Rubber Material Special material IIR - Butyl rubber
IIR - Butyl rubber
In 1937, researchers at the Standard Oil Company (now ExxonMobil) succeeded in developing a new type of synthetic rubber called butyl rubber (IIR).
The synthetic polymer is a type of isoprene-based rubber produced by the copolymerization of isobutylene and a small amount of isoprene. Butyl rubber has outstanding resistance to attack by oxygen and ozone, and good chemical resistance to a large number of organic and inorganic media. IIR products resist prolonged exposure to heat and are generally stable in dilute acids and alkalis.
IIR has exceptionally low gas and moisture permeability, making it ideal for inner tubes and high-pressure/vacuum applications under demanding conditions.
IIR elastomers are sometimes halogenated with chlorine or bromine to improve their resistance to certain chemical media, but at the expense of electrical insulation and moisture resistance.
Butyl rubber is primarily used to manufacture airtight products such as seals, hoses and diaphragms due to its high gas and vapor impermeability. These properties make it an ideal choice for applications in industries where air and gas leakage must be avoided. In some cases, butyl can be used for the same applications as EPDM elastomers because it has similar resistance to the same fluids as EPDM.
Over the years, research and development have continued to improve the properties of butyl rubber and adapt it to specific applications. Modern manufacturing methods and material enhancements have helped to make butyl rubber even more effective and reliable.
Characteristics
IIR - Butyl rubber
IIR has low elasticity and good damping capacity at room temperature, as well as high diffusion resistance for gases.
It also has good chemical resistance to ozone, for example, which is why it is often used in outdoor constructions.
- Maximum temperature: 90°C
- Minimum temperature: -45°C
- Tensile strength: 3
- Compression set at -30 to +70°C: 2
- Compression set at +70 to +150°C: 2
- Abrasion resistance: 3
- Oil and gasoline resistance: 1
- Weather and ozone resistance: 4
- Heat aging: 3-4
- Adhesion to metal: 2
- Adhesion to textiles: 2
Rating scale for table
5 - Excellent / 4 - Very good / 3 - Good / 2 - Fair / 1 - Poor
Products in IIR - Butyl Rubber
Butyl rubber has unique elastomeric properties that make it a good choice for a variety of rubber products.
Below you will find various products that can be manufactured from butyl rubber:
Tires for the automotive industry: One of the most important uses for butyl rubber is in tires for the automotive industry. It is used to manufacture inner tubes for tires, where its high gas impermeability helps prevent air leakage and gas permeation while maintaining optimal tire pressure over time.
Seals and gaskets: IIR is used in the manufacture of seals and gaskets where high demands are placed on air and gas tightness.
Membranes and hoses: Butyl rubber is used to manufacture diaphragms and hoses as it is a reliable choice for applications requiring dependable protection during the transfer of gases and liquids.
Gloves and protective equipment: Butyl rubber is used in the manufacture of gloves and other protective equipment in various industries such as the chemical industry and laboratories. The rubber's good chemical resistance and protection against hazardous substances make it well-suited for protective products that should provide the user with safe and reliable protection.
Sports and leisure products: IIR is also used for manufacturing products such as balls, inflatable toys, swim boards, and other products that require sealing and airtightness. Butyl rubber's permeability and elastic properties make it a suitable material in the pursuit of maintaining optimal pressure and performance for these types of products.