We unleash your business potential by maximize the business innovation.
Send EmailTechnically Specified Rubber, Natural Rubber, Africa Rubber, NR, TSR, TSR 10, TSR 20, 9006-04-6
Technically Specified Rubber / TSR / TSR 10 / TSR 20 / Natural Rubber / NR
CAS Number: 9006-04-6
EINECS: 232-674-7
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Technically Specified Rubber (TSR) - Africa |
| Other Names | TSR, Natural Rubber (NR), African Rubber |
| CAS Number | 9006-04-6 |
| EINECS | 232-674-7 |
| Chemical Formula | (C₅H₈)ₙ |
| Molecular Weight | Variable (depends on degree of polymerization) |
| Chemical Class | Natural rubber (polyisoprene) |
| Appearance | Pressed bales, medium to dark brown depending on grade |
| Odor | Characteristic rubber odor |
| Density | 0.92 - 0.94 g/cm³ |
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | ~ -70°C |
| Standard | ISO 2000:2014 (International Standard for Technically Specified Rubber) |
Technically Specified Rubber (TSR) from Africa is a natural rubber produced in West African countries including Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Cameroon, and Liberia. These countries are significant producers of natural rubber, with production primarily concentrated in smallholder farms and large plantations. African TSR grades are classified according to international standards (ISO 2000:2014) based on technical specifications including dirt content, ash content, nitrogen content, volatile matter, and Mooney viscosity. The grading system follows the TSR (Technically Specified Rubber) convention. The main African TSR grades are TSR 10 (medium grade) and TSR 20 (economic grade). African TSR grades are comparable to STR 10/20, SMR 10/20, SVR 10/20, and SIR 10/20 grades from other producing countries. African rubber is increasingly recognized in global markets for its competitive pricing and growing quality consistency.
| Grade | Quality Level | Dirt Content (max) | Ash Content (max) | Nitrogen Content (max) | Volatile Matter (max) | Mooney Viscosity | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSR 10 | Medium Grade | 0.10% | 1.00% | 0.60% | 0.80% | 60 ± 5 | Automotive tires, industrial rubber products |
| TSR 20 | Economic Grade | 0.20% | 1.00% | 0.60% | 0.80% | 55 ± 5 | General-purpose tires, low-cost rubber products |
Grade Definitions:
TSR 10 (Medium Grade): Medium quality grade with dirt content (0.10%) and ash content (1.00%). Used in automotive tires, industrial rubber products, and applications where a balance of quality and cost is required. Mooney viscosity is 60 ± 5. Medium brown in color.
TSR 20 (Economic Grade): Economic quality grade with higher dirt (0.20%) and ash (1.00%) content. Most cost-effective grade. Used in general-purpose tires and low-cost rubber products where cost is the primary consideration. Mooney viscosity is 55 ± 5. Darker brown in color.
Detailed Quality Parameters by Grade:
| Parameter | Unit | TSR 10 | TSR 20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dirt Content (max) | % wt | 0.10 | 0.20 |
| Ash Content (max) | % wt | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Nitrogen Content (max) | % wt | 0.60 | 0.60 |
| Volatile Matter (max) | % wt | 0.80 | 0.80 |
| Mooney Viscosity (ML 1+4 at 100°C) | MU | 60 ± 5 | 55 ± 5 |
| Color | - | Medium brown | Darker brown |
| Packaging | - | Pressed bales, 33.33 kg | Pressed bales, 33.33 kg |
Explanation of Key Parameters:
Dirt Content: Impurities such as sand, bark, and foreign matter. Lower is better for premium applications. TSR 10 has lower dirt content (0.10%) compared to TSR 20 (0.20%).
Ash Content: Inorganic residue after combustion. Indicates mineral contamination. Both grades have a maximum of 1.00%.
Nitrogen Content: Protein content indicator. Both grades have a maximum of 0.60%.
Volatile Matter: Moisture and volatiles. High levels can cause porosity in finished products. Both grades have a maximum of 0.80%.
Mooney Viscosity: Resistance to flow. TSR 10 has higher viscosity (60 ± 5) indicating higher molecular weight and better mechanical properties. TSR 20 has lower viscosity (55 ± 5).
