Isoprene Rubber Uses

Isoprene rubber properties and applications.

Isoprene rubber uses.

Polyisoprene polymer of isoprene c 5 h 8 that is the primary chemical constituent of natural rubber of the naturally occurring resins balata and gutta percha and of the synthetic equivalents of these materials. Isoprene or 2 methyl 1 3 butadiene is a common organic compound with the formula ch 2 c ch 3 ch ch 2 in its pure form it is a colorless volatile liquid. Depending on its molecular structure polyisoprene can be a resilient elastic polymer as in the case of natural rubber and isoprene rubber or a tough leathery resin as in. Butyl rubber made from isobutene with a small amount of isoprene using aluminum chloride initiator has outstanding impermeability to gases and is used in inner tubes.

Due to its outstanding strength and excellent compression set isoprene rubber is the preferred material for many engineering applications. It is either harvested in the form of latex from rubber trees nr or synthetically produced by polymerization of 1 methyl 1 3 butadiene ir. It is produced by many plants and animals including humans and its polymers are the main component of natural rubber. Polyisoprene is a collective name for polymers that are produced by polymerization of isoprene in principle four different isomers can form.

The polymerization of isoprene using ziegler catalysts yields synthetic rubber that closely resembles the natural product. Typical uses include anti vibration mounts drive couplings tires springs bearings rubber bands and adhesives. Polyisoprene ir nr is an inexpensive and widely used commercial rubber. Cis 1 4 polyisoprene which is also called isoprene rubber is a major ingredient of natural rubber trans 1 4 polyisoprene is a major ingredient of gutta percha annual worldwide production of polyisoprene was 13 megatonnes in 2007.

The largest end use for polyisoprene by far is in tires. Gum polyisoprene compounds are used in rubber bands cut thread baby bottle nipples and extruded hoses along with other such items.