MSDS: Hydroxyl-Modified Vinyl Chloride/Vinyl Acetate Copolymers
1. Identification
Product Name: Hydroxyl-Modified Vinyl Chloride/Vinyl Acetate Copolymer
Synonyms: Hydroxylated VCA Copolymer, Modified PVC/VA Copolymer
Chemical Family: Vinyl Polymers
Recommended Use: Coatings, adhesives, inks
Manufacturer Contact: Emergency phone numbers found on supplier’s label, available through chemical manufacturer’s technical service
Product Code: Consult supplier documentation or packaging
2. Hazard Identification
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria; chronic exposure linked to skin/eye irritation and inhalation risks during thermal degradation
Physical Hazards: Fine dust from powder forms can lead to dust explosions in poorly ventilated areas, risk increased by heat or ignition sources
Health Hazards: Dust particles may irritate respiratory system, eyes, nose, throat; repeated contact causes dry skin or mild dermatitis
Environmental Hazards: Copolymer particles persist in water and soil; aquatic toxicity data limited but precaution necessary near drains
Pictograms: No obligatory GHS pictograms, but caution labels recommended for bulk storage/processing
3. Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Nature: Copolymer of vinyl chloride (~80–95%), vinyl acetate (~5–20%) with hydroxyl modification
CAS Number: 9002-86-2 (vinyl chloride polymer), 108-05-4 (vinyl acetate component)
Modifying Agent: Proprietary hydroxyl group donor integrated into polymer backbone
Additives: Small amounts of stabilizers, plasticizers, processing aids may be present in commercial grades
Impurities: Trace residual monomers, usually well below OSHA/NIOSH limits; check manufacturer's batch certificate for update
4. First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, monitor for persistent coughing or breathing difficulty, obtain medical advice if symptoms continue
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, apply moisturizing lotion if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water, lift eyelids gently, continue rinsing for 15 minutes, consult medical provider for ongoing discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water if conscious, do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention if large quantities swallowed or symptoms develop
5. Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Thermal decomposition generates hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and carbon oxides; smoke may become irritating/toxic
Protective Equipment: Use self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-resistant protective clothing
Advice for Firefighters: Keep containers cool using water spray, contain run-off to prevent spread of hazardous decomposition products
6. Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, wear dust mask (P2 or better), chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and disposable coveralls
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering waterways, sewers, or soil; use barriers or containment booms for large spills
Methods for Containment: Sweep up with shovel or vacuum using explosion-proof equipment, avoid generating dust clouds
Cleanup Procedures: Collect spilled material in suitable containers, label as waste for safe disposal, clean area with water if appropriate
7. Handling and Storage
Safe Handling: Use local exhaust ventilation during processing or transfer, minimize dust generation, avoid ignition sources or high temperatures
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, sealed containers, away from strong acids/alkalis and oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, powerful oxidizers, organic solvents not compatible with polymer
Packaging Materials: Use original packaging or compatible high-density polyethylene drums, keep bags tightly closed
8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Occupational Exposure Limits: None established for the finished copolymer; monitor for vinyl chloride monomer (OSHA TWA 1 ppm)
Engineering Controls: Ventilation systems to control airborne dust, explosion-proof equipment recommended in mixing/grinding zones
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves (nitrile/rubber), safety goggles, dust mask or respirator (N95/P2), long sleeves, full-length trousers
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face before breaks and after work, remove contaminated clothing, avoid eating/drinking in dusty areas
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White/off-white powder or translucent pellets
Odor: Odorless, may develop a faint plastic smell at high temperatures
Melting/Softening Point: 130–160°C, varies by grade
Boiling Point: Not applicable (polymer degrades before boiling)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in ketones and esters
Density: 1.25–1.4 g/cm³
pH: Not applicable
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, phosgene, carbon oxides under fire or decomposition
10. Stability and Reactivity
Reactivity: Stable under normal temperatures and recommended handling; highly reactive toward powerful oxidizers
Chemical Stability: Stable; loss of stability at high temperatures yields hazardous gases
Conditions to Avoid: Open flames, excessive heat, direct sunlight, static buildup
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, alkalis, potent oxidizing chemicals
Hazardous Decomposition: Hydrogen chloride gas release upon burning, thermal breakdown above 200°C produces toxic fumes
11. Toxicological Information
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Practically non-toxic by ingestion or skin contact; dust may irritate upper respiratory tract or eyes
Chronic Effects: Mild to moderate skin dryness or dermatitis after routine handling
Sensitization: Not classed as a sensitizer
Carcinogenicity: No evidence for finished polymer; vinyl chloride monomer is a known human carcinogen, strict production controls in place
Other Data: Symptoms reversible