Butyl Rubber (IIR, CAS 9010-85-9) offers excellent overall chemical resistance, particularly against acids, alkalis, polar solvents, and many corrosive liquids. However, it has limited resistance to non-polar oils and aromatic hydrocarbons, making it more suitable for sealing, waterproofing, and chemical-contact applications rather than oil-based environments.
Butyl Rubber Chemical Resistance (IIR)
General Chemical Stability
As a saturated synthetic elastomer, butyl rubber has a stable molecular structure and strong chemical inertness. It can resist most common industrial chemicals, including water-based solutions and many corrosive media. Its dense polymer structure and low permeability help maintain stable performance in gaskets, seals, and rubber sheets during long-term exposure.
Acid and Alkali Resistance
Butyl rubber shows good resistance to dilute acids and mild alkaline solutions. It can maintain most of its mechanical properties after prolonged exposure to acids such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid at low concentrations, as well as common alkaline cleaning solutions.
This makes IIR rubber suitable for chemical tanks, pipeline sealing systems, and wastewater treatment equipment.
Solvent Resistance of Butyl Rubber
Butyl rubber performs well in polar solvents such as water, alcohols, and glycol-based fluids, showing minimal swelling.
However, it has poor resistance to non-polar solvents, including gasoline, mineral oils, and aromatic hydrocarbons. In these media, significant swelling and loss of mechanical strength may occur, limiting its use in oil-contact environments.
Click here to view the IIR Rubber Technical Data Sheet
Resistance to Oxidants and Salt Environments
Modified butyl rubber materials show improved resistance to salt water, brine, and mild oxidizing agents. In salt spray environments, IIR-based components can maintain surface stability over long exposure periods.
This makes them suitable for marine environments, coastal installations, and outdoor chemical equipment.
Application Limitations
Butyl rubber should not be used in continuous contact with strong oxidizing acids, ketones, aromatic solvents, or high-temperature oil systems. These conditions can lead to swelling, cracking, or degradation of the material.
Proper selection based on chemical compatibility is essential to ensure long service life in industrial applications.
Butyl rubber Applications
Butyl rubber (IIR) is used to manufacture inner tubes for various types of tires, airtight layers for tubeless tires, and various sealing gaskets. In the chemical industry, it is used as a lining for containers holding corrosive liquids, as well as in pipes and conveyor belts. In agriculture, it is used as a waterproofing material.