Application | Polyisobutylene is a versatile synthetic polymer known for its unique properties and range of applications. This material is renowned for its low water diffusion rate and gas impermeability, setting it apart as the only rubber capable of retaining air for prolonged periods. As a result, it finds use in products such as tire inner tubes and the liners of sports balls. Due to its rubber-like consistency and resistance to acids, alkalis, and oxidation, polyisobutylene is employed in the manufacture of adhesives, fabric and paper coatings, and as a plasticizer in various rubber formulations. Its low glass transition temperature also makes it suitable as an encapsulation material in photovoltaic modules, enhancing their durability. Furthermore, highly reactive polyisobutylene is a crucial component in the production of lubricants and fuel additives, and its adaptability is further demonstrated through functionalization techniques that enable the creation of specialized block copolymers. Despite its limitations in self-supporting forms due to its tendency to cold flow, the polymer's inherent properties continue to support its widespread industrial use. |