Butyl rubber is a synthetic rubber, a copolymer of isobutylene with isoprene. The abbreviation IIR stands for Isobutylene Isoprene Rubber. Polyisobutylene, also known as "PIB" or polyisobutene, (C4H8)n, is the homopolymer of isobutylene, or 2 methyl 1 propene, on which butyl rubber is based. Butyl rubber is produced by polymerization of about 98% of isobutylene with about 2% of isoprene. Structurally, polyisobutylene resembles polypropylene, having two methyl groups substituted on every other carbon atom. Polyisobutylene is a colorless to light yellow viscoelastic material. It is generally odorless and tasteless, though it may exhibit a slight characteristic odor. Fuel and Lubricant Additive: • Polyisobutylene added in small amounts to the lubricating oils used in machining results in a significant reduction in the generation of oil mist and thus reduces the operator's inhalation of oil mist. • As a fuel additive, polyisobutylene has detergent properties. When added to diesel fuel, it resists fouling of fuel injectors, leading to reduced hydrocarbon and particulate emissions. • Polyisobutylene is used in some formulations as a thickening agent. Butyl rubber is used for the bladders in basketballs, footballs, soccer balls and other inflatable balls to provide a tough, airtight inner compartment. • Butyl rubber sealant is used for rubber roof repair and for maintenance of roof membranes (especially around the edges). • Polyester fabric laminated to butyl rubber binder provides a single sided waterproof tape that can be used on metal, PVC, and cement joints. It is ideal for repairing and waterproofing metal roofs. Butyl rubber is one of the most robust elastomers when subjected to chemical warfare agents and decontamination materials. It is a harder and less porous material than other elastomers, such as natural rubber or silicone, but still has enough elasticity to form an airtight seal Many varieties of chewing gum utilize food grade butyl rubber as the central gum base. Global demand for butyl rubber will likely rise 3.0% 3.5% annually over the next few years. Butyl rubber, a form of synthetic rubber or elastomer, is a copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene and has superlative impermeability and good flex properties. The primary application usage of butyl rubber is inner tyre tubes, which is an integral market segment even today. However, butyl rubber is prominently deployed in the manufacture of adhesives, agricultural chemicals, fibre optic compounds, ball bladders, cling films, electrical fluids, lubricants, paper and pulps and personal care products. The tire industry consumes around 85 percent of the world's supply of butyl rubber. Global demand is dominated by halogenated butyl rubber. Global installed capacity for butyl rubber / halo butyl rubber one million metric tonnes per annum.