Bromobutyl Rubber (BIIR) — Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: Bromobutyl Rubber (BIIR)
Chemical Family: Synthetic rubber, Halogenated Butyl
CAS Number: 68649-30-9
Synonyms: Brominated Isobutylene-Isoprene Rubber, BIIR, HT-1066
Manufacturer/Supplier: Standard chemical industry supplier or distributor name
Recommended Use: Tire tubes, pharmaceutical closures, inner liners, adhesives, sealants
Emergency Phone: Local poison control or supplier emergency contact

Hazard Identification

Classification: Usually regarded as non-hazardous in its solid, finished form
GHS Label Elements: Not classified as hazardous under GHS; static-dust concerns may apply during processing
Physical Hazards: May burn at high temperatures; dust from grinding or processing may irritate eyes and respiratory tract
Health Hazards: Molten material can cause thermal burns, inhalation of fumes during processing may cause mild respiratory irritation
Environmental Hazards: Not considered acutely toxic to the environment, but does not degrade quickly
Other Hazards: Accumulated dust can create a slipping hazard on floors

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Bromobutyl Rubber (BIIR)
Chemical Composition: Brominated copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene
Percentage: Typically 98%-99% BIIR, minor residual isoprene, processing aids or fillers less than 2%
Impurities/Stabilizers: Processing oils, carbon black, antidegradants in finished products may vary by manufacturer

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air if exposed to fumes; seek medical attention with respiratory distress
Skin Contact: If hot or molten material contacts skin, cool immediately with water, do not peel off; seek medical advice for burns
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water if particles or dust get into eyes, consult a doctor if irritation persists
Ingestion: Unlikely to be ingested in typical settings, but rinse mouth and seek medical help if necessary
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically for irritation or burns

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, water spray, carbon dioxide; avoid high-pressure water streams directly on fire
Hazards from Combustion: Produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, bromine compounds, hydrogen bromide, small amounts of organic smoke and other unknown compounds
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear
Specific Fire Hazards: Dust created from fine particles can pose fire/explosion risk in confined areas; molten material may flow and spread fire
Advice for Firefighters: Move containers from fire area if possible, cool with water spray to avoid bursting due to heat

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear appropriate protective clothing, gloves, and eye/face protection to avoid skin and eye contact if material is hot
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into drains and waterways, contain spilled product using inert absorbent or barriers
Methods for Clean Up: Pick up mechanically for disposal or recycling; for dust or small particles, vacuum rather than sweeping to avoid secondary dust clouds
Reference to Other Sections: See disposal and exposure controls

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use recommended engineering controls when heating or processing rubber; avoid generating and inhaling dust; handle molten product with caution to avoid burns
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sun, oxidizers, and ignition sources; keep packaging sealed until use; avoid stacking heavy loads on pallets
Special Precautions: Avoid conditions leading to accumulation of static electricity; keep incompatible chemicals and solvents away

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No specific workplace exposure limit for BIIR; monitor dust and fume levels during thermal processing
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation for processes generating fumes or dust; maintain general workplace ventilation
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety gloves, goggles, and long sleeves for hot work; use respiratory protection in poorly ventilated areas; wear protective footwear in production areas
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Solid, typically as bales or sheets
Color: Off-white to light brown, may be black with added carbon black
Odor: Mild, rubber-like
Density: 0.92-1.2 g/cm³ depending on additives
Melting Point: Softens at 50-90°C, decomposes above 300°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, swells in many organic solvents
Flash Point: Approximates 300°C
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Around 400°C
Flammability: Burns only with external source of flame
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal ambient and storage conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Hazardous polymerization unlikely; intense heat, open flame, or strong oxidizing agents may initiate decomposition
Conditions to Avoid: High heat, flame exposure, oxidative chemicals, UV-light over extended periods
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents (e.g., chlorine, peroxides), acids, halogens
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, smoke, hydrogen bromide, brominated organic compounds under fire

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Solid product considered non-toxic by ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact; processing fumes may cause mild respiratory irritation
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: No known skin hazard for solid form; molten product causes burns on contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Dust or fumes may cause temporary irritation; serious injury rare
Respiratory Sensitization: Not a known sensitizer, dust and fumes may cause irritation
Carcinogenicity: No components known as human carcinogens; carbon black additive may be classified by IARC if present in respirable form
Other Effects: No evidence of mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, teratogenic effects in studies for base polymer

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not considered acutely hazardous for aquatic or terrestrial life; does not leach significant toxins in solid state
Persistence and Degradability: Slow to biodegrade, may persist in the environment for decades
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, due to insolubility and physical form
Mobility in Soil: Essentially immobile in solid state; can be found in waste or landfill sites
Other Adverse Effects: Physical debris may affect wildlife if not properly disposed

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Landfill or controlled incineration in compliance with local regulations; avoid open burning or uncontrolled disposal
Recycling: Possible through mechanical recycling or reprocessing by specialized facilities
Special Precautions: Remove all contaminating substances before recycling; do not dispose in watercourses

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as a hazardous material for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not applicable
Transport Hazard Classes: Not classified as hazardous for land, sea, or air transport
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Protect packaging from physical damage and sunlight; avoid stacking to prevent deformation of rubber bales

Regulatory Information

Inventory Status: Listed on major chemical inventory lists (TSCA, EINECS, ENCS, etc.)
OSHA Regulation: Not regulated as a hazardous material under OSHA standard for solid rubber
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting requirements for Section 302, 304, or 313
DSL Status (Canada): Listed
REACH Status (EU): Compliant for manufacture and use in commercial products
Other Regulations: Product-specific regulations may exist based on region, especially for use in food-contact or pharmaceutical applications