Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene

Identification

Product Name: Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene
Chemical Family: Synthetic Elastomer
Synonyms: CSM Rubber, Hypalon
Recommended Use: Rubber products, cable insulation, roofing membranes, specialty industrial items
Supplier Information: Manufacturer address and emergency telephone number available on packaging, direct source or supplier
CAS Number: 63231-66-3
UN Number: Not regulated (non-hazardous as shipped)

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Non-hazardous under normal handling
OSHA Hazards: Not classified as a hazardous material
Signal Word: None required
Hazard Statements: Exposure to fumes during overheating or burning can cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhaling fumes, avoid contact with open flame and excessive heat
Symptoms of Exposure: Irritation of eyes, skin, respiratory tract from decomposition products
Label Pictograms: Not applicable, product does not require labeling per GHS

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene, 100%
Chemical Formula: (C2H3Cl)x(C2H2ClSO2)y
Notable Additives: None in pure polymer, but finished product may include fillers, plasticizers, stabilizers
Impurities: Low molecular weight oligomers, trace manufacturing residues

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove from exposure area to fresh air, seek medical attention for symptoms or prolonged discomfort
Skin Contact: Wash with mild soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, consult a physician if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, seek medical advice if irritation develops
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical advice
Specific Treatment: Provide oxygen or artificial respiration for respiratory symptoms caused by fume inhalation
Notes for Doctor: Treat symptomatically, exposure to thermal decomposition products may aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: No restrictions known for this product type
Specific Hazards: Burning or overheating may emit hydrogen chloride, sulfur oxides, and phosgene gases
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Advice for Firefighters: Move containers from fire area if possible, apply cooling water to keep exposed containers below decomposition temperature, contain contaminated water runoff to prevent environmental contamination
Combustion Products: Hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, traces of phosgene

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear protective gloves, goggles, and appropriate clothing to prevent contact with decomposition products
Spill Cleanup: Collect granules or powder mechanically, avoid generating dust, ventilate enclosed areas adequately
Environmental Precautions: Prevent large quantities from entering drains or watercourses
Waste Disposal: Place cleanup residues in appropriate containers for safe disposal according to local regulations
Reporting Procedures: Notify authorities if significant release affects water systems or public areas

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid dust formation, use local exhaust ventilation at points of dust or fume generation, do not expose to open flames or high heat
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and exposed skin after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling polymer
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight, high heat, and incompatible chemicals (strong oxidizers, strong acids)
Specific Practices: Store away from food and drink products, keep away from heat sources

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits for base polymer found; observe any local workplace regulations. If processing at high temperatures, monitor for hydrogen chloride and sulfur dioxide (OSHA PEL HCl: 5 ppm, SO2: 5 ppm)
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures and local exhaust ventilation for operations generating dust or fumes
Personal Protection: Safety glasses with side shields, chemical-resistant gloves, and protective clothing recommended
Respiratory Protection: For insufficient ventilation or potential for fume exposure: use NIOSH-approved respirator suitable for acid gases
Environmental Controls: Use closed systems or local ventilation to protect environment from dust and process emissions

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white solid, pellets or powder
Odor: Negligible under normal conditions; may produce sharp acidic odor when decomposing
pH: Not applicable (insoluble in water)
Melting Point: Softens above 120°C (248°F)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (thermoplastic decomposition above 180°C/356°F)
Flash Point: Not determined (non-volatile solid)
Flammability: Not readily flammable; burns with difficulty
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in limited organic solvents
Density: 1.1 – 1.3 g/cm³
Viscosity: Not applicable (solid polymer)
Decomposition Temperature: Begins to decompose above 160°C (320°F)
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at normal temperature and storage conditions
Stability Note: Avoid thermal decomposition by keeping temperature below 150°C (302°F)
Hazardous Reactions: Reacts violently with strong oxidizers, may react with strong acids, avoid heat and flame
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, sulfur oxides, phosgene when exposed to heat or flame
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, organic peroxides, strong acids, alkali metals

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low; not expected to cause significant adverse effects at room temperature
Skin and Eye Contact: May cause mild irritation on prolonged exposure
Ingestion: Not likely route of exposure; may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort
Respiratory Exposure: Inhalation of dust or fumes from thermal decomposition can irritate respiratory tract
Chronic Effects: No evidence of chronic toxicity from regular handling; avoid repeated inhalation of thermal decomposition products
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutagenicity: No data suggesting mutagenic hazard in polymer form
Reproductive Toxicity: No data suggesting reproductive hazard under normal conditions

Ecological Information

Environmental Mobility: Product is not water soluble and tends to sink in aquatic environments
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, persists in soil and sediment
Bioaccumulative Potential: Expected to have low potential for bioaccumulation in typical exposure scenarios
Aquatic Toxicity: No major acute toxicity observed in aquatic organisms; excessive solid product may cause mechanical harm
Ecotoxicological Note: Avoid uncontrolled release to environment, follow regulations for any large spill response

Disposal Considerations

Waste Generation: Collect all scrap for recycling or disposal according to local regulations
Disposal Methods: Incineration in permitted facility or landfill in compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines
Packaging: Dispose of packaging in a responsible manner after emptying; check for regulations regarding plastic waste
Precautions for Disposal: Avoid incineration with general waste to limit formation of toxic combustion gases

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport by road (DOT), sea (IMDG), or air (IATA)
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous goods
Proper Shipping Name: Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene Compound
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions: Avoid high heat and physical damage during transit

Regulatory Information

US Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA): Listed
OSHA Hazard Communication: Material is not considered hazardous as defined
EU REACH: Registered or exempted where required
Canada DSL/NDSL: Listed
Other Regulations: Observe local, regional, and national environmental regulations regarding emissions and disposal
Labeling Requirements: No specific requirement for this chemical under current transport regulations, communicate safe handling procedures as part of workplace safety training