Filler Dispersion in Hyperbranched Polyisobutylene

Abstract The microdispersion of carbon black filler in linear and hyperbranched polyisobutylene (PIB) was assessed from dynamic mechanical and volume resistivity measurements. While no significant differences were observed in the carbon black concentration necessary for formation of a filler network, in comparison to the linear polymer, the highly branched PIB was found to have substantially more carbon black agglomeration. This occurs despite its higher viscosity, due to the relative inaccessibility of large portions of the molecule, as a result of the profuse treelike branching. The consequence is more extensive interaggregate interaction, and thus a larger Payne effect and greater mechanical hysteresis.