Material Safety Data Sheet: Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene Block Copolymer

Identification

Product Name: Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene Block Copolymer
Chemical Family: Thermoplastic Elastomer
Synonyms: SEBS
Recommended Use: Used for compounding, adhesives, sealants, coatings, and medical devices
Manufacturer: Contact details included on specific product label
Emergency Phone: Emergency information available through CHEMTREC or local response centers

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Physical Hazards: May form dust clouds that can explode with ignition; pellets and powders may cause slipping hazards
Health Hazards: Dust or fumes from processing can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
Environmental Hazards: No reliable evidence shows long-term adverse effects in the environment
Label Elements: No specific pictograms or hazard statements prescribed
Signal Word: None required

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene Block Copolymer
CAS Number: 66070-58-4
Content: 95% - 100% SEBS polymer
Other Ingredients: Additives like antioxidants, stabilizers, or mineral oils may be present in less than 5%
Impurities: Minimal levels of residual monomers

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air; seek medical advice if irritation or symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and plenty of water; for molten material, do not remove solidified polymer from skin, but seek medical assistance for burns
Eye Contact: Flush thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if easy to do; consult a doctor for persistent symptoms
Ingestion: Rinse mouth out and drink water; do not induce vomiting; consult a healthcare professional for discomfort
Important Symptoms: Irritation of respiratory system, eyes, skin; burns with molten product

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, CO₂
Unsuitable Media: None known under normal conditions
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, styrene monomers, hydrocarbons may form upon burning
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Fire/Explosion Risk: Dust accumulations may produce explosive mixture with air; handle to minimize dust generation

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use protective clothing and gear to prevent contact with molten polymer; avoid dust inhalation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains, sewers, or waterways to reduce environmental load
Cleaning Methods: Sweep up and collect material in suitable containers for disposal or recycling; wash affected area with water; ensure ventilation
Other Notes: Slippery when spilled; secure area to avoid falls

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation; avoid dust formation and contact with molten material; maintain good personal hygiene practices in work area
Technical Measures: Implement dust control measures where required; earth grounding helps prevent static build-up
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, and well-ventilated place away from heat and direct sunlight; protect from moisture and ignition sources
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, and bases may react with this polymer or degrade additives
Specific Use Advice: Follow standard polymer processing discipline for safety and cleanliness

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits for SEBS dusts; follow recommended general dust exposure limits (5 mg/m³ for respirable fraction, 15 mg/m³ for total dust)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation keeps dust and fumes below recommended levels
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses with side shields or goggles, gloves (heat resistant for molten operations), dust mask or respirator for dusty environments, protective clothing and footwear
Work Hygiene: Wash hands and skin with soap and water after handling; do not eat, smoke, or drink in work areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White or translucent granules, pellets, or powder
Odor: Weak hydrocarbon odor
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point/Range: Softening around 140–180°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable as decomposition occurs before boiling
Flash Point: Over 350°C (estimated)
Evaporation Rate: Not volatile under normal conditions
Flammability: Not readily flammable, but combusts with strong heat/spark
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in aromatic hydrocarbons
Vapor Density: Not relevant for solid polymer
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Above 400°C
Decomposition Temperature: Begins above 300°C
Viscosity: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal usage and storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, strong oxidizers, buildup of dust clouds
Incompatible Materials: Powerful oxidizing and reducing agents, strong acids and bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, low levels of hydrocarbons, possible styrene monomers on burning or decomposition
Polymerization Risk: Product is not self-reactive or subject to hazardous polymerization

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Dust inhalation or contact with skin/eyes during handling or processing
Acute Toxicity: Product displays low toxicity; no significant effects at normal exposure levels
Skin Contact: Pellets or powder may cause mild irritation; burns possible if molten material contacts skin
Eye Contact: Mechanical irritation possible from pellets, dust, or smoke
Inhalation: Vapors or dust may irritate respiratory system; fumes from overheating or decomposition can cause headaches, dizziness
Ingestion: Unlikely exposure under normal conditions; can cause discomfort
Chronic Effects: No known long-term systemic effects; no carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity detected for the polymer itself

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: No evidence of significant hazard in water environments at typical concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Material degrades slowly in the environment; not readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation Potential: Polymer structure resists bioaccumulation according to current knowledge
Soil and Water Mobility: Insoluble in water; sinks in most aquatic settings
Other Ecological Impacts: Large spills can pose physical hazards to wildlife; microplastic attention focuses on downstream use and disposal

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of material by recycling whenever possible; local regulations may allow landfill or incineration in approved facilities
Special Precautions: Incinerate at temperatures above 800°C with proper filtration to avoid emissions; avoid uncontrolled burning, minimize dust emissions
Container Disposal: Completely empty containers before disposal or recycling; follow local and national rules on plastics waste
Additional Guidance: Consult municipal waste management regulations for best practices; avoid release to surface water

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated under ADR, IMDG, ICAO/IATA
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Secure loads to prevent movement; avoid container damage; minimize dust release during loading and unloading

Regulatory Information

Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Product is not classified as dangerous or hazardous according to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, or relevant European directives
Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA, EINECS/ELINCS, DSL, AICS, and other chemical inventories worldwide
Label Requirements: Not subject to special hazard labelling
Chemical Restrictions: Local, state, or country-specific restrictions may apply for additives or contaminants, particularly in food-contact or medical applications
Other Regulatory Notes: Always confirm product compliance with local and sector-specific legislation (medical, toys, food packaging) where product is intended for sensitive use