Engineering Excellence in Air-Tight Solutions

Transform your high-barrier applications with Butyl Rubber (IIR), the specialised synthetic rubber that delivers unmatched gas impermeability combined with excellent flex properties and chemical resistance.

Understanding Butyl Rubber (IIR)

Butyl Rubber represents a remarkable achievement in polymer science, distinguished by its exceptional ability to prevent gas permeation. The secret behind this unique property lies in its molecular structure, which consists predominantly of isobutylene units with small amounts of isoprene providing essential crosslinking sites. The densely packed isobutylene segments create an extremely tight molecular structure that effectively blocks the passage of gases and moisture, making Butyl Rubber virtually impermeable.

The molecular architecture of Butyl Rubber also contributes to its outstanding flex properties and resilience. The low levels of unsaturation in the polymer backbone result in excellent resistance to oxidation and aging, ensuring long-term performance in demanding applications. This combination of properties makes Butyl Rubber particularly valuable in applications where maintaining a gas-tight seal is critical, such as tire inner liners and pharmaceutical closures.

Butyl Rubber Classifications

Regular Butyl Grades

Our regular Butyl grades provide the foundation of gas barrier technology. These grades feature carefully controlled molecular weight and isoprene content to deliver consistent processing characteristics and reliable barrier properties. The balanced composition ensures excellent air retention while maintaining good flexibility and resilience. These grades serve as the industry standard for applications requiring superior gas barrier properties combined with good processability.

Halogenated Butyl Grades

We offer both Chlorobutyl (CIIR) and Bromobutyl (BIIR) grades, representing advanced developments in Butyl technology. Through controlled halogenation of the polymer backbone, these grades provide enhanced cure compatibility with other elastomers while maintaining the exceptional barrier properties of regular Butyl. The modified chemical structure enables co-vulcanization with general-purpose rubbers, making these grades particularly valuable in tire manufacturing and pharmaceutical applications where specific cure systems are required.

Low Viscosity Grades

Developed for improved processing characteristics, our low viscosity Butyl grades offer enhanced flow properties while maintaining essential barrier performance. These grades facilitate easier processing in injection molding and extrusion operations. The optimized molecular weight distribution ensures good processability without compromising the material's fundamental barrier properties.

High Molecular Weight Grades

Our high molecular weight grades cater to applications requiring maximum strength and enhanced barrier properties. These specialized products deliver superior mechanical properties and even lower permeability rates. The increased molecular weight provides improved green strength during processing and enhanced physical properties in the final product.

Applications in Modern Industry

Butyl Rubber demonstrates its irreplaceable value across numerous specialized industrial sectors. In the tire industry, it serves as the essential component for tire inner liners, where its unmatched air retention properties ensure long-term tire pressure maintenance. The material's ability to prevent air permeation significantly improves vehicle safety and fuel efficiency by maintaining proper tire inflation over extended periods.

The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on Butyl Rubber for manufacturing critical closure systems. Whether used in vial stoppers, syringe plungers, or other medical packaging components, Butyl Rubber provides the necessary barrier properties to protect sensitive medications. Its chemical inertness and ability to maintain sterility make it indispensable in pharmaceutical packaging applications.

In the construction sector, Butyl Rubber excels in developing high-performance sealants and adhesives. Its excellent moisture barrier properties and permanent flexibility make it ideal for roofing membranes and vapor barriers. The material's ability to maintain its properties over decades of service ensures long-lasting protection against moisture intrusion in building envelope applications.

The automotive industry showcases Butyl Rubber's importance beyond tire applications through various specialized components. From vacuum actuator diaphragms to sound dampening materials, Butyl Rubber's unique properties contribute to vehicle performance and comfort. Its excellent vibration dampening characteristics make it particularly valuable in noise reduction applications.