Material Safety Data Sheet: Aqueous Polyurethane Dispersion

Identification

Product Name: Aqueous Polyurethane Dispersion
Chemical Family: Polyurethane polymers in water
Synonyms: PU dispersion, waterborne polyurethane
Supplier: Manufacturer or distributor details provided on packaging
Recommended Use: Coatings, adhesives, textile applications, leather finishing
Emergency Contact: 24-hour response team, number listed on the container

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Eye irritation (Category 2B), Skin sensitization (Category 1), Mild respiratory irritant
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark
Hazard Statements: Causes mild eye irritation, may cause slight skin sensitization, may cause slight throat irritation if mist is inhaled
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing vapors or spray, wear appropriate protective equipment, use only with adequate ventilation, wash hands after use

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Water: 40%–70% by weight
Anionic/Nonionic Polyurethane Polymer: 20%–40% by weight
Cosolvent (e.g., Dipropylene Glycol): 1%–5% by weight
Neutralizing Agent (e.g., Triethylamine): 0.5%–2% by weight
Preservatives (e.g., MIT, BIT): <0.1% by weight
Residual Monomers: Typically <0.1% by weight, kept minimal for safety and compliance

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash skin with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, get medical attention if rash or irritation develops
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep comfortable for breathing, seek medical advice if symptoms like headache or dizziness occur
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting, seek medical help if symptoms develop or large quantities are swallowed

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water fog, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Strong water jets may disperse product
Specific Hazards: Containers may rupture from thermal expansion, fire may produce toxic fumes (carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides)
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full gear
Special Precautions: Keep water runoff from entering sewers, limit exposure to vapors by ventilating area

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use gloves, goggles, and suitable respiratory protection if airborne mist or spray present
Environmental Precautions: Contain spill to prevent entry into drains, waterways, or soil
Cleaning Methods: Soak up with inert absorbent (sand, earth), collect in suitable container, wash spill area with water after removal, dispose of collected material as hazardous waste if required
Decontamination: Wash surfaces with copious water to prevent residue, ventilate area for worker safety

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes and clothing, prevent spray or mist buildup, use in well-ventilated area, avoid eating or drinking during use, wash hands after handling
Storage: Store in tightly closed containers at 5–35°C, keep away from direct sunlight, freezing and excessive heat, avoid storing near oxidizing agents or acids, segregate incompatible materials, ensure containers are labeled and sealed

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits for mixture, monitor volatile components if relevant
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, ensure eye-wash stations and safety showers accessible
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile), splash goggles or face shield, protective clothing, respiratory protection if ventilation inadequate (N95 mask or better), remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, avoid direct contact with product, do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Milky-white to translucent aqueous dispersion
Odor: Mild, faintly ammonia-like
pH: 6.5–9.0
Boiling Point/Range: About 100°C (212°F) (water base)
Flash Point: Non-flammable
Vapor Pressure: Similar to water, very low for non-volatile components
Relative Density: 1.0–1.2 (water = 1)
Solubility in Water: Miscible (dispersed polymer), component solubility varies
Viscosity: 50–2000 mPa·s at 25°C
Decomposition Temperature: Above 200°C, toxic gases possible

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperature and pressure, long shelf-life if stored properly
Hazardous Reactions: Not expected under standard use, avoid mixing with strong acids, bases or oxidizers
Conditions to Avoid: Freezing temperatures, excessive heat, direct sunlight, contamination from incompatible substances
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, small amounts of isocyanates may evolve in fire

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Expected low oral, dermal, and inhalation toxicity, ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset
Skin Irritation: May cause slight irritation or sensitization in predisposed persons
Eye Irritation: May cause transient irritation
Respiratory Effects: Inhalation of mist or spray may cause mild irritation
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure can lead to skin sensitization, rare cases of allergic reaction reported
Carcinogenicity: Ingredients not listed as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity & Reproductive Effects: No evidence from available data

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Generally low, components may have limited biodegradability, polymer solids considered inert
Bioaccumulative Potential: Expected low, water-based nature reduces persistence
Mobility in Soil: Disperses readily in water, can migrate through soil with water
Persistence and Degradability: Polymer fraction may persist, additives may degrade over time
Other Harmful Effects: Avoid uncontrolled release into environment, compliance with local regulations reduces risk to aquatic and terrestrial habitats

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Do not empty into drains or watercourses, dispose of in accordance with local, national, or regional regulations for non-hazardous chemical waste
Empty Containers: Rinse, offer for recycling if available, puncture and prevent re-use for food or drink storage
Special Precautions: Consult waste handler for proper procedures, incineration under controlled conditions recommended for large volumes

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous goods under US DOT, IATA, IMDG, ADR
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant
Special Transport Precautions: Keep containers upright and secure during transportation, avoid temperature extremes, ensure seals remain intact

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
TSCA: Components listed or compliant
REACH: Polymer exempt from registration, additives preregistered or registered
California Proposition 65: No listed substances in finished product, check raw materials for updates
Other International Listings: Components comply with inventory listing in main global jurisdictions (EINECS/ELINCS, DSL/NDSL, AICS, ENCS, IECSC, etc.)
Labelling Requirements: Compliant with GHS/CLP labeling conventions for all supplied regions