Materials of Excellence

Crafting with the Best in the Business

At Julong Rubber, we prioritize using the finest materials to ensure the durability, efficiency, and performance of every product. Explore the various high-quality materials that form the foundation of our premium rubber components.

Butyl Rubber (IIR)

The Gas Barrier Specialist

Butyl Rubber, known technically as Isobutylene Isoprene Rubber (IIR), is distinguished by its outstanding impermeability to gases. This attribute, combined with its excellent resistance to heat, aging, weathering, chemical attack, and shock absorption, has positioned it as a valuable material in various applications. It offers impressive flexibility and remains stable over a wide range of temperatures. Additionally, Butyl Rubber is known for its superior dampening and vibration isolation properties, especially in applications requiring an air or watertight seal.

Butyl Rubber (IIR): Properties, Applications

Butyl rubber (IIR) is known for its superior air impermeability, weather resistance, and chemical stability. If you’re seeking materials for airtight sealing, chemical storage, or vibration damping, butyl rubber offers outstanding solutions. But how does it perform over time, and is it safe?

Butyl rubber (IIR) is a synthetic elastomer made from isobutylene and a small amount of isoprene. It offers excellent gas impermeability, heat resistance, and durability, making it ideal for tire inner liners, seals, and protective clothing.

What is Butyl Rubber?

Butyl rubber, also known as IIR (Isobutylene Isoprene Rubber), is a synthetic rubber produced by copolymerizing isobutylene (98-99%) with a small amount of isoprene (1-2%). This unique structure gives IIR its low gas permeability, chemical resistance, and excellent flexibility.

IIR rubber is primarily used where airtight sealing and resistance to aging are essential, such as tire inner tubes, chemical linings, and protective gear.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of IIR?

🏆 Advantages of Butyl Rubber (IIR)

✅ Advantage	🔍 Description
💨 Low Gas Permeability	Exceptional airtightness, ideal for inner tubes and seals.
☀️ Weather and Ozone Resistance	Resists UV rays and ozone degradation.
🧪 Chemical Resistance	Stable against polar solvents, acids, and alkalis.
🔊 Vibration Damping	Excellent for absorbing shocks and reducing vibrations.
🔥 Heat Resistance	Performs well at temperatures up to 120°C.

⚠️ Disadvantages of Butyl Rubber (IIR)

❌ Disadvantage	🔍 Description
🛢️ Poor Oil Resistance	Not suitable for petroleum-based oils and fuels.
⚗️ Poor Adhesion	Requires special primers for bonding to other materials.
❄️ Limited Flexibility at Low Temps	Becomes stiff below -40°C (without modification).
🔩 Slow Curing Rate	Longer vulcanization time compared to other rubbers.

Application of Butyl Rubber (IIR)

Butyl Rubber is widely used due to its low gas permeability, excellent resistance to weathering and ozone, and superior vibration damping. Below, I explore its application in different industries with detailed technical comparisons.

🚗 Automotive Industry

Butyl Rubber is a key material in automotive sealing applications, especially in tire inner linings and vibration-damping components.

✅ Applications: Inner tubes, tubeless tire liners, window seals, vibration isolators, grommets.
✅ Key Advantages:
- Exceptional air retention, reducing the need for frequent inflation in tires.
- Excellent resistance to heat aging and ozone degradation in automotive seals.
- Superior vibration damping properties for smoother rides.

🔧 Automotive Material Performance Comparison

Material	Air Impermeability	Weather Resistance	Vibration Damping
NBR	Good	Moderate	Good
EPDM	Poor	Excellent	Moderate
Butyl Rubber (IIR)	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent

⚗️ Pharmaceutical & Medical Industry

Butyl Rubber is commonly used in medical stoppers and seals, particularly where air tightness and chemical inertness are essential.

✅ Applications: Pharmaceutical stoppers, IV seals, vial closures, syringe plungers.
✅ Key Advantages:
- Low gas permeability ensures product sterility by preventing contamination.
- Excellent resistance to chemical interactions, protecting sensitive formulations.
- Compatible with sterilization methods such as gamma radiation and steam autoclave.

🔧 Pharmaceutical Closure Material Comparison

Material	Gas Permeability	Chemical Inertness	Sterilization Compatibility
Silicone	Poor	Excellent	Excellent
TPE	Moderate	Good	Limited
Butyl Rubber (IIR)	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent

🏗️ Construction & Industrial Sealing

Butyl Rubber is preferred in construction and industrial sectors for its weather resistance and sealing properties.

