Polybutene, polyisobutylene, and beyond: a comprehensive review of synthesis to sustainability

Abstract

Polymers derived from butene and isobutylene are highly versatile and exhibit unique properties. These include polybutene, polyisobutylene, butyl rubber, polybutylene terephthalate, polybutylene succinate, and poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene), each of which has a specific use in sectors such as packaging, automotive, and healthcare. However, despite their potential, the body of research on butene- and isobutylene-based polymers is less extensive than that of more significantly researched and used polymers like polyethylene or polystyrene. This disparity underscores the need for further comparative research to evaluate their performance, sustainability, and commercial viability relative to these traditional polymers. By highlighting new trends and finding knowledge gaps, this study presents a thorough analysis of progress in the synthesis, properties, processability, and applications of butene- and isobutylene-based polymers. The development of eco-friendly synthesis processes and the growing interest in high-performance applications—especially in the packaging, automotive, biomedical, and electronics industries—are some of the key findings. Particularly, polybutylene succinate and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) demonstrate how combining eco-conscious polymerization processes with biodegradability can result in the manufacture of more sustainable materials, with definite benefits when evaluated via life cycle assessments. Furthermore, concerns about the degradation capacities of biodegradable butene- and isobutylene-based polymers were noted in the review. Combining all the findings provides insights into future research directions, highlighting the necessity of more investigation into the economical manufacturing, green chemistry solutions, and innovative applications of these polymers. The inferences of this work suggest that these polymers have considerable potential for utilization not just in domestic and high-performance industrial applications but also as sustainable materials.