Material Safety Data Sheet for Butadiene Rubber (BR)
Identification
Product Name: Butadiene Rubber
Chemical Name: Polybutadiene
CAS Number: 9003-17-2
Synonyms: BR, 1,3-Butadiene Polymer
Recommended Use: Manufacture of tires, automotive parts, various rubber goods
Supplier: Chemical manufacturing or polymer production companies
Emergency Contact: Emergency response number supplied by manufacturer
Hazard Identification
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS for most forms; dust and fumes may be irritating
Health Hazards: Inhalation of dust could irritate respiratory system, skin contact might cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals, eye exposure might trigger mechanical irritation
Environmental Hazards: Waste may persist in soil and water, aquatic toxicity is low but accumulation in local environments ought to be avoided
Signal Word: None required for solid polymer
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation of dust, prevent contact with eyes and skin, wash thoroughly after handling
Hazard Pictograms: No pictograms required in its solid state
Other Hazards: Heated material may release volatile organic vapors, may form electrostatic charges in bulk handling
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Substance: Polybutadiene
Chemical Formula: (C4H6)n
Purity: Generally above 97% by weight
Stabilizers: May contain traces of antioxidants or polymerization inhibitors (such as nonylphenol or TMQ)
Hazardous Components: No hazardous monomer remains after curing process when properly produced
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air if dust or fumes are inhaled; seek medical attention if symptoms occur
Skin Contact: Wash area with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present; seek attention if discomfort lasts
Ingestion: Unlikely in industrial use but rinse mouth and get medical advice if large amounts are swallowed
Special Treatment: Treat symptomatically; no specific antidote exists for polybutadiene exposure
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, water spray, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Water jets directly on burning material may spread fire
Specific Hazards: Burns with dense, black smoke; may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, smoke, and minor amounts of hydrocarbons
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need full self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and protective clothing
Special Procedures: Move containers from fire area if not dangerous to do so; cool exposed containers with water spray
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Wear appropriate protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering drains, sewers, surface and groundwater
Spill Cleanup Methods: Sweep up or shovel spilled material into containers for recycling or disposal; avoid generating dust
Decontamination: Wash area after material pickup; provide ventilated conditions if dust forms
Waste Disposal: Dispose of according to regulatory standards; do not incinerate in open air
Handling and Storage
Handling: Use grounding and bonding to avoid static electricity; keep away from heat, flame, and strong oxidizers
Technical Measures: Process containers in well-ventilated zones
Safe Storage: Store in cool, dry place; keep containers tightly sealed; avoid direct sunlight and moisture
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents, organic peroxides
Further Information: Design storage areas with fire-resistant construction; keep clear labeling of containers
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust or general room ventilation to minimize dust and fumes
Exposure Limits: No established occupational limits for cured polybutadiene; monitor for dust in air
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses or goggles, gloves resistant to chemicals, protective work clothing
Respiratory Protection: Dust mask in areas with airborne particles, respirator if fumes develop with overheating
Hygiene Measures: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in work areas; wash hands before breaks and after handling rubber
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White to off-white solid bales or granules
Odor: Slight hydrocarbon odor or odorless
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: Softens at 80–120°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (polymer decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Above 210°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in aromatic and aliphatic solvents such as toluene
Density: 0.91–0.93 g/cm3
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperatures
Explosive Properties: Not explosive, but dust may form explosive mixtures with air
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Around 350°C
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature under normal conditions
Reactivity: Inert to most chemicals, will react with strong oxidizers
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, direct sunlight, static discharge
Hazardous Decomposition: May produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, smoke, hydrocarbons upon combustion
Polymerization: Will not occur under standard storage and use
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: No data indicate significant toxicity from cured polybutadiene
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged skin contact could cause dryness or irritation
Sensitization: Not known to be a dermal or respiratory sensitizer
Carcinogenicity: Polybutadiene itself is not classified as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Effects: Uncured monomer or certain impurities may pose risks, but are removed during production
Ecological Information
Persistence: Highly resistant to biodegradation; expected to remain in environment
Bioaccumulation: No evidence for significant bioaccumulation in wildlife
Mobility in Soil: Immobile as a solid, lighter than water
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic organisms
Ecotoxicological Comments: Fragmentation can result in microplastic formation, concern for soil and aquatic environments due to persistence
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Methods: Recycle whenever possible; otherwise, send to landfill in compliance with local regulations
Incineration: Can be incinerated in approved waste facility with controls for hydrocarbons
Packaging Disposal: Clean containers prior to disposal or recycling
Special Precautions: Avoid uncontrolled burning or dumping; strict adherence to environmental guidelines required
Transport Information
UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for transport under most global standards
Transport Labels: No hazard label required for solid rubber
Packing Group: Not applicable
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Transport Precautions: Keep away from strong oxidizing agents, sources of ignition during transit; transport in clean, closed containers to prevent contamination or spillage
Regulatory Information
Global Inventory Listings: Registered under major inventories (TSCA, EINECS/ELINCS, DSL, ENCS, AICS)
Regulatory Status: Does not meet threshold for hazardous chemical labeling in most jurisdictions
Restrictions: May face local restrictions regarding use in direct food contact, recycling, or environmental release
Workplace Regulation: Subject to regulations on occupational exposure to dust, general health and safety policies
Label Elements: Name, supplier, hazard summary, first aid instructions to appear on workplace labels
