Standard Malaysian Rubber, SMR, SMR-3L, SMR-10, SMR-20, SMR-CV, SMR L, SMR 5, SMR 10, SMR 20, 9006-04-6

STANDARD MALAYSIAN RUBBER (SMR)

Standard Malaysian Rubber / SMR / TSR / Technically Specified Rubber / SMR CV / SMR-L / SMR-3L / SMR-5 / SMR-10 / SMR-20
CAS Number: 9006-04-6
EINECS: 232-674-7

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) is a technically specified natural rubber produced in Malaysia according to international standards (ISO 2000:2014, SMR Bulletin). The naming convention follows the TSR (Technically Specified Rubber) system: SMR stands for Standard Malaysian Rubber, indicating the country of origin. SMR grades are classified based on dirt content, ash content, nitrogen content, volatile matter, plasticity, and Plasticity Retention Index (PRI). The rubber is derived from the latex of the Hevea brasiliensis tree, which is native to the Amazon but widely cultivated in Southeast Asia. Malaysia was historically the world's largest natural rubber producer and remains one of the leading producers of high-quality SMR grades. SMR is widely used in tire manufacturing, automotive parts, footwear, industrial rubber products, and consumer goods.

2. SMR GRADES AND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

SMR grades are classified according to technical specifications, including cleanliness (dirt content), ash content, nitrogen content, volatile matter, initial plasticity (Po), and Plasticity Retention Index (PRI). The grades range from premium high-quality grades to standard industrial grades.

Grade Definitions:

• SMR CV (Constant Viscosity): Grades with controlled Mooney viscosity (SMR CV50, CV60, CV70). Provide consistent processing behavior for automated and high-volume production.

• SMR-L (Latex Grade): Made from high-quality latex with low dirt and ash content. Light in color, suitable for light-colored products.

• SMR-3L: High-quality grade with very low dirt (0.03%) and ash (0.50%) content. Used in premium tire applications.

• SMR-5: Medium quality grade with low dirt (0.05%) and ash (0.60%) content.

• SMR-10: Medium quality grade with dirt content (0.08%) and ash content (0.60%).

• SMR-20: Standard quality grade with higher dirt (0.16%) and ash (1.00%) content. Most commonly used grade worldwide for general tire and industrial applications.

3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (ISO 2000:2014 / SMR BULLETIN)

Detailed Quality Parameters by Grade:

Explanation of Key Parameters:

1. Dirt Content: Impurities such as sand, bark, and foreign matter. Lower is better for premium applications.

2. Ash Content: Inorganic residue after combustion. Indicates mineral contamination.

3. Nitrogen Content: Protein content indicator. Higher nitrogen may affect aging resistance.

4. Volatile Matter: Moisture and volatiles. High levels can cause porosity in finished products.

5. Initial Plasticity (Po): Measure of raw rubber's ability to deform. Higher values indicate better processability.

6. PRI (Plasticity Retention Index): Resistance to oxidation and aging. Higher PRI = better durability.

7. Mooney Viscosity: Resistance to flow. CV grades have controlled values (50, 60, or 70 MU).

4. COMPARISON OF SMR GRADES

5. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Natural rubber (polyisoprene) has a hydrocarbon backbone with unsaturated double bonds, making it susceptible to oxidation, vulcanization, and addition reactions.

Vulcanization: Sulfur cross-linking with accelerators to improve strength, elasticity, and heat resistance.

Oxidation: Reacts with oxygen, especially when heated, causing chain scission and hardening. PRI measures resistance to this.

Ozone Resistance: SMR has poor resistance to ozone; requires antioxidants/antiozonants in formulations.

Addition Reactions: The double bonds can undergo halogenation, hydrogenation, and epoxidation.

6. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

7. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

7.1. Tire Industry (Largest Application)

7.2. Automotive and Industrial Rubber Products

7.3. Consumer Goods and Other Applications

8. PACKAGING AND SHIPPING

9. STORAGE AND HANDLING

10. SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION

11. FIRST AID MEASURES

12. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Regulatory Status:

13. OTHER NAMES AND DATABASE IDENTIFIERS

Database Identifiers:

14. COMPARISON WITH OTHER NATURAL RUBBER GRADES

TSR Naming Convention: The letters indicate country of origin (SMR = Malaysia, SIR = Indonesia, STR = Thailand, SVR = Vietnam), and the number/letters indicate the grade.

15. HS CODE AND CUSTOMS INFORMATION

16. ADVANTAGES OF SMR

17. LIMITATIONS

18. INDUSTRY SUITABILITY TABLE

19. HISTORY AND ORIGIN

Malaysia has been one of the world's leading natural rubber producers since the early 20th century. The Hevea brasiliensis tree, native to the Amazon, was introduced to Southeast Asia in the late 19th century. The first rubber trees were planted in Malaysia in 1877, and by the early 1900s, Malaysia had become the world's largest rubber producer. The SMR (Standard Malaysian Rubber) grading system was established in 1965 to ensure consistent quality for international markets. Today, Malaysia remains a major producer of high-quality natural rubber, particularly the SMR-20 grade, which is the most widely traded natural rubber grade globally.

20. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) is a technically specified natural rubber produced in Malaysia according to international standards. The main grades are SMR CV (Constant Viscosity), SMR-L (Light-colored), SMR-3L (High Quality), SMR-5 (Medium Quality), SMR-10 (Medium Quality), and SMR-20 (Standard Quality). Specifications vary by grade: dirt content (0.02-0.16%), ash content (0.40-1.00%), nitrogen content (≤0.60%), volatile matter (≤0.80%), Po (30-35), PRI (40-60), and Mooney viscosity (50-70 MU for CV grades). SMR is used in tires, automotive parts, footwear, conveyor belts, adhesives, medical products, and consumer goods. Packaging: 35 kg bales, 36 bales/pallet (1.26 MT), 16 pallets/20-ft container (20.16 MT). SMR is non-toxic, combustible, and requires storage in cool, dry conditions. HS Code: 40012200.

Key Properties:

Major Application Areas:

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:

• SMR grades are classified by technical specifications rather than visual inspection, ensuring consistent quality.

• SMR CV grades have controlled Mooney viscosity (50, 60, or 70 ± 5) for consistent processing.

• SMR-3L is the highest quality grade with very low dirt and ash content, used in premium applications.

• SMR-20 is the most common grade worldwide, used in tire manufacturing and general industrial applications.

• PRI indicates aging resistance; higher values (60) indicate better durability.

• Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent degradation and maintain quality.

• Contamination with oils or solvents can significantly affect rubber performance.

• Malaysia was historically the world's largest rubber producer and remains a key supplier of high-quality SMR grades.

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.

Documents

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• SMR SPECIFICATIONS BETAKIM.pdf
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