The physical properties of polyisobutene are very dependent on molecular
weight. Polymers with average molecular weight (Mw) of about 15 000 are sticky viscous liquids whilst those with molecular weight of 100000-200000
are rubber-like, resembling unmilled crepe rubber.
Polyisobutene is non-crystalline when unstretched and is therefore soluble
at room temperature in hydrocarbons and halogenated hydrocarbons. The
material is resistant to most acids, alkalis and aqueous solutions, as would be
expected from its saturated hydrocarbon structure and absence of tertiary
hydrogen atoms. The lack of tertiary hydrogen atoms renders polyisobutene
more resistant to oxidation than polypropylene; also, the less numerous and
partially shielded methylene groups in polyisobutene are less reactive than
those in polyethylene. However, polyisobutene is rather susceptible to thermal degradation since chain scission is favoured by the greater stability of the
resultant tertiary free radical:
Polyisobutene may be chlorinated but the reaction is accompanied by
severe degradation.
A limitation of polyisobutene is its tendency to cold flow and, as a result,
the polymer finds little use in self-supporting form. Applications are restricted
mainly to adhesives, fabric and paper coatings, and blends with other polymers. Low molecular weight polyisobutene is also used in caulking compounds.