What is Polyisobutylene (PIB)?
Polyisobutylene (PIB) is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic viscous liquid or semi-solid substance with chemical properties such as heat resistance, oxygen resistance, ultraviolet resistance, and acid & alkali resistance. Widely used in petroleum additives, fillers, adhesives, and blending improvements with other polymers.
For the lubricating oil and lube additives, low molecular weight polyisobutylene (PIB) is mainly used, such as PIB1000, PIB1300, and PIB2400.
Chemical Structure:
Repeating unit: –[CH₂–C(CH₃)₂]ₙ–
It's an alkyl-substituted hydrocarbon polymer, consisting mainly of isobutylene units.
The degree of polymerization is low, resulting in short chains and low viscosity compared to high MW PIB.
LPDE (Low Molecular Weight Polyisobutylene) Properties
- Excellent chemical stability: Resistant to heat, oxygen, ozone, ultraviolet radiation, and acid/alkali corrosion, suitable for extreme environments.
- Physical Properties: LPDE exhibits good viscoelasticity, electrical insulation, low permeability, and a small coefficient of expansion. It is insoluble in polar solvents such as water and alcohols but soluble in organic solvents like benzene and chloroform.
LPDE(Low Molecular Weight Polyisobutylene) Applications
Low molecular weight polyisobutylene (MW ~1,350) is a viscous, tacky polymer with superior barrier properties and chemical inertness. It is widely used as a plasticizer, thickener, and adhesion promoter in industrial formulations.
Lubricant Additive Base:
- Used as a viscosity modifier, dispersant precursor, or thickener.
- Often succinylated to produce PIB-succinimide dispersants.
Fuel Additives:
Helps in deposit control when functionalized.
Plasticizers & Sealants:
Acts as a plasticizer in rubber and sealants due to its tackiness.
Cosmetics (some grades):
Used as emollients in personal care (must be highly pure and cosmetic-grade).
Adhesives:
Used in pressure-sensitive adhesives and hot-melt formulations.
Conclusion
When sourcing PIB raw materials, partnering with a reliable PIB polymer supplier and manufacturer is essential. Tianjin Gnee Biotech Co. Ltd., with its own production facilities and strict quality control systems, provides consistent product quality and the ability to offer custom PIB molecular weight solutions to meet diverse industrial requirements, ensuring long-term supply stability for global markets.