Isobutylene polymerizations, controlled high temperature

We have conducted a series of kinetic investigations on controlled cationic isobutylene (IB) polymerizations at high temperature, i.e., -10°C, utilizing in situ ATR-FTIR spectroscopy (ReactIR 1000, ASI Applied Systems, Inc.). Our goal was to produce nearly monodisperse... 

Butyl rubber is produced at very low temperature (below — 90°C) to control the rapid exotherm, and to provide high molecular weight. The process consists of charging isobutylene along with isoprene (2-4%) with an inert diluent such as methyl chloride to a reactor to which a Friedel-Crafts catalyst is added. The polymerization is very rapid, and the polymer forms in a crumb or slurry in the diluent. Heat is removed via the reactor jacket. The slurry is steam-stripped to remove all volatiles. The catalyst is neutralized, and antioxidants are added to the slurry prior to drying.53 The halogenated derivatives are produced by the direct addition of the halogen to a solution of the isobutylene-isoprene polymer. 

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