PIBSA is a reddish-brown, transparent, viscous liquid synthesised from highly reactive polyisobutylene (typically with a molecular weight of approximately 1000) and maleic anhydride via thermal addition or oxidation processes. Its most distinctive advantage lies in the "dual-nature" of its molecular structure—one end features a long-chain, oil-affinity polyisobutylene, while the other bears a highly reactive polar acid anhydride group. This configuration endows it with multiple properties including emulsification, dispersion, and lubrication, making it an "excellent base material" for developing downstream derivatives. From a fundamental physicochemical perspective, it exhibits a high flash point of 180°C, a total acid value of no less than 100mgKOH/g, and is free from harmful substances such as chlorine and nitrites, inherently aligning with environmental sustainability trends.

The application scope of PIBSA extends far beyond what most people imagine. Among these, the lubricant additive sector represents its primary battleground: As a key raw material for synthetic ashless dispersants (such as polyisobutylene succinimide), it effectively disperses sludge and carbon deposits within engines, preventing sediment from adhering to metal surfaces. Its "ashless" property ensures no residual ash is produced upon combustion, thereby avoiding clogging of aftertreatment systems. This is crucial for enhancing the performance of mid-to-high-end diesel engine oils and internal combustion engine lubricants. Today, even the electric drive systems of new energy vehicles rely on PIBSA-based specialised lubricants to ensure stable operation.

In the field of metalworking, PIBSA similarly excels as a high-performance agent. It can be directly formulated as an emulsifier for cutting fluids and semi-synthetic fluids, forming stable emulsion systems through its outstanding oil-water emulsification capability, with hard water resistance far surpassing traditional sodium petroleum sulfonate. More notably, its derivative emulsifiers not only enhance lubrication and extend tool life but also offer outstanding rust prevention (a 3% dilution passes the 24-hour cast iron rust test) and biological stability. This makes it particularly well-suited for precision machining applications involving aluminium alloys, magnesium alloys, and similar materials.

Beyond this, PIBSA plays an irreplaceable role across multiple specialised sectors: in civil blasting, it serves as the core emulsifying component of third-generation emulsion explosives, significantly enhancing both storage stability and detonation performance to support mining operations and infrastructure development; within petrochemicals, it functions as an anti-fouling agent for hydrocarbon processing equipment, inhibiting scaling in units such as dichloroethane distillation columns and extending plant operational cycles; Within environmental protection, its phosphorus-free and sulphur-free derivatives are progressively replacing conventional additives, emerging as the green choice for water treatment and scale inhibition applications.