Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Fluorocarbon Rubber

Identification

Product Name: Fluorocarbon Rubber
Chemical Family: Fluoroelastomer
Product Use: Seals, gaskets, O-rings, chemical resistant parts
Manufacturer: Supplier’s information should include address and emergency contact
Other Names: FKM, Viton, Fluoroelastomer Rubber

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard; can decompose and release toxic gases at high temperatures
Health Hazards: Fumes from decomposition may cause irritation to respiratory tract, eyes, and skin
Fire and Explosion Hazards: Can produce hydrogen fluoride and carbonyl fluoride under fire conditions
Environmental Hazards: May persist in the environment; not readily biodegradable
Physical Hazards: Solid at room temperature, slippery surface may cause slipping accidents
Label Elements: According to GHS, not a dangerous good under standard storage

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Composition: Copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene, proprietary additives may be present
CAS Number: 9011-17-0 (typical for base polymer)
Other Components: Fillers such as carbon black and processing aids
Percentage by Weight: FKM base polymer up to 80%, filler and other additives up to 20%

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, consult a physician if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes, consult an eye specialist
Ingestion: Seek immediate medical attention, do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel
High-Temperature Decomposition Exposure: Move victim to fresh air, monitor for respiratory issues, medical examination recommended

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water stream may scatter molten rubber, avoid use
Special Hazards: Thermal decomposition can release hydrogen fluoride, carbonyl fluoride, and other toxic gases
Special Fire Fighter Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing, avoid inhaling decomposition products
Fire/Explosion Hazard: Low risk except under extreme heat, in a confined space buildup of toxic gases possible

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Ventilate area, use personal protective equipment to avoid contact with dust or fumes
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering drains, water courses
Methods for Containment: Sweep up solid material, avoid creating dust
Cleanup Procedures: Collect for disposal in appropriate storage containers, dispose in compliance with local regulations
Decontamination: Wash area with plenty of water, check for possible residues

Handling and Storage

Handling: Operate with local ventilation when processing at high temperatures, avoid dust generation, handle according to standard industrial hygiene
Storage: Store away from sources of heat and ignition, keep in cool, dry, ventilated area, keep container closed
Storage Temperature Range: Do not store above 40°C for extended periods
Incompatibility: Strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents
Other Precautions: Avoid contamination, prevent spills, keep separate from incompatible materials

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits for unprocessed rubber; decomposition products such as hydrogen fluoride have strict limits (OSHA PEL 3 ppm for HF)
Engineering Controls: Utilize local exhaust ventilation or process enclosure, especially at high temperatures
Personal Protective Equipment: Protective gloves resistant to chemicals, goggles, protective clothing
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved respirator for high temperature operations or dust generation
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat or drink inside work area, remove contaminated clothing before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Solid, forms as sheets, pellets, or molded parts, typically black
Odor: Nearly odorless in solid state
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: Begins to decompose at temperatures around 250°C and above
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water, swells in some organic solvents
Specific Gravity: Ranges from 1.8 to 2.0
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable, decomposition can occur before ignition
Other Properties: Excellent chemical and thermal resistance

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable at ambient conditions under recommended storage and use
Reactivity: Inert under normal conditions, can react with strong acids, bases, and oxidizers
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged exposure to extreme heat, open flames
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen fluoride, carbonyl fluoride, perfluoroisobutylene, carbon oxides, and other toxic substances
Polymerization: No hazardous polymerization expected

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Not acutely toxic in standard forms; decomposition fumes harmful
Chronic Toxicity: No evidence of chronic effects when handled properly
Inhalation: Inhalation of dust or decomposition gases can cause respiratory irritation
Skin Contact: May cause irritation or redness with prolonged exposure
Eye Contact: Irritation possible with dust or fumes
Carcinogenicity: Not classed as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Sensitization: No evidence of skin sensitization from product as supplied

Ecological Information

Persistence and Degradability: Low biodegradability; highly persistent in soil and water
Bioaccumulation Potential: Limited, given high molecular weight; additives may present a different profile
Aquatic Toxicity: Not expected to impact aquatic life in solid form, breakdown products can be toxic
Potential Environmental Impact: Emissions from improper incineration or disposal can harm air and water quality
Mobility in Soil: Relatively immobile; can remain where deposited
Other Effects: Avoid entry into waterways and drains to reduce long-term environmental buildup

Disposal Considerations

Waste Management: Dispose of via licensed waste contractor, follow government and local regulations
Method of Disposal: Incinerate at high temperature in facilities equipped for gas scrubbing to neutralize hydrogen fluoride
Recycling: Uncontaminated scrap material can be recycled; consult facilities capable of handling specialized rubber recycling
Packaging Disposal: Should be empty and cleaned before recycling or disposal, follow environmental guidelines
Special Precautions: Do not burn in open air, avoid dumping in landfills where possible

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for transportation
Transport Hazard Class: None classified
Packing Group: None required
Shipping Name: Fluorocarbon Rubber articles or products
Special Transport Precautions: Protect from heat and rough handling; ensure containers remain sealed
International Transport: Not classified as dangerous goods under IMDG, IATA, ADR codes

Regulatory Information

Workplace Regulations: Subject to chemical substances regulations in many countries
Labeling Requirements: No specific labeling required, but decomposition products such as hydrogen fluoride are controlled
Safety, Health and Environmental Regulations/Legislation: TSCA (USA), REACH (EU), and other global chemical inventories list basic ingredients
Other Regulatory Status: Not classified as hazardous under GHS in unprocessed form; hazardous when exposed to extreme heat
Reporting Requirements: Accidental releases resulting in significant environmental or personal health impact require immediate reporting to authorities