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High-purity isoprene is used almost entirely (90–95%) as a monomer for the production of polyisoprene rubber, styrenic thermoplastic elastomer block copolymers (styrene-isoprene-styrene [SIS]) and butyl rubber. Considerably smaller amounts of isoprene are converted as an intermediate into specialty chemicals, including vitamins, pharmaceuticals, flavorings and perfumes, and epoxy hardeners. The major producing regions are Brazil, Japan, Russia and the United States. Most isoprene is consumed in the producing country. Russia, the United States and Japan are the most commercially significant countries for both production and consumption of isoprene.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of isoprene:
Polyisoprene rubber accounted for 41% of isoprene consumption in the United States, Western Europe and Japan in 2007. In Central and Eastern Europe (mainly Russia), polyisoprene rubber accounted for approximately 99% of isoprene consumption in 2007. Overall, consumption of synthetic polyisoprene rubber has decreased significantly since the 1970s because of displacement by natural rubber, which has historically sold at a lower price. However, the purity of polyisoprene is higher, meaning its composition and properties are more consistent than those of natural rubber, giving polyisoprene advantages in certain tire, medical and other specialized applications.
Styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers (SIS) is the second-largest isoprene market, accounting for 20% of 2007 world isoprene consumption. SIS is used primarily in hot-melt and pressure-sensitive tape adhesive formulations. SIS hot-melt adhesives have largely replaced natural rubber–based adhesives because of environmental, safety and cost concerns.
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