Butyl (IIR, Isobutylene Isoprene) Rubber
Butyl rubber, also known as IIR (Isobutylene Isoprene Rubber), is a synthetic elastomer recognized for its excellent impermeability, high chemical resistance, and exceptional flexibility. Developed for applications requiring an airtight seal and durability in harsh conditions, butyl rubber is commonly used in industries such as automotive, pharmaceutical, and construction. Its unique properties make it an ideal material for products that require resistance to gases, weathering, and extreme temperatures.
Check with one of Canyon’s helpful product engineers for an expert material and manufacturing recommendation.
Common names include: Butyl Rubber, IIR, Isobutylene-Isoprene Rubber, Polysobutylene, Exxon's Butyl
Features of Butyl Rubber
Butyl rubber offers several key features that make it suitable for a variety of industrial and commercial applications:
- Excellent Impermeability: Butyl rubber is highly impermeable to gases, making it an ideal choice for products requiring airtight seals, such as inner tubes and vacuum applications.
- Chemical and Weather Resistance: Butyl rubber has good resistance to acids, alkalis, and ozone, ensuring durability in harsh environments and outdoor applications.
- Temperature Flexibility: Butyl rubber performs well in both high and low-temperature environments, maintaining flexibility even at temperatures as low as -50°C and up to 120°C.
- Shock Absorption: With its excellent damping and vibration absorption properties, butyl rubber is widely used in automotive and industrial shock-absorbing applications.
- Low Gas Permeability: One of butyl rubber's standout features is its low gas permeability, making it suitable for applications that require gas tightness, such as tires and pharmaceutical closures.
Common Applications of Butyl Rubber
Butyl rubber is used across various industries due to its unique properties:
- Automotive Inner Tubes and Tires: Butyl rubber’s low gas permeability makes it ideal for use in inner tubes and tires, where it helps maintain air pressure and provides long-lasting durability.
- Pharmaceutical Stoppers and Seals: Butyl rubber is widely used in pharmaceutical products, including bottle stoppers and seals, where its impermeability and chemical resistance ensure the safety and integrity of the product.
- Vibration Dampening Pads: In automotive and industrial machinery, butyl rubber is used for vibration damping and shock absorption, reducing noise and wear on mechanical parts.
- Roofing and Waterproofing Membranes: Butyl rubber is used in construction for roofing membranes and waterproofing materials due to its excellent resistance to weathering and its ability to form watertight seals.
- Adhesives and Sealants: Butyl rubber is a key component in many adhesives and sealants used in construction and industrial settings, where its flexibility and sealing properties are critical.
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
Get a Quote Now!
Butyl (IIR) Rubber Pros & Cons
Butyl rubber (IIR) is a versatile and durable elastomer that offers excellent gas impermeability, chemical resistance, and temperature flexibility. Its unique features make it ideal for applications in the automotive, pharmaceutical, and construction industries, where airtight seals, shock absorption, and weather resistance are required. While it has some limitations, such as poor oil resistance and higher costs, butyl rubber remains a valuable material for many demanding applications. Understanding its features, common applications, and potential drawbacks will help you choose the right material for your specific needs.
Canyon Components strives to meet all customer service requests. Feel free to contact Canyon Components engineering and let our knowledgeable staff help you design the perfect part for your needs.
Pros of Butyl Rubber
Butyl rubber offers numerous benefits that make it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications:
- Outstanding Air and Gas Impermeability: Butyl rubber is one of the most impermeable elastomers, making it ideal for airtight applications such as inner tubes and pharmaceutical seals.
- Chemical and Ozone Resistance: Butyl rubber’s resistance to acids, alkalis, and ozone makes it a durable option for outdoor applications and environments exposed to harsh chemicals.
- Temperature Versatility: Butyl rubber can handle extreme temperatures, remaining flexible at low temperatures and retaining its properties at high temperatures.
- Shock and Vibration Absorption: Butyl rubber's ability to absorb shocks and vibrations makes it a popular choice in automotive and industrial applications, where it helps reduce wear and tear on mechanical parts.
- Long-Term Durability: Butyl rubber provides excellent resistance to aging, ensuring that it remains functional even after prolonged exposure to environmental stressors.
Cons of Butyl Rubber
While butyl rubber offers many advantages, there are some limitations to consider:
- Poor Oil and Hydrocarbon Resistance: Butyl rubber is not resistant to oils, solvents, and hydrocarbons, making it unsuitable for applications exposed to these substances.
- Limited Flexibility at High Temperatures: While butyl rubber maintains flexibility at low temperatures, it may lose flexibility at temperatures exceeding 120°C, limiting its use in some high-heat applications.
- Higher Cost than Some Alternatives: Butyl rubber is typically more expensive than general-purpose rubbers like SBR or natural rubber, which may impact its cost-effectiveness for certain applications.
- Limited Mechanical Strength: Butyl rubber is not as strong as some other elastomers, such as EPDM or nitrile rubber, which can limit its use in high-stress or heavy-duty applications.
Back to Elastomers Hub
