Material Safety Data Sheet: Isoprene Rubber (IR)

Identification

Product Name: Isoprene Rubber (IR)
Chemical Name: Polyisoprene
CAS Number: 9003-31-0
Recommended Use: Tire manufacturing, footwear, adhesives, industrial rubber goods, latex products
Supplier Contact: Manufacturer or local distributor, emergency telephone numbers listed on packaging
Appearance: Pale yellow to off-white solid, may come in blocks, sheets, or pellets

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria
Main Hazards: Dust from processing may cause respiratory irritation; rubber vulcanization agents can cause skin or eye irritation; burning can liberate hazardous decomposition products
Label Elements: No required pictogram, signal word, or hazard statement in supplied form
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact with dust or vapors from processing
Potential Effects: Eye redness, respiratory discomfort, skin irritation possible with dust; no chronic toxicity in solid form
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhaling dust or fumes, wash hands after handling, use proper ventilation during processing

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Ingredient: Polyisoprene (C₅H₈)
Typical Content: Polyisoprene 95-100%
Additives: Trace levels of antioxidants, stabilizers, curing agents (vary by process)
Impurities: Minor quantities of solvent residues, unreacted monomers (if improperly cured), sulfur from vulcanization
Chemical Family: Synthetic polymer, elastomer

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air if exposed to dust or fumes, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek aid if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes, consult physician for ongoing discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting—seek medical advice for any symptoms
Note to Physicians: Treat symptomatically, specific antidotes not required

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam
Unsuitable Media: High pressure water jet may spread burning rubber
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritant smoke, organic vapors, possible traces of nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides
Fire-Fighter Protection: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Advice: Evacuate area, keep containers cool with water spray, prevent runoff from contaminating waterways

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Ventilate area, avoid dust creation, wear gloves and goggles if breakage or granulation occurs
Environmental Precautions: Sweep up solid rubber, prevent entry into drains or watercourses
Cleaning Methods: Collect mechanically, place in labeled containers for disposal or recycling, clean area with water and detergent
Spill Response: Not reactive with water—physical removal preferred

Handling and Storage

Handling: Wear suitable personal protective equipment during cutting, grinding, or processing
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from heat, ignition sources, and strong oxidizers
Packaging: Use original or approved alternative containers, avoid damaging packaging
Special Precautions: Protect from direct sunlight, keep away from food and drink, minimize mechanical stress to avoid dust and static buildup

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation during cutting, grinding, or vulcanization—especially when heating
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, dust mask or respirator as required
Occupational Exposure Limits: Not established for polyisoprene; follow local regulations regarding nuisance dusts
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, avoid eating or drinking during use, change soiled clothing promptly

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Solid
Color: Pale yellow to off-white
Odor: Mild rubber or slightly sweet
Melting Point: Softens at 50-65 °C, decomposes at higher temperatures
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in nonpolar organic solvents
Density: 0.89-0.93 g/cm³
Flash Point: >250 °C
Autoignition Temperature: ~350 °C
pH: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature
Reactivity: Not reactive with most substances in solid form
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, open flames, direct sunlight, strong oxidizers
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur under normal use
Decomposition Products: Thermal decomposition can release hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur compounds
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, chlorine compounds, peroxides

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: No significant toxicity in solid form
Chronic Effects: No evidence of sensitization with typical handling; vulcanization agents or additives can irritate skin/eyes
Routes of Entry: Inhalation of dust or fumes, skin and eye contact
Symptoms of Overexposure: Sneezing, coughing, irritation of eyes or skin from dust or fumes
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by IARC, OSHA, NTP
Mutagenicity and Teratogenicity: Studies show low potential under normal use
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Persons with pre-existing skin or respiratory conditions may experience increased irritation

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low environmental toxicity, not readily bioavailable
Persistence and Degradability: Not rapidly biodegradable, persists in environment for long periods
Bioaccumulative Potential: Unlikely due to high molecular weight
Mobility in Soil: Insoluble—tends to remain where released
Other Harmful Effects: Large quantities can cause physical hazards in waterways or soil; burning may release harmful smoke

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations
Recommended Disposal: Landfill or incineration at approved facilities—recycling programs may accept industrial scrap
Precautions: Do not burn in open air or dispose of into watercourses
Contaminated Packaging: Treat as solid industrial waste, recycle where possible

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Isoprene Rubber
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous for ground, sea, air transport
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions: Keep dry, prevent rough handling

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not regulated as hazardous chemical
TSCA Inventory Status: Listed
REACH Registration: Meets requirements, check supplier for compliance
SARA Title III: Not listed for hazardous chemicals
California Prop 65: Contains no substances known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity
Labeling Requirements: No mandatory hazard symbols needed for product as sold
Other Regulatory Status: Consult national and local regulations, workplace safety authorities may request site-specific controls based on process