Manufacturing Process
Figure 2 depicts a simplified flow diagram for an isoprene polymerization process. Before entering the reactors, the solvent, catalyst, and isoprene
monomer must be free of chemical impurities, moisture, and air—all of which are catalyst poisons. The purified streams first enter a chain of reactors in series into which the catalyst is injected, and the polymerization begins.
After the desired extent of polymerization has been attained, a short stop or catalyst deactivator is added to the cement so no further linkage of monomer or polymer takes place. A non-staining antioxidant is then added to protect the polymer during finishing and storage.
In the next step, the cement mixture is put through a stripping operation whereby the solvent is recovered and the polymer cement converted to a crumb by hot water and steam. The crumb slurry is processed through extruders to remove water before it is cooled, baled, packaged, and placed in storage ready for shipment.
WaterSteamRubber