IIR price April 2024 and outlook (see chart below)
- North America:US$2.4/KG, 2.1% up
- Europe:US$2.89/KG, unchanged
- Northeast Asia:US$1.85/KG, -1.6% down
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Isobutylene Isoprene rubber (IIR) price index
This post is a summary of the Isobutylene Isoprene rubber (IIR) price developments. The price developments of IIR are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. IIR price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.
The outlook for Isobutylene Isoprene rubber (IIR) prices is generated from different inputs including:
- Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of IIR prices
- Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Isobutylene Isoprene rubber (IIR)
- Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of IIR prices
- Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the IIR market
- Longer term trends in likely demand conditions
Further information on the IIR price chart
What is IIR
IIR stands for “Isobutylene-Isoprene Rubber,” which is a type of synthetic rubber. It is also known as “Butyl Rubber” because it is primarily composed of isobutylene and a small amount of isoprene. IIR is a synthetic elastomer with unique properties that make it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Key characteristics of IIR (Isobutylene-Isoprene Rubber) include:
Impermeability to Gases
One of the most notable features of IIR is its excellent gas impermeability. It has a very low permeability to air and gases, making it ideal for applications where maintaining an airtight or gas-tight seal is critical. This property is often utilized in tire inner tubes and inner liners, as well as in pharmaceutical stoppers and seals for food containers.
Chemical Resistance
IIR exhibits good resistance to various chemicals, including acids and alkalis, which makes it suitable for use in gaskets, seals, and linings in chemical and pharmaceutical processing equipment.
Low Gas and Moisture Vapor Transmission
IIR has low gas and moisture vapor transmission rates, making it useful in applications where moisture or gas ingress needs to be minimized, such as in the production of inflatable bladders and gloves for handling hazardous materials.
Weather Resistance
Isobutylene-isoprene rubber has good resistance to weathering, ozone, and UV radiation, which allows it to be used in outdoor applications like automotive weatherstripping and roofing membranes.
Flexibility at Low Temperatures
IIR remains flexible at very low temperatures, which is advantageous in cold environments. It is commonly used in seals for refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
Electrical Insulation
It can be used as an electrical insulating material because of its electrical resistance and low dielectric constant.
IIR is a versatile synthetic rubber with a wide range of applications due to its unique combination of properties. It is produced through a polymerization process of isobutylene and isoprene monomers, which results in a polymer with a high molecular weight and the desired properties mentioned above
How is IIR produced
Isobutylene-isoprene rubber (IIR), also known as butyl rubber, is produced through a process known as polymerization. This process involves the combination of isobutylene and isoprene monomers to form a polymer with the desired properties. Here are the general steps involved in the production of IIR:
Monomer Preparation
Isobutylene (IB): Isobutylene is a key monomer used in IIR production. It is typically derived from petrochemical sources. It is important to purify and store isobutylene to ensure its quality and stability during polymerization.
Isoprene (IP): Isoprene is another monomer used in the production of IIR. It is often obtained from natural gas or derived from petrochemical sources.
Polymerization
The polymerization of IIR typically takes place in a reactor under controlled conditions of temperature and pressure.
Isobutylene and isoprene monomers are mixed in the presence of a catalyst. Common catalysts include Lewis acids, such as aluminum chloride (AlCl3), or Friedel-Crafts catalysts.
Polymerization can occur via two main methods: cationic polymerization and coordination polymerization. Cationic polymerization is more commonly used for IIR production.
The polymerization process creates long chains of repeating units, forming the IIR polymer.
Termination and Quenching
Once the desired degree of polymerization is reached, the reaction is terminated to stop further chain growth. This is typically achieved by adding a terminating agent. The polymerization reaction is then quenched to cool down the reaction mixture and deactivate any remaining active polymerization sites.
Recovery and Processing
The resulting IIR latex or polymer is then recovered from the reactor. This can involve processes such as coagulation and drying to remove any remaining solvent and impurities.
The dried IIR is often compounded with various additives, such as vulcanizing agents, accelerators, antioxidants, and fillers, to achieve the desired properties for specific applications.
Forming and Shaping
The compounded IIR can be further processed into various forms, such as sheets, rolls, extruded profiles, or molded parts, depending on the intended application.
Vulcanization
In many cases, IIR is vulcanized to improve its properties, such as its elasticity, heat resistance, and durability. Vulcanization involves the cross-linking of polymer chains using heat and vulcanizing agents like sulfur.
The specific details of IIR production can vary depending on the manufacturer and the desired properties of the rubber. The choice of catalyst, reaction conditions, and additives can all be adjusted to tailor the IIR to specific applications, such as tire inner liners, gaskets, seals, and other industrial and automotive products
What is IIR used for
Isobutylene-isoprene rubber (IIR), commonly known as butyl rubber, is a versatile synthetic elastomer with a wide range of applications due to its unique combination of properties. Some of the common uses of IIR include:
Tire Inner Liners
IIR is used as an inner liner in tubeless tires. Its low permeability to air and gases helps maintain proper tire inflation, and its resistance to moisture vapor transmission helps prevent damage to the tire structure.
Tire Inner Tubes
IIR is also used in the production of inner tubes for tires, providing flexibility and airtightness.
Automotive Seals and Gaskets
IIR’s excellent sealing properties and resistance to weathering make it suitable for automotive applications, including door seals, window seals, and gaskets for engines and transmissions.
Pharmaceutical Stoppers and Seals
The gas impermeability of IIR makes it a preferred material for pharmaceutical stoppers and seals, ensuring the integrity and stability of pharmaceutical products.
Food and Beverage Seals
IIR’s low gas permeability and resistance to moisture vapor make it suitable for seals in food and beverage containers, preserving product freshness.
Construction Sealants
IIR-based sealants are used in the construction industry for sealing joints, windows, and doors, providing weather resistance and insulation.
Roofing Membranes
IIR roofing membranes are used in flat and low-slope roofs to provide waterproofing and weather resistance.
Medical and Healthcare Products
Butyl rubber is used in medical stoppers, closures, and medical devices due to its biocompatibility and resistance to sterilization processes.
Automotive Sound Dampening
IIR is used in automotive applications to reduce noise and vibration, improving vehicle comfort.
Electrical Insulation
IIR’s electrical resistance and low dielectric constant make it suitable for use in electrical insulation, such as cable jackets and electrical seals.
Inflatable Products
IIR is used to make inflatable bladders, balls, and toys due to its flexibility and air retention properties.
Chemical Resistance Applications
Its resistance to various chemicals, including acids and alkalis, makes it suitable for use in chemical processing equipment, such as gaskets and seals.
Adhesives and Sealants
IIR-based adhesives and sealants are used in various industries for bonding and sealing applications.
Tire Inner Tubes
IIR is used in the production of inner tubes for tires, providing flexibility and airtightness.
These are just some of the many applications of IIR. Its versatility and specific properties, such as low permeability, weather resistance, and flexibility, make it a valuable material in industries ranging from automotive and construction to healthcare and consumer products.
What types of IIR are there
Isobutylene-isoprene rubber (IIR), also known as butyl rubber, comes in several different types, each with slightly different properties and characteristics tailored for specific applications. The primary types of IIR include:
Regular Butyl (IIR)
Regular butyl rubber is the most common type of IIR. It is produced by polymerizing isobutylene and isoprene in a ratio of approximately 98% isobutylene and 2% isoprene. This type of IIR has excellent impermeability to gases, making it suitable for applications like tire inner liners, inner tubes, and pharmaceutical stoppers.
Brominated Butyl (BIIR)
Brominated butyl rubber is a modified form of regular butyl rubber where bromine atoms are introduced into the polymer chain. This modification enhances the rubber’s cure response and makes it more suitable for vulcanization. BIIR is used in applications where improved vulcanization properties are required, such as in tire curing bladders and pharmaceutical closures.
Chlorinated Butyl (CIIR)
Chlorinated butyl rubber is another modified form of regular butyl rubber, where chlorine atoms are introduced into the polymer chain. CIIR exhibits improved heat resistance, chemical resistance, and compatibility with certain chemicals. It is used in applications like inner tubes for specialty tires, hoses, and industrial rubber goods.
Bromo-Chloro Butyl (BCIIR)
BCIIR is a type of butyl rubber that combines both bromine and chlorine modifications. This combination of halogens provides a balance of improved vulcanization properties, heat resistance, and chemical resistance. BCIIR is used in a variety of automotive and industrial applications.
Hydrogenated Butyl (HIIR)
Hydrogenated butyl rubber is produced by hydrogenating regular butyl rubber, which replaces some of the carbon-carbon double bonds with single bonds. This modification increases the rubber’s resistance to heat and ozone, making it suitable for applications exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as roofing membranes and automotive parts.
Elastomeric Isobutylene-Isoprene (E-IIR)
E-IIR is a type of butyl rubber with improved elasticity compared to regular butyl rubber. It is used in applications where both the impermeability to gases and enhanced flexibility are required, such as in automotive weatherstripping and seals.
Each type of IIR is designed to meet specific performance requirements, making them suitable for various industries and applications. The choice of IIR type depends on factors such as the intended use, environmental conditions, and required physical properties. Manufacturers may also develop custom blends of IIR to meet specific application needs.
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