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Uses of polymerization products of isobutyl vinyl ether

Mar 15，2024

Description

Isobutyl vinyl ether (IBVE) is a polymerization monomer that produces poly (isobutyl vinyl ether) homopolymer. It can also be copolymerized with other unsaturated compounds to prepare materials with special functions, such as polyvinyl chloride/IBVE resin, widely used in coatings, inks, and surface protection materials.

Article illustration

Homopolymer of isobutyl vinyl ether

Poly(isobutyl vinyl ether) is used as a plasticizer and raw material for adhesives and paints. IBVE polymerizes slowly in the presence of free-radical initiators such as azobisisobutyronitrile, peroxides, or redox systems to form a low-molecular-weight polymer of no commercial importance. The monomer contains an electron-rich double bond and easily forms a stable carbocation. Therefore, it does not undergo an anionic polymerization reaction but is prone to cationic polymerization. With cationic initiators, the polymerization of IBVE has a fast reaction rate and high conversion. However, the cationic polymerization reaction is easily inhibited by water, so it should be carried out in a dry environment as far as possible. Cationic initiators such as boron trifluoride, stannic chloride, and aluminum chloride are usually used to polymerize IBVE. The polymerization process is similar to poly(methyl vinyl ether).

Preparation of vinyl chloride/isobutyl vinyl ether copolymer

Vinyl chloride/isobutyl vinyl ether copolymer (VC-IBVE resin) was first developed by BASF in Germany. The copolymer was obtained by emulsion copolymerization of 75% vinyl chloride and 25% IBVE. The chlorine content in the copolymer is about 44%. The appearance of the copolymer is white powder, and the particle size is generally in the range of 0.4 to 1.6 μm.

VC-IBVE resin has good resistance to water, stain, light, aging, and chemical substances and is nontoxic. Due to the introduction of flexible isobutyl ether side chains in the resin structure, it has good internal plasticity, flexibility, miscibility, and pigment wettability. Furthermore, as a chlorine-containing polymer, it also has excellent flame-retardant properties. Compared to traditional chlorinated rubber and chlorinated polyethylene, VC-IBVE resin has better adhesion to substrates such as metal materials. VC-IBVE resin is widely used in anti-corrosion coatings, flame retardant coatings, and ink binders.

Reactive diluent

Because vinyl ether compounds have the advantages of low toxicity, low viscosity, and accessible synthesis, they can be used as safe and efficient reactive diluents for producing epoxy resins, acrylic resins, and unsaturated polyesters. The reactive diluent is an essential component of radiation-curing coatings, which is used to adjust the viscosity of coatings and the final properties of the film. Commonly used acrylate monomers can also be used as reactive diluents, but they are well-known carcinogens. Vinyl ether has low toxicity, no irritation to the skin, low volatility, and little pollution in construction. Therefore, vinyl ethers used as reactive diluents in UV-curing coatings have broad application prospects. IBVE, vinyl ethyl ether, chlorotrifluoroethylene, and ethylene glycol monoalkyl ether were used to prepare FEVE fluorocarbon resin elastic emulsion by emulsion polymerization in the presence of a composite of anionic and nonionic emulsifiers. The coating film of the emulsion has good elongation at break and excellent water and alkali resistance. It can also be used as a resin for a highly weather-resistant, environment-friendly, elastic building exterior wall coating.

Copolymer of isobutyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride

The IBVE-MA copolymer is also a material with good application prospects, and the copolymer is mainly used as a polymer additive in the following two aspects.

First, the copolymer can be mixed with other materials for modification. It is reported that the polyvinyl alcohol is blended with IBVE-MA copolymer, and the modified material has better water resistance and mechanical properties. IBVE-MA copolymer could markedly improve the flexibility of polyvinyl alcohol, and the elongation of the polyvinyl alcohol could improve to 300% after 2% of IBVE-MA copolymer was added to the pure polyvinyl alcohol.

Second, the copolymer of IBVE and MA has been used as an emulsifier in other production processes. Chlorpyrifos, an alternative to highly toxic pesticides such as methamidophos, has been widely used in agricultural and sanitary pest control. However, chlorpyrifos has a short duration of action on plant leaves due to its poor light stability. Moreover, the main dosage form of chlorpyrifos is an oily emulsion containing a large amount of organic solvent, which is easy to cause environmental pollution and waste of resources. One method to overcome these shortcomings is microencapsulation of chlorpyrifos. Pesticide microcapsules are the most promising types. They have the advantages of controlled slow-release, long-lasting effects, and high efficacy. IBVE-MA copolymer is used as an emulsifier to prepare pesticide sustained-release capsules. The prepared microcapsules have regular and compact surface morphology, good performance, and good application prospects.

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