✅ Applications: Sealants, glazing tapes, roofing membranes, industrial gaskets.
✅ Key Advantages:
- Outstanding weathering and UV resistance ensures long service life in outdoor applications.
- High flexibility allows excellent sealing performance on irregular surfaces.
- Strong adhesion to a wide range of substrates, including glass, metal, and plastics.

🔧 Industrial Sealing Material Comparison

Material	UV Resistance	Flexibility	Adhesion to Substrates
EPDM	Excellent	Good	Moderate
Silicone	Excellent	Moderate	Good
Butyl Rubber (IIR)	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent

⛽ Oil & Gas Industry

Butyl Rubber’s impermeability and chemical resistance make it a reliable choice in the oil and gas sector.

✅ Applications: Tank liners, pipeline gaskets, valve seals, storage bladders.
✅ Key Advantages:
- Superior resistance to gas permeation reduces leak risks in storage tanks.
- Performs in harsh chemical environments, including hydrocarbon exposure.
- Withstands outdoor conditions due to excellent ozone and weathering resistance.

🔧 Oil & Gas Sealing Material Comparison

Material	Gas Permeability	Chemical Resistance	Ozone/Weather Resistance
NBR	Good	Good	Poor
EPDM	Poor	Moderate	Excellent
Butyl Rubber (IIR)	Excellent	Good	Excellent

What Breaks Down Butyl Rubber?

Despite its excellent durability, certain factors can degrade IIR over time.

❌ Factor	⚠️ Effect
Petroleum Oils and Solvents	Swelling and softening of the rubber.
High Temperatures (>150°C)	Accelerated aging and hardening.
Strong Oxidizing Agents	Chemical attack leading to cracks and brittleness.
Mechanical Stress without Protection	Surface cracking and degradation.

Is Butyl Rubber Toxic?

No. Butyl rubber (IIR) is non-toxic and safe for industrial and medical applications.

🔒 Safety Considerations

✅ Commonly used in pharmaceutical stoppers and food-grade linings.
✅ Does not release harmful substances under normal operating conditions.
⚠️ During production or burning, it can release hazardous gases—ensure proper handling in manufacturing environments.

How Long Does Butyl Rubber Last?

With proper use and maintenance, butyl rubber products have an impressive lifespan.

⏳ Application	🔍 Typical Lifespan
Tire Liners	8-10 years
Seals and Gaskets	10-15 years (indoors)
Chemical Linings	10-20 years (protected environments)
Protective Clothing	5-8 years (depending on exposure)

🔧 Tips to Extend Service Life

✅ Store in a cool, dry place away from UV light.
✅ Avoid contact with petroleum oils or aggressive chemicals.
✅ Regular inspection for signs of aging and damage.

How to Choose Butyl Rubber (IIR)?

Choosing the right Butyl Rubber for your application involves evaluating key performance criteria. Here’s a detailed guide tailored for B2B procurement officers.

🔍 Step 1: Assess Application Requirements

✅ Need for gas and air tightness
✅ Resistance to UV, ozone, and weathering
✅ Chemical compatibility (hydrocarbons, acids, alkalis)
✅ Vibration damping and noise reduction capabilities

🔍 Step 2: Select the Correct Grade

Grade	Primary Feature	Common Applications
Regular Butyl (IIR)	Low permeability, high damping	Tire inner liners, industrial sealants
Halogenated Butyl (CIIR/BIIR)	Improved chemical resistance, adhesion	Pharmaceutical closures, fuel systems

🔍 Step 3: Match Hardness and Flexibility Requirements

✅ Shore A hardness typically ranges from 40 to 70
✅ Lower hardness for pharmaceutical and sealing uses
✅ Higher hardness for industrial and automotive parts

🔍 Step 4: Verify Regulatory Compliance

✅ FDA compliance for food and pharmaceutical applications
✅ ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications for quality and environmental standards
✅ REACH and RoHS compliance for safety and environmental requirements

📞 Get a Free Quote or Sample of IIR Rubber Products!

Looking for reliable Butyl Rubber (IIR) seals, linings, or customized parts? We provide high-performance solutions for demanding applications.