Isoprene Rubber (IR)
The isoprene
rubber is very much like
natural rubber
but made artificially or synthetically. The chemical name of isoprene rubber
is synthetic cis-polyisoprene. Essentially similar to natural rubber in
properties, this rubber may be somewhat weaker because it is not 100% the
cis-isomer. This rubber is used in the same type of products as natural
rubber.
Properties of Isoprene Rubber
- The physical properties of IR are in general somewhat inferior to
those of natural rubber but, in principle, the two types of rubber are
quite similar.
- This rubber has almost the same chemical structure as natural rubber
(polyisoprene).
- It does not contain proteins, fatty acids and the other substances
that are present in natural rubber.
- This rubber demonstrates lower green strength, slower cure rates,
lower hot tear, and lower aged properties than natural rubber.
- PR exceeds the natural types in consistency of product, cure rate,
purity and processing.
- In addition, isoprene rubber has the unique property in mixing,
extrusion, molding, and calendering processes.
Applications of Isoprene Rubber
- Isoprene Rubber or synthetic polyisoprene is used in a wide variety
of industries and applications requiring low water swell, high gum
tensile strength, good resilience, good tack and high hot tensile.
- Gum compounds based on IR are used in rubber
bands, cut thread, baby bottle nipples, and extruded hose.
- Black loaded compounds of this rubber find use in tires, motor
mounts, shock absorber bushings, pipe gaskets, and many other molded and
mechanical goods.
- Mineral filled systems find applications in footwear, sponge, and
sporting goods.
- Recent reports about allergic reactions to proteins present in
natural rubber have prompted increased usage of the more pure IR in
various applications.
Liquid Isoprene Rubber (LIR)
Liquid Isoprene Rubber (LIR) is a
colorless, transparent and almost odorless viscous liquid rubber. It acts as
a reactive plasticizer. It is, in fact, the rubber having highest molecular
weight among those materials that can perform plasticizing functions. Liquid
isoprene rubber can be vulcanized, co vulcanized and co cross linked with
solid rubbers such as NR, SBR, BR and EPDM using sulfur or peroxide.
Applications of Liquid Isoprene Rubber
As mentioned above, liquid
isoprene rubber can act as a reactive plasticizer, it is used in the
following applications.
- Rubber goods like tires, belts, hose, footwear etc.
- Adhesives including solution, hot melt, crosslink and latex.
- Sealants in automobile industry.
- Liquid isoprene rubber is also used in some other applications like
in printing plates, coating, lubricants and binders.
Conclusion About Isoprene Rubber
Synthetic polyisoprene or IR
represents one of the important classes of polymers produced in a solution
medium. Modern techniques have permitted the production of a synthetic
analog of natural rubber with improved uniformity and processing.
Other Types of Synthetic Rubber