Characterization of conventional grade polyisobutene for viscosity improver applications

Polyisobutylene (PIB) owning particular characteristics is one of the most important commercial polymers synthesized by the cationic polymerization technique. Its viscosity improver grade has unique characteristics among other polymers. The microstructure characteristic of PIB tunes specific features in the final polymer which prepares it for so called application. Due to the importance of the polymer microstructure, the molecular weight and chain architecture of a commercial PIB will be assessed in this article by GPC and NMR instruments. According to the results, the polymer enjoys a low molecular weight and exo olefinic type feature.