A New Generation of Functionalized Butyl Rubber Polymers With Improved Adhesive Properties

Butyl rubber possesses many unique properties including high impermeability to gases and liquids, low temperature flexibility, and broad damping characteristics. These properties make butyl rubber ideal for numerous consumer end products ranging from tire inner liners to adhesives and sealants. The continued long term growth of butyl rubber in adhesive and sealant applications is driven by the demand for energy efficient insulations and high-end sealants in the modern automobile industry.

A new butyl material, LANXESS Butyl Ionomer, has been developed containing ionic functionality along the polymer backbone.  The Butyl Ionomer displays many unique features including improved green strength, thermoplastic elastomer behavior and superior adhesive properties compared to traditional butyl rubber. Additionally, this functionalized butyl possesses antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold and algae. The antimicrobial nature combined with improved adhesion and the excellent impermeability of butyl rubber, makes this novel functionalized butyl polymer ideal for adhesive applications in wet or humid environments.