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Sample report for adhesive category. Other reports may vary in format.
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| 15.24USA - Polyisobutylene / Polybutene - U.S. Adhesives
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The terminology used in this raw material market report can be somewhat confusing, since it embodies three different types of polymers: polyisobutylene, poly n-butene, and copolymers of 1- and 2-butene. These three categories are described below:
Polyisobutylene
Polyisobutylene is a linear polymer of isobutylene of varying average molecular weights. This straight chain paraffinic hydrocarbon varies from a soft, tacky, viscous liquid to a tough elastomeric solid. Polyisobutylene is chemically inert and, therefore, possesses excellent resistance to oxidative and thermal degradation. It is used as a permanent flexibilizer and tackifier in pressure sensitive and hot melt adhesives. It is particularly useful where low temperature flexibility is a requirement. The straight chain hydrocarbon structure of polyisobutylene also contributes excellent moisture and barrier properties and specific adhesion to certain hard to wet surfaces (e.g., polyolefin).
Polyisobutylene adhesives are commonly formulated using a variety of plasticizers and modifiers. Typical modifiers include petroleum oils, waxes, hydrocarbon resins, rosin esters, phenolics, etc. Modifiers are selected on the basis of desired end use properties (i.e., specific adhesion, melt or solution viscosity, and/or cost). The majority of polyisobutylenes are used as modifiers and tackifiers to other elastomers and polymers and many grades have FDA clearance. Exxon is the only domestic company that manufactures polyisobutylene. BASF imports less than 5% of the total polyisobutylene demand.
Polybutene
Polybutene is a viscous, non-drying, liquid polymer, which results from the copolymerization of 1- and 2-butene with a small quantity of isobutylene. Polybutene is colorless, has little or no odor, is chemically stable and resists oxidation by light and moderate heat.
An important characteristic in adhesive applications is polybutene’s tackiness, which increases with increased molecular weight. Polybutene acts as both a tackifier and plasticizer and is used to extend the viscosity range and to control the tack and cohesive strength level of adhesives. Polybutene is sold in a wide variety of molecular weights and the viscosity grades range from light oils to highly viscous fluids.
Polybutylene
Polyisobutylene is the term (first used by Shell Chemical aka Resolution Performance Products) used to describe a family of homopolymers of n-butene. They are supplied in a granule form and used in hot melt formulations. They are compatible with polyolefins and capable of extending their high temperature and low temperature service range. This resin classification market report on polyisobutylene / polybutene estimates 2003 demand with a historical perspective back to 2000 as well as forecasts through 2005 and 2010 within the U.S. Adhesives Industry. |
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| Report Table of Contents |
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Polyisobutylene / Polybutene Report - U.S. Adhesives Industry - RAW MATERIAL Market
Market Information - Forecasting Size and Growth Trends
Market Sector Information – Forecasting Size and Growth Trends
Market Segment Information – Forecasting Size and Growth Trends
Formulative Technology Information – Forecasting Size and Growth Trends
Raw Material Suppliers
Growth Opportunities – Size and Growth Trend
Commentary |
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