Polymers Solutions: #13

13.* (1992 2 2)

A. What is the monomer from which polyisobutylene is made?

B. Draw a structure for polyisobutylene.

C. What is vulcanization? Why can’t polyisobutylene be vulcanized?

Vulcanization is a process in which sulfur forms sulfide or disulfide bridges between polymer chains by reacting with double bonds. Polyisobutylene has no double bonds, so it cannot be vulcanized or hydrogenated.