Polyisobutylene (Food Grade) (CAS 9003-27-4)
| CAS No. | 9003-27-4 |
|---|---|
| Alias | PIB, Polyisobutene, Food Grade PIB |
| Category | Food Additives |
| Packaging | 25 kg plastic drum / 200 kg steel drum by grade |
Food grade polyisobutylene (CAS 9003-27-4) available in high-activity and low-activity grades. Used in chewing gum base, medical plasters, adhesives, sealants and packaging materials. COA & MSDS available.
Introduction
Food grade polyisobutylene is a colourless, odourless polymer made by cationic polymerisation of isobutylene. It is used as a chewing gum base, in medical plasters and adhesives, in sealants, and as a lubricant additive where food-contact status is required.
It is supplied in high-activity and low-activity grades. Which one you want depends on the process rather than on the application, and it is worth being specific about that at the enquiry stage: activity affects tack and processing behaviour, and choosing the wrong one is a formulation problem rather than a compliance one.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Colourless, odourless, transparent viscous liquid. CAS 9003-27-4, molecular formula (C4H8)n. Soluble in aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons; insoluble in water. Stable against heat, light, oxygen, acids and alkalis. Low molecular weight grades approximately 500–3,000; medium molecular weight grades to specification.
Applications
Chewing gum base, medical plasters, adhesives and sealants, lubricant additives, and food packaging materials. High tack and flexibility across a wide temperature range; good compatibility with paraffin, resins, rubbers and plasticisers.
Regulatory status: the molecular weight question
Two things are worth stating precisely, because both are commonly blurred.
First, the polymer itself is exempt from REACH registration. The monomer, isobutylene, is not. If you are importing into the EU and your importer asks about registration, this is the distinction they need.
Second, and more consequentially, the US food-contact rule for polyisobutylene is molecular weight gated. 21 CFR 177.1420 requires a minimum of 750,000 Flory molecular weight for the homopolymer, and 300,000 for the isobutylene-isoprene copolymer with no more than 3 mol% isoprene. Separately, 177.1420(c) expressly does not apply to PIB used in food-packaging adhesives that comply with 175.105.
The grades in the 500–3,000 molecular weight range are below that threshold and are therefore not covered by 177.1420. That is not a reason to avoid them; low molecular weight PIB has legitimate food-contact uses that run through other routes. It is a reason not to cite 177.1420 for them.
So: tell us the grade and the end use, and we will tell you which regulatory route applies rather than handing you a citation that may not fit. If your application depends on 177.1420 specifically, we will confirm the molecular weight of the grade we are quoting against the rule's threshold before anything ships.
Handling & Storage
Keep containers tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Stable under normal storage conditions. Consult the SDS.
Packaging
25 kg plastic drums and 200 kg steel drums by grade. Custom packaging including IBCs, bags and containers available. COA per batch, MSDS and food-grade statements on request, third-party inspection supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
MOQ depends on the product and specification. For most chemicals we can supply from 1 kg sample orders up to full container loads (FCL). Contact us with the product name and CAS number for a specific MOQ quotation.
Can you provide samples before I place a bulk order?
Yes. Samples are available for most products — typically 100g to 1kg. Sample fees may apply for expensive products and are usually deducted from your first bulk order. We recommend independent testing of samples before committing to bulk.
What documents do you provide with each shipment?
Every shipment includes a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA), MSDS/SDS, commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading. Certificates of origin, REACH/SVHC declarations and third-party inspection reports are available on request.
What is your typical lead time?
Production usually takes 10–20 days depending on the product and quantity. Sea freight to most destinations takes 15–30 days; air freight 5–10 days for samples and small orders. Our five warehouses in China allow fast dispatch of stocked items.
What payment terms do you accept?
We commonly accept 30% deposit + 70% against copy of bill of lading, T/T bank transfer, and Letters of Credit (L/C) for larger orders. Payment terms are confirmed in writing before production starts.
Are you a factory or a trading company?
We are an integrated supplier with three in-house manufacturing plants, supported by five warehouses across China. This gives us direct control over production quality while maintaining a broad product range.