Polybutene belongs to the family of polyolefins of thermoplastic materials that also include polyethylene and polypropylene. Polybutene exists in two isomeric forms, depending on where the carbon double bond is placed in the monomer molecule. If it is between the first and second carbon atoms, the exact chemical name of the resulting polymer is “polybutene-1”. If it is between the second and third carbon atoms, the resulting polymer is called polyisobutylene.
Interestingly, polyisobutylene produced from the alternative isomeric monomeric form is a low- viscosity, non- crystalline polymer used as a viscosity modifier in the oil products sector, as well as in chewing gum manufacturing] or chewing gum. Industrial product applications include sealants, adhesives, extenders for putties used for sealing roofs and windows, coatings, polymer modification, tackified polyethylene films, personal care, polybutene emulsions. Hydrogenated polybutenes are used in a wide variety of cosmetic preparations, such as lipstick and lip gloss. It is used in adhesives owing to its tackiness. Polybutene finds a niche use in bird and squirrel repellents and is ubiquitous as the active agent in mouse and insect “sticky traps. An important physical property is that higher molecular weight grades thermally degrade to lower-molecular weight polybutenes; those evaporate as well as degrade to butene monomers which can also evaporate. This depolymerization mechanism which allows clean and complete volatilization is in contrast to mineral oils which leave gum and sludge or thermoplastics which melt and spread. The property is very valuable for a variety of applications. For smoke inhibition in two-stroke engine fuels, the lubricant can degrade at temperatures below the combustion temperature. For electrical lubricants and carriers which might be subject to overheating or fires, polybutene does not result in increased insulation (accelerating the overheating) or conductive carbon deposits.
A colorless and low-irritant liquid polymer with adhesive qualities formed through the polymerization of isobutene and normal butene cations. Exceptionally stable even when stored for long periods, maintaining adhesiveness, coloring and viscosity. During storage, it does not become dry and solidified, nor take on a wax- or rubber-like state. It does not degrade under the application of heat or pressure and its main uses are lubricants, adhesives, cooking material, sealing material, electrical insulation material, rubber, asphalt, ink, fertilizers, and dispersants.
LUBRICANTS
- Metalworking Fluids
- Lubricating Greases
- Lubricating Oils
- Viscosity Modifiers
- Two Stroke Engine Oils
- Compressor Oils
- Hydraulic Fluids
- Transmission Oils
- Insulating Oils
ADHESIVES, SEALANTS AND COATINGS
- Industrial Adhesives
- Industrial Sealants
- Automotive Sealants
- Corrosion Protection
- Roofing
- Cabling
- Coatings
PLASTICS AND RUBBER
- Rubber Parts
- Road Marking
- Tyres
AGRICULTURE
- Crop Protection Adhesives
- Agricultural Film
FOOD, MEDICAL AND PERSONAL CARE
- Gum Base
- Cosmetics
- Food Packaging
- Medical Adhesives
FUEL ADDITIVES
- Diesel Fuel Additives
- Gasoline Fuel Additives
Polybutenes are clear liquid oligomers typically used as plasticizers, carriers, and lubricants which are sold in many different grades (liquid and solid) determined by viscosity which is related to molecular weight.
The main properties of Polybutenes are:
– Non-toxic
– Permanently tacky
– UV stable
– Non-drying
– Corrosion preventative
– High dielectric properties
– Thermal stability
– Soluble in mineral oil
– Burns without residue
– Tasteless
– Odorless
PIPING SYSTEMS
The main use of PB is inflexible pressure piping systems for hot and cold drinking water distribution, pre-insulated district heating networks and surface heating and cooling systems. ISO defines the performance requirements of Polybutene piping systems. The most striking features are weldability, temperature resistance, flexibility, and high hydrostatic pressure resistance. Other features include low noise transmission, low linear thermal expansion, no corrosion, and calcification.
PLASTIC PACKAGING
Several PB grades are commercially available for various applications and conversion technologies (blown film, cast film, extrusion coating). There are two main fields of application:
• Peelable easy-to-open packaging where PB is used as a blend component predominantly in polyethylene to tailor peel strength and peel quality, mainly in alimentary consumer packaging and medical packaging.
• Lowering seal initiation temperature of high-speed packaging polypropylene-based films. Blending PB-1 into polypropylene, heat sealing temperatures as low as 65 °C can be achieved, maintaining a broad sealing window and good optical film properties.
HOT MELT ADHESIVES
PB is compatible with a wide range of tackifier resins. It offers high cohesive and adhesive strength and helps to tailor the “open time” of the adhesive (up to 30 minutes) because of its slow crystallization kinetics. It improves the thermal stability and the viscosity of the adhesive.
COMPOUNDING AND MASTERBATCHES
PB accepts very high filler loadings in excess of 70%. In combination with its low melting point, it can be employed in halogen-free flame-retardant composites or as a masterbatch carrier for thermo-sensitive pigments. PB disperses easily in other polyolefins, and at low concentration, acts as processing aid reducing torque and/or increasing throughput.
OTHER APPLICATIONS
Other applications include domestic water heaters, electrical insulation, compression packaging, wire and cable, shoe soles, and polyolefin modification (thermal bonding, enhancing softness and flexibility of rigid compounds, increasing temperature resistance and compression set of soft compounds).