Material Safety Data Sheet: Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Block Copolymer

Identification

Product Name: Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Block Copolymer
Chemical Family: Synthetic Thermoplastic Elastomer
Chemical Formula: Not applicable (polymeric mixture)
Synonyms: SBS, Thermoplastic Elastomer SBS, Hard Rubber SBS
Manufacturer Contact: See packaging or shipping documents for supplier information, with emergency phone numbers available on labels and transport documents.
Recommended Use: Shoe soles, adhesives, sealants, asphalt modification, cable insulation, bitumen modification, polymer compounding, plastic modification, various molded or extruded rubber products.

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous by the GHS for most uses; consult local regulations for region-specific information.
Physical Hazards: Material can accumulate static charge in handling; dust can be explosive if finely divided.
Health Hazards: Inhalation of fumes from thermal decomposition may cause headache, nausea, and irritation of respiratory tract. Prolonged skin contact with powder or dust can dry or irritate skin.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation if processed at high temperatures; eye or skin contact with dust or granules; ingestion is not expected under normal conditions.
Chemical Reactivity: Inert under standard ambient conditions.
Pictogram: None.
Signal Word: None.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust and fumes. Use only in well-ventilated areas. Reduce dust generation within processing zones.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Components: Styrene block copolymer (typically 60–75%), Butadiene block polymer (typically 25–40%)
CAS Number (styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer): 9003-55-8
Impurities or Additives: May include trace antioxidants or stabilizers (< 1%) added during polymerization or pelletization; proprietary content from specific manufacturers possible; no hazardous components above reportable thresholds for GHS labeling.
Substances Present: No known major hazardous impurities present under standard industrial grades.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air away from exposure to fumes or dust; seek medical attention if symptoms persist, such as coughing, dizziness, or respiratory irritation.
Skin Contact: Gently wash skin with water and soap; remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical advice if redness, pain, or rash develops.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately, holding eyelids open with clean water for at least 15 minutes; avoid rubbing eyes. See a physician if irritation or blurred vision develops.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; drink water to clear throat and mouth. No significant health risk expected. Seek medical help if large amounts are swallowed or if symptoms occur.
Special Notes: Persons exposed to smoke from burning material should be monitored for delayed symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, or headaches.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flammability: Product is combustible; in the presence of strong ignition sources and sufficient oxygen, the material can burn.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, and foam are effective. Water fog is useful to cool containers.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid high-pressure water jets, which could disperse burning material.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Burning will produce dense smoke; possible toxic vapors include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and traces of hydrocarbons.
Fire-Fighter Precautions: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear. Isolate fire area and move containers if safe.
Explosion Risk: Dust clouds of powder in confined spaces may cause an explosion if ignited.
Specific Hazards: Runoff from fire control can cause pollution.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use protective gloves, safety goggles, and suitable respirator if dust or fumes are present. Eliminate ignition sources.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent pellets, dust, or granules from entering drains or open water. Sweep or collect spillage to prevent environmental damage.
Methods for Clean-Up: Collect mechanically by sweeping or vacuuming with explosion-proof equipment. Minimize airborne dust and static.
Containment: Barricade area during cleanup; isolate spill area to reduce risk of slips and static discharge.
Disposal: Place recovered material in suitable, properly labeled containers for recycling or disposal according to local waste regulations.

Handling and Storage

Handling Precautions: Wear protective equipment to avoid skin and eye contact; ground material handling equipment to dissipate static charge. Do not eat, drink, or smoke nearby. Handle in areas with good ventilation.
Bulk Handling: Control dust formation; avoid mechanical impact, which could fragment pellets into powder.
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated places, away from strong oxidizers, heat, or open flames. Protect from sunlight to reduce risk of material degradation.
Special Precautions: Avoid contact with hot surfaces, and keep containers tightly closed.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits for SBS polymer. For dust, follow nuisance dust exposure limits (e.g., OSHA PEL 15 mg/m³ total, 5 mg/m³ respirable fraction).
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne dust below recommended levels. Explosion-proof electrical fittings recommended in dusty environments.
Personal Protective Equipment: Use particulate respirators (NIOSH approved) if dust or fumes are generated. Wear chemical-resistant gloves to avoid skin contact. Protective eyewear or safety goggles shield eyes from dust or accidental contact.
General Hygiene: Wash hands before breaks or meals. Take off contaminated clothing to prevent skin exposure.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white, translucent, rubber-like pellets or granules.
Odor: Low, faint, hydrocarbon resin-like smell.
Molecular Weight: Ranges (average 50,000–200,000 g/mol), varies by grade.
pH: Not applicable.
Melting Point/Softening Point: 180°F–250°F (82–120°C), depending on polymer type.
Boiling Point: Not applicable.
Flash Point: >380°F (>193°C) (closed cup for base polymer).
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in certain organic solvents (aromatic hydrocarbons, cyclohexane, toluene, THF).
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature.
Vapor Density: Not applicable.
Partition Coefficient: Not determined.
Auto-Ignition Temperature: >750°F (>400°C).
Decomposition Temperature: Begins above 650°F (343°C).
Relative Density: 0.93–1.05 g/cm³ (varies by grade).
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable.
Viscosity: Not applicable for pellets.

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at normal temperatures and pressures under recommended conditions.
Reactivity: Inert to most chemicals under ambient conditions.
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid excessive heat, open flames, strong sunlight, and sources of strong oxidizers.
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizing agents (peroxides, acids), chlorinated hydrocarbons may degrade material.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: On fire or thermal decomposition, forms carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons.
Polymerization: Will not occur spontaneously.
Corrosivity: Not corrosive under any handling condition.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: No data suggests SBS polymer causes toxicity in normal handling; LD₅₀ not determined due to low biological activity.
Chronic Toxicity: Overexposure to fumes from burning may cause delayed effects on central nervous system, respiratory system irritation.
Skin Contact: Prolonged exposure can cause slight irritation or dryness.
Eye Contact: Dust can cause mechanical irritation.
Inhalation: Fumes from heating or burning may cause dizziness, headache, or respiratory discomfort.
Carcinogenicity: No component listed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA for standard industrial grades.
Mutagenicity / Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence or reports of SBS causing genetic or reproductive harm.
Sensitization: Does not sensitize skin or respiratory tract.
Target Organs: None identified in typical occupational exposures.
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Pre-existing conditions affected by dust (asthma).

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Product presents low hazard to aquatic or terrestrial life; physical effects possible if pellets enter natural watercourses, causing foam, physical blockage, or ingestion by wildlife.
Persistence: Material degrades slowly; may remain environmental for extended periods if released uncontrolled.
Bioaccumulation: Does not bioaccumulate in organisms due to large molecular size.
Mobility in Soil: Immobile as solid; does not readily dissolve or migrate.
Other Information: Incineration or landfill disposal keeps material out of aquatic systems; recycling routes exist for industrially collected scrap.

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Recycle if reasonably feasible; dispose as non-hazardous industrial waste at licensed facility if recycling is impractical.
Incineration: Possible in approved chemical incinerators; use pollution control devices to prevent toxic release.
Landfill: Send to permitted landfill, minimizing dust and pellet release into open environment.
Special Precautions: Do not release into waterways. Check for contaminants on scrap.
Regulatory Waste Status: Material is non-hazardous per US RCRA; local, national codes may vary based on additives or contamination during use.
Container: Dispose of contaminated containers according to local regulations.

Transport Information

Shipping Name: Not regulated for transport under UN, IMDG, IATA codes.
Hazard Class: Not classified.
Packaging Requirements: Ship in well-sealed, sturdy containers to prevent spillage. Use dry packaging to prevent clumping or adhesion.
Special Requirements: Keep away from ignition sources and strong oxidizers during transit.
Labels: No hazard label required under international transport regulations for bulk form.
Emergency Guide: Use standard procedures for non-hazardous plastic products in transit incidents.

Regulatory Information

Inventory Status: Main components listed on major regulatory inventories (TSCA, REACH, EINECS, DSL).
Safety, Health, Environmental Regulations: Product is not subject to special control under OSHA Hazardous Chemical regulations, SARA Title III, or CERCLA at industrial use levels unless contaminated or mixed with hazardous substances.
Labeling Requirements: No hazards requiring label under GHS unless additives present.
Other Compliance Issues: End-use or modification with hazardous additives changes regulatory status; check downstream requirements for manufacturing and distribution.
Community Right-To-Know: Not regulated by emergency planning standards at federal level in US.
California Prop 65: Not listed under Prop 65 list for carcinogens or reproductive toxins.
REACH Restrictions: Not listed on Annex XVII restrictions or Authorisation List.