the Limitations of Butyl Rubber?

    While it has excellent gas impermeability and chemical resistance, butyl rubber can be more expensive than other rubbers and might not perform as well under extreme temperatures or stress.

  7. Are There Different Types of Butyl Rubber?

    Yes, there are variants like brominated and chlorinated IIR, which offer enhanced properties for specific applications, such as improved adhesiveness in tire manufacturing.

  8. How Does Butyl Rubber Perform in Extreme Temperatures?

    It maintains flexibility and elasticity at low temperatures, but high temperatures can affect its performance unless it is specially formulated.

  9. What are the Environmental Concerns with Butyl Rubber?

    The main concerns include its non-biodegradability and the environmental impact of its production and disposal.

  10. Are There Any Health Concerns with Butyl Rubber?

    Generally, butyl rubber is considered safe for various applications, including medical use. However, direct and prolonged exposure in certain forms may necessitate safety measures, depending on the application.
 

Custom Rubber Parts with Easy

At Julong Rubber, We turn complex Into Simple! Follow the following 3 steps to start today!

Tell Us What You Need

Tell us as specific as possible of your needs, provide the drawing, reference picture and share your idea.

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Get Solution & Quote

We will work on the best solution according to your requirements and drawing, the specific quote will be provided within 24 hours.

Approve for Mass Production

We will start mass production after getting your approval and deposit, and we will handle the shipment.

Get A Free Quote

Contact us to get a free quote and more expertise about custom rubber parts. Your project will meet the right solution at Julong Rubber.   

Email:info@rubberandseal.com