Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Polyisobutylene

Identification

Product Name: Polyisobutylene
Chemical Family: Synthetic Rubber/Polyolefin Polymer
Synonyms: PIB, Butyl Rubber Homopolymer
CAS Number: 9003-27-4
Manufacturer: Various chemical suppliers and plastics manufacturers
Recommended Use: Compounding, adhesives, sealants, lubricants, cable insulation, packaging
Contact Information: Available from supplier Safety and Compliance Department

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS standards
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: Product considered non-hazardous under normal use; avoid excessive dust generation or fine particles
Precautionary Statements: Prevent inhalation of dust, avoid skin and eye contact
Potential Health Effects: May cause mild eye or skin irritation, inhalation of fine particles may cause respiratory irritation, ingesting large amounts could upset the stomach
Fire Hazard: Burns with difficulty, produces smoke and soot when ignited
Environmental Hazard: Not classified as environmentally hazardous but persistence may create physical obstructions in aquatic environments

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Polyisobutylene
CAS Number: 9003-27-4
Concentration: Over 99% (minor amounts of residual isobutylene or additives possible)
Impurities/Stabilizers: Traces of antioxidants or stabilizing agents, often less than 1%

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Eye Contact: Rinse slowly with plenty of water, remove contact lenses if present, continue flushing for several minutes, seek help if irritation continues
Skin Contact: Wash gently with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, get medical help for persistent redness or irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, consult physician if large quantities are swallowed or symptoms develop
Notes for Doctor: Treat symptomatically, no specific antidote

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, CO₂, or water spray; avoid high-pressure streams as molten material may splash
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known; standard agents effective
Specific Hazards: May release carbon oxides and hydrocarbons, dense smoke possible during fire
Special Firefighting Procedures: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothes, dike runoff to prevent entry to drains
Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, low molecular weight hydrocarbons

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear gloves and goggles, avoid creating airborne dust or fine particles
Environmental Precautions: Restrict product from entering drains, waterways, or soil, collect for disposal or recycling
Cleanup Methods: Collect spillage with shovel or vacuum, store in appropriate containers, wash area with water to remove residue
Disposal: See section on Disposal Considerations for further detail

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated area, avoid breathing dust, wear proper PPE for eyes and skin, keep containers closed when not in use, keep away from open flames and hot surfaces
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight, strong oxidizing agents, acids, and strong bases
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing substances, high heat
Technical Measures: Maintain good housekeeping to minimize dust buildup, store bulk material in lined bins or bins with covers

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Control Parameters: No established occupational exposure limits for polyisobutylene; minimize exposure to process dust
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation if generating dust or fumes, use process enclosures where feasible
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses with side shields, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing for bulk handling, dust mask or respirator if dust generation is possible
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, clean up spills promptly, change soiled clothing and wash before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow solid, sticky or rubbery
Physical State: Solid, viscoelastic
Odor: Faint, slightly petroleum-like
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point/Softening Point: 120°C to 130°C for high molecular weights, lower for low molecular weights
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: Over 300°C
Autoignition Temperature: About 350°C
Flammability: Will burn at high temperature
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Viscosity: Highly viscous depending on molecular weight
Density: Approximately 0.91-0.92 g/cm³ at 25°C
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): High logKow due to polymeric structure

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under normal ambient conditions
Hazardous Reactions: Combines exothermically with strong oxidizing agents
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged exposure to intense heat, sources of ignition
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers such as peroxides, nitric acid, concentrated sulfuric acid
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, low molecular weight hydrocarbons at high temperature or fire

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity by oral, skin, or inhalation routes; high molecular weight limits absorption
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Prolonged or repeated contact may cause mild irritation
Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause mild, reversible irritation
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Not known as a sensitizer
Mutagenicity/Genotoxicity: No evidence from standard testing
Carcinogenicity: No classification as carcinogen under IARC, NTP, or OSHA guidelines
Reproductive Effects: No reported effects in animal or workplace studies
Chronic Effects: Overexposure to dust may cause temporary respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be acutely toxic to aquatic or terrestrial life; persistence in environment due to lack of biodegradation
Mobility in Soil: Not mobile; hydrophobic and tends to remain where deposited
Persistence/Degradability: Resistant to biodegradation or photodecomposition
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate based on molecular size
Other Adverse Effects: Physical effects in aquatic systems if released as large pieces or pellets can cause obstruction or entanglement to wildlife

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Recover or recycle if possible, dispose at properly permitted landfill or incinerator, follow local and national regulations
Product Disposal: Do not discharge to natural waters or open environment, handle through licensed chemical waste disposal
Container Disposal: Rinse out container, puncture or crush before recycling or disposal, comply with local waste rules
Special Precautions: Avoid incineration with halogenated materials to prevent formation of toxic byproducts

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not hazardous for shipping
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not listed as marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Ship in tightly sealed containers, avoid sources of ignition during transport; protect from excessive heat and moisture

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Polyisobutylene not listed as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
TSCA: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
REACH: Registered as a polymer, monomer under REACH
SARA: Not a Section 313 chemical
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Present on DSL
WHMIS Classification: Not classified as controlled
State Regulations: Not subject to state-specific chemical right-to-know lists
Other Information: Observe any relevant workplace or national rules for synthetic elastomers and polymers