Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Polybutene

Identification

Product Name: Polybutene
Chemical Family: Polyolefin
Synonyms: Polybutene-1, Poly-1-butene
CAS Number: 9003-28-5
Intended Use: Used in adhesives, sealants, hot melt, lubricants, electrical insulators, films, coatings, and as a plasticizer in various applications
Manufacturer: Commercial polybutene manufacturers, distributed globally for use in manufacturing and industrial applications
Emergency Contact: Local and national emergency services or poison centers (dial supplied number where available at facility)

Hazard Identification

Classification: Polybutene typically falls under non-hazardous categories under GHS; considered stable and low toxicity under normal use; risk increases with heating or improper use
Physical Hazards: Can become slippery when spilled; high-temperature product can cause thermal burns
Health Hazards: Inhalation of fumes from excessive heating can irritate eyes, nose, throat; prolonged skin contact may cause mild irritation
Environmental Hazards: Not acutely hazardous to aquatic environments; long-term, persistent presence may affect soil or water systems
Label Elements: No pictogram or signal word required for solid form, caution advised for melted, vaporized, or finely divided state

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Composition: Polybutene (poly-1-butene), average molecular weights vary by grade
Major Constituents: >99% Polybutene polymer
Additives: May contain antioxidants, processing aids (source varies by supplier)
Impurities: Trace residual monomers (<0.1%) and catalyst residues

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with mild soap and water; for skin contact with molten product, cool area immediately with water, do not attempt to peel solidified material from skin, seek medical attention
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water; remove contact lenses if present; seek care if irritation continues
Ingestion: Not intended for ingestion; if swallowed, rinse mouth, give water to drink, seek medical advice
Most Important Symptoms: Irritated skin, eyes, or respiratory tract, especially from fumes

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, CO₂
Unsuitable Media: Do not use direct water jet as it may spread molten material
Specific Hazards: Incomplete combustion can generate carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possible traces of hydrocarbons and aldehydes
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective equipment with self-contained breathing apparatus recommended
Thermal Decomposition: Releases irritating fumes above 280°C

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with molten or heated product; use proper PPE; slip hazard exists if spillage on walking surfaces
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, or watercourses; scrape up solid material for recycling or disposal
Cleanup Methods: Let solidify or absorb to recover spilled product, place in suitable containers for recovery or disposal
Airborne Release: Ventilate area if fine dust or heated vapors are present

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use with adequate ventilation; avoid generating dust or fumes; maintain good industrial hygiene; avoid contact with molten material; handle in accordance with best safety practices
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources and direct sunlight; do not store together with oxidizers or strong acids
Special Precautions: Store away from ignition sources; keep in original packaging or containers designed for thermoplastics

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific regulatory exposure limits for polybutene; monitor and control exposure to any off-gassing or vapors from heated product
Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust ventilation for processes generating vapor or dust
Personal Protection: Safety glasses, dust mask or respirator if dust or fumes are present, gloves for handling molten product; protective clothing
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking; remove contaminated clothing after use

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Clear to light yellow, viscous oily liquid or solid, depending on polymer grade
Odor: Mild or virtually odorless
Boiling Point: Not applicable (solid polymer)
Melting Point: About 110°C to 130°C for high molecular weight grades, lower for oligomeric liquid polybutenes
Solubility in Water: Practically insoluble
Flash Point: >200°C
Density: About 0.86–0.92 g/cm³, depends on grade and temperature
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
pH: Not applicable
Viscosity: Ranges from thick liquid to semi-solid, varies by molecular weight
Decomposition Temperature: Above 280°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions; may degrade upon prolonged heating above decomposition temperature
Incompatibility: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, sources of ignition
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, aldehydes
Reactivity: Will not occur under recommended storage and handling, no dangerous polymerization expected

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Not acutely toxic by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact (data on similar polyolefins support low hazard)
Skin Irritation: Prolonged or repeated contact may cause mild irritation, mainly from mechanical action
Eye Irritation: Dust or fumes may irritate; solid product unlikely to cause significant eye effects
Inhalation: Fumes from heating may irritate; prolonged or intense exposure to high-temperature vapors can cause temporary discomfort
Chronic Effects: No evidence of chronic toxicity, sensitization, or carcinogenicity in animal studies relevant to polyolefins

Ecological Information

Toxicity: Not acutely toxic to aquatic life; persistent in the environment due to long degradation time
Persistence and Degradability: Highly resistant to biodegradation; breaks down slowly by UV light exposure and atmospheric oxygen
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low due to large molecular size; unlikely to accumulate in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Immobile as solid or viscous liquid, no significant leaching to groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: May cause physical hazard to animals if ingested as solid lumps or films

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment: Recover, recycle, or dispose in accordance with local regulations; thermally treat in suitable incineration facility when recycling is not possible
Disposal of Packages: Clean, empty packaging may be recycled or disposed following local guidelines
Environmental Caution: Avoid uncontrolled disposal, especially to waterways, drains, or outdoor land

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous good
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated for transport by land, sea, or air under ADR, IMDG, or IATA
Special Precautions: Secure containers to prevent movement or spillage; protect from physical damage and high temperatures
Packing Group: No special requirement
Environmental Hazards: No marine pollutant designation

Regulatory Information

Labelling: Not required under GHS for bulk polymer; check for additional requirements specific to national jurisdictions
Inventory Listing: Polybutene listed on major chemical inventories including TSCA (US), DSL (Canada), EINECS (Europe), AICS (Australia)
Restrictions: Check for use restrictions or notification requirements under REACH, US EPA, and similar bodies for additives or processing aids attached to polybutene
Other Requirements: Employers may need to maintain workplace safety documentation as outlined under OSHA (US) or applicable regional legislation