Material Safety Data Sheet for Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR)

Identification

Product Name: Styrene Butadiene Rubber
Synonyms: SBR, Buna-S, Polystyrene-butadiene copolymer
Recommended Use: Tire manufacturing, footwear, adhesives, conveyor belts, gaskets, seals
Manufacturer/Distributor: Industrial chemical suppliers
Emergency Contact: Refer to local emergency response services
CAS Number: 9003-55-8
UN Number: Not regulated under UN numbers for transport
Contact Address: Refer to supplier documentation or label for address and telephone information

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS
Physical State: Solid, either in bales, blocks, or granules
Color: Off-white, tan, or light brown
Odor: Slight rubber-like, sometimes faint petroleum odor
Main Health Hazards: Dust from processing or manual handling may cause respiratory irritation; skin contact may lead to mild irritation in sensitive individuals
Environmental Hazards: Not considered an environmental hazard under typical use; residues or spills can contribute to microplastic pollution
Specific Hazards: Contains trace levels of unreacted styrene and butadiene, both of which can be harmful at high exposures
Signal Word: None required for finished rubber, but take caution with dust and processing fumes

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Styrene-Butadiene Copolymer: 95-100%
Styrene CAS: 100-42-5
Butadiene CAS: 106-99-0
Fillers, Oils, Additives: Up to 10% (carbon black, processing oil, antioxidant, zinc oxide, stearic acid may be present in minor concentrations)
Hazardous Impurities: Trace levels of residual monomers, primarily styrene and butadiene, below regulatory limits

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air if fumes or dust cause discomfort; seek medical aid if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water; remove and clean contaminated clothing; persistent irritation needs attention from a doctor
Eye Contact: Flush with clean water for several minutes; remove contact lenses and continue rinsing; medical assessment advised for continued irritation
Ingestion: Unlikely route due to physical state; rinse mouth and consult medical help if large pieces swallowed
Important Symptoms: Shortness of breath, cough, skin or eye redness in sensitive individuals
Notes for Physicians: Treat symptomatically, monitor for allergic reaction if patient has a history of sensitivity to rubbers or synthetic elastomers

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, CO₂, water spray
Unsuitable Media: Avoid high-pressure water jet, which can spread burning material
Hazardous Combustion Products: Release of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, low levels of hydrocarbons, smoke, small amounts of nitrogen and sulfur oxides
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full-body protective suit
Special Hazards: Fumes from decomposition or incomplete combustion can irritate respiratory tract; large piles or dust may lead to flash fire risk
Advice for Firefighters: Cool storage containing SBR with water from a safe distance; prevent runoff from entering watercourses

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves, dust mask, and eye protection if processing dust is present
Environmental Precautions: Avoid allowing granules or pieces into waterways or drains
Methods for Cleaning Up: Collect spilled material using mechanical sweepers or shovels; avoid creating airborne dust; store in suitable containers for reuse or disposal
Reference to Other Sections: Refer to handling, storage, and disposal information for safe collection and disposal practices

Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize dust generation and release; use in well-ventilated areas; avoid smoking, eating, or drinking during use
Technical Measures: Provide local exhaust when cutting, grinding, or otherwise processing SBR
Fire/Explosion Prevention: Keep away from open flame and hot surfaces; regular housekeeping to avoid dust accumulation
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; protect from direct sunlight and sources of ignition; keep away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents
Packaging Materials: Store in original or compatible containers; strong bags, cartons, or bales

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV for particulate matter or rubber dust (typically 10 mg/m³ total dust)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation for dust and fume control during processing
Personal Protection: Industrial gloves, long sleeves, and pants for regular handling; dust masks (N95 type or better) and safety goggles when processing generates dust or fumes
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands with soap after handling; do not take contaminated work clothing home; avoid skin contact
Environmental Controls: Equipment to trap dust and vent fumes, regular inspection of filters and exhaust systems

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Solid material in granular, crumb, or bale form; tan to light brown
Odor: Slight, rubbery or hydrocarbon
pH: Not applicable (solid material)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Melting/Softening Point: Softens at 50–100°C
Flash Point: Above 200°C (decomposition starts)
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Specific Gravity: 0.95–1.0
Partition Coefficient: Not established
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: Begins around 250°C
Viscosity: Not applicable in solid state

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under ambient conditions; no hazardous polymerization expected
Reactive Conditions: High heat or open flame can cause thermal decomposition
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, some acids and bases which may degrade polymer
Decomposition Products: Smoke, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, traces of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons
Hazardous Reactions: None under normal processing and storage
Shelf Life: Several years if stored properly without prolonged exposure to UV radiation or high heat

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: No acute toxicity expected from normal handling of finished rubber products
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Minor irritation possible from direct, repeated contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: Dust or fragments may cause mechanical eye irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Processing dust and fumes might irritate airways in sensitive individuals
Carcinogenicity: SBR itself is not classified as carcinogenic; residual unreacted butadiene and styrene both have carcinogenic risks at high exposure levels, mostly minimized in finished rubber
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure to processing dust or fumes should follow occupational health guidelines
Other Effects: Skin sensitization, eczema, or contact dermatitis has been reported in rare cases for workers with prolonged exposure

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Not acutely toxic, but persistent in the environment
Mobility in Soil: Immobile in solid state; granules or crumbs may remain on soil surface or become embedded
Persistence/Degradability: SBR is slow to degrade; environmental persistence of synthetic polymers is well documented
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to accumulate in the food chain
Known Side Effects: Contribution to microplastic pollution from leaks, spills, or wear particles
Other Effects: Wildlife may ingest rubber fragments by mistake, possibly causing blockages or internal injury

Disposal Considerations

Waste Management: Preferred disposal is recycling through approved rubber reclaimers or energy recovery in combustion systems with suitable emissions controls
Landfill Disposal: Permitted in accordance with local and national regulations, but long-term environmental impact of SBR in landfill debated
Incineration: Suitable at facilities designed for polymers, with attention to smoke control and recovery of energy resources
Contaminated Packaging: Ensure containers are empty or cleaned before disposal; follow regional packaging waste regulations
Regulatory Compliance: Hazardous waste status unlikely, but may change if contaminated with other hazardous substances during use

Transport Information

UN Number: Not assigned for finished SBR
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated as dangerous goods
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Shipping Labels: No specific requirements for finished SBR
Special Precautions: Keep dry and protected from direct sunlight during transit; prevent bulk movement from generating dust
International Transport Regulations: Not classified as hazardous by IATA, IMDG, or DOT for most forms of SBR

Regulatory Information

Occupational Health and Safety: Follow OSHA Particulates Not Otherwise Classified (PNOC) guidelines; industrial use within prescribed exposure limits
TSCA Status: Listed in the US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
REACH Status: Registered for import and use in the European Union
Other Country Inventories: Registered and compliant with primary chemical regulations in most manufacturing regions
Labeling Requirements: Finished rubber not generally subject to hazard labeling; monomer or fume exposures may require hazard communication
Restrictions: Finished product use not generally restricted; attention required for disposal and recycling under regional waste directives
Right-to-Know Information: Any additives, processing oils, or residual monomers must be disclosed under workplace hazard communication laws