| Property | TSR 10 | TSR 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Quality Level | Medium | Economic |
| Dirt Content | Low (0.10%) | Higher (0.20%) |
| Ash Content | Medium (1.00%) | Medium (1.00%) |
| Mooney Viscosity | 60 ± 5 | 55 ± 5 |
| Color | Medium brown | Darker brown |
| Price | Moderate | Lowest |
| Primary Applications | Automotive tires, industrial products | General-purpose tires, low-cost products |
| Grade | Origin | Characteristics | Equivalence |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSR 10 | Africa | Medium quality | Comparable to STR 10 / SMR 10 / SVR 10 / SIR 10 |
| TSR 20 | Africa | Economic quality | Comparable to STR 20 / SMR 20 / SVR 20 / SIR 20 |
| STR 10 | Thailand | Medium quality | Comparable to TSR 10 |
| SMR 10 | Malaysia | Medium quality | Comparable to TSR 10 |
| SVR 10 | Vietnam | Medium quality | Comparable to TSR 10 |
| SIR 10 | Indonesia | Medium quality | Comparable to TSR 10 |
| STR 20 | Thailand | Standard quality | Comparable to TSR 20 |
TSR Naming Convention: The letters indicate country of origin (TSR = Technically Specified Rubber - Africa, STR = Thailand, SMR = Malaysia, SVR = Vietnam, SIR = Indonesia), and the number indicates the grade.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Pressed bales, medium to dark brown |
| Odor | Characteristic rubber odor |
| Density | 0.92 - 0.94 g/cm³ |
| Glass Transition Temperature | ~ -70°C |
| Mooney Viscosity (ML 1+4 at 100°C) | 50-65 MU (grade dependent) |
| Color | Medium brown (TSR 10) to darker brown (TSR 20) |
| Service Temperature Range | -50°C to +100°C |
| Application | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|
| Automotive Tires - Passenger | TSR 10 |
| Automotive Tires - Truck and Bus | TSR 10 |
| General-Purpose Tires | TSR 20 |
| OTR (Mining/Construction) Tires | TSR 20 |
| Retreading | TSR 10 |
| Application | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|
| Automotive Seals and Gaskets | TSR 10 |
| Hoses and Tubing | TSR 10, TSR 20 |
| Conveyor Belts | TSR 10 |
| V-Belts and Drive Belts | TSR 10 |
| Anti-Vibration Mounts | TSR 10 |
| Rubber Rollers | TSR 10 |
| Application | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|
| Shoe Soles | TSR 10 |
| Industrial Footwear | TSR 10, TSR 20 |
| Rubber Mats | TSR 20 |
| Rubber Bands | TSR 10 |
| Toys | TSR 10, TSR 20 |
| Application | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|
| Light-colored Rubber Products | TSR 10 |
| Adhesive Tapes | TSR 10 |
| Packaging Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Bale Weight | 33.33 kg |
| Bale Dimensions | Standard block rubber dimensions |
| Pallet Configuration | 36 bales/pallet = 1.26 MT |
| Pallet Type | Wooden pallet, shrink-wrapped |
| Container Capacity (20-ft) | 16 pallets = 20.16 MT |
| Container Type | Standard 20-ft container |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; away from direct sunlight |
| Recommended Temperature | Below 30°C |
| Humidity | Avoid high humidity to prevent mold growth |
| Shelf Life | 12-24 months under proper storage conditions |
| Handling | Avoid contamination with oils, solvents, and dirt |
| Protection | Keep bales covered and protected from moisture and dust |
| Stacking | Maximum 4-5 pallets high for stable storage |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritant |
| Eye Irritation | Mild irritant (dust) |
| Inhalation | May cause respiratory irritation (dust) |
| Flammability | Combustible (can burn) |
| Fire Extinguishing Media | Water spray, foam, CO₂, dry chemical powder |
| Special Hazards | Burning produces toxic fumes (CO, CO₂, SO₂) |
| Exposure Route | Action |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Move person to fresh air. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical attention if large amounts are swallowed. |
| Region | Status |
|---|---|
| EU | REACH registered |
| Turkey (KKDİK) | Mandatory compliance; requires registration |
| USA (TSCA) | Listed |
| Canada (DSL) | Listed |
| Australia (AICS) | Listed |
| Japan (ENCS) | Listed |
| Korea (KECL) | Listed |
| China (IECSC) | Listed |
Regulatory Status:
| Status | Information |
|---|---|
| HS Code | 40012200 (Technically Specified Natural Rubber) |
| CAS Number | 9006-04-6 |
| EINECS | 232-674-7 |
| IARC Classification | Not classified |
| WGK Germany | 1 (slight hazard to water) |
| ISO Standard | ISO 2000:2014 |
| Category | Names / Identifiers |
|---|---|
| Product Names | Technically Specified Rubber, TSR, Natural Rubber, African Rubber |
| Grade Names | TSR 10, TSR 20 |
| Common Names | TSR, NR |
| Country Equivalents | TSR (Africa), STR (Thailand), SMR (Malaysia), SVR (Vietnam), SIR (Indonesia) |
Database Identifiers:
| Database | Identifier |
|---|---|
| CAS | 9006-04-6 |
| EINECS | 232-674-7 |
| HS Code | 40012200 |
| Grade Material | HS Code |
|---|---|
| TSR 10 | 4001.2210 / 4001.2220 |
| TSR 20 | 4001.2210 / 4001.2220 |
| Parameter | Test Method | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Dirt Content | Sieve Analysis | Purity level; impacts surface finish and processing |
| Ash Content | Ignition | Inorganic contamination |
| Nitrogen Content | Kjeldahl Method | Protein content; affects aging |
| Volatile Matter | Oven Drying | Moisture content; affects processability |
| Mooney Viscosity | Mooney Viscometer | Processing consistency |
| Color | Visual Inspection | Quality indicator |
| Application | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|
| Automotive tires, industrial products | TSR 10 |
| General-purpose tires, low-cost products | TSR 20 |
| Light-colored rubber products | TSR 10 |
| Industrial rubber products | TSR 10 |
| Industry | Applications | Recommended Grade | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire Industry | Automotive tires | TSR 10 | High |
| Tire Industry | General-purpose tires | TSR 20 | High |
| Industrial Products | Seals, hoses, conveyor belts | TSR 10 | High |
| Footwear | Shoe soles | TSR 10, TSR 20 | High |
| Specialty | Light-colored products | TSR 10 | High |
| Consumer | Mats, toys, rubber bands | TSR 10, TSR 20 | High |
African TSR is produced from natural rubber latex through a standardized process:
Latex Collection: Latex is tapped from Hevea brasiliensis trees in West African countries (Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Liberia).
Coagulation: Latex is coagulated using formic acid or acetic acid.
Milling: Coagulum is milled to remove water and impurities.
Drying: Rubber is dried in hot air ovens.
Baling: Dried rubber is compressed into bales (33.33 kg).
Grading: Bales are graded based on technical specifications (ISO 2000:2014).
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Technically specified (consistent quality) | Poor ozone resistance |
| Standardized specifications ensure consistency | Poor oil and fuel resistance |
| Competitive pricing (especially TSR 20) | Susceptible to oxidation at high temperatures |
| Good mechanical properties | Requires proper storage to prevent mold growth |
| Growing quality consistency | Lower grades have darker color |
| Increasingly recognized in global markets |
SUMMARY:
Technically Specified Rubber (TSR) from Africa is a natural rubber produced in West African countries including Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Cameroon, and Liberia. The main grades are TSR 10 (medium grade, dirt content 0.10%, Mooney viscosity 60 ± 5) and TSR 20 (economic grade, dirt content 0.20%, Mooney viscosity 55 ± 5). TSR 10 is used in automotive tires and industrial rubber products. TSR 20 is used in general-purpose tires and low-cost rubber products. African rubber is increasingly recognized in global markets for its competitive pricing and growing quality consistency. African TSR grades are comparable to STR 10/20, SMR 10/20, SVR 10/20, and SIR 10/20 grades from other producing countries. Packaging: 33.33 kg bales, 36 bales/pallet (1.26 MT), 16 pallets/20-ft container (20.16 MT). Certified by ISO 9001:2015 and African regional rubber associations. HS Code: 40012200.
Key Properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Pressed bales, medium to dark brown |
| CAS Number | 9006-04-6 |
| Density | 0.92 - 0.94 g/cm³ |
| Primary Grades | TSR 10, TSR 20 |
| Primary Use | Tires, industrial products, footwear |
Major Application Areas:
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Tire Industry | Automotive, general-purpose tires |
| Industrial Products | Seals, hoses, conveyor belts |
| Footwear | Shoe soles |
| Specialty | Light-colored products |
| Consumer | Mats, toys, rubber bands |
Key Safety Points:
NON-TOXIC: Generally safe for handling
COMBUSTIBLE: Can burn; keep away from ignition sources
STORAGE: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; avoid direct sunlight and high humidity
PPE RECOMMENDED: Dust mask, safety goggles, protective gloves (for handling)
PROTECT: Keep away from oils, solvents, and contaminants
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
African TSR grades are classified by technical specifications (ISO 2000:2014), ensuring consistent quality.
TSR 10 offers a balance of quality and price with moderate dirt content (0.10%) and Mooney viscosity (60 ± 5).
TSR 20 provides cost advantage with higher dirt (0.20%) and lower Mooney viscosity (55 ± 5).
Africa's rubber production is primarily concentrated in Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and Liberia, with growing quality consistency.
African TSR grades are comparable to STR 10/20, SMR 10/20, SVR 10/20, and SIR 10/20 from other producing countries.
Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent degradation and maintain quality.
Contamination with oils or solvents can significantly affect rubber performance.
African TSR is certified by ISO 9001:2015 and African regional rubber associations, ensuring quality and consistency.
Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific application and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.