Physical and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Butyl Rubber-Based Ionomers

Butyl rubber is a copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene and is the most important rubber manufactured commercially via carbocationic polymerization.  In order to increase the crosslinking reactivity and co-compatibility of butyl rubber with other highly unsaturated elastomers, halogenated butyl rubber was developed.   High impermeability to gases and liquids, low temperature flexibility, and broad damping characteristics are just a few of the many unique properties of butyl rubber which make it ideal for numerous consumer end products including tire inner liners and tubes, pharmaceutical closures, protective clothing and chewing gum. 

A new butyl material derived by the post modification of an existing butyl grade has been developed.  This new class of butyl polymers has been developed by the generation of ionic groups along the polymer backbone.  The ionic interactions produce large changes in physical, mechanical and rheological properties.  Also, butyl ionomers display many unique features including improved adhesion and antimicrobial activity.  Here, the physical and dynamic mechanical behaviour of these ionomers were examined.  Compounds produced with butyl-based ionomers were found to enhance green strength and filler-filler interactions.

This unique material enables LANXESS Business Unit Butyl Rubber to expand its current markets and to enter new application fields.