Determination of kinetic constants of the cationic copolymerization of isobutylene with isoprene

Abstract

A theoretical kinetic model has been developed for cationic isobutylene–isoprene copolymerization in methyl chloride with an AlCl₃ catalyst. Kinetic constants of this process have been derived from experimental data available on copolymerization kinetics (isobutylene conversion curve) and on molecular weight characteristics of the isobutylene–isoprene copolymer (butyl rubber). The adequacy of the theoretical kinetic model of the isobutylene–isoprene copolymerization process has been demonstrated by comparing the calculated molecular weight characteristics and degree of unsaturation of butyl rubber to the corresponding independent experimental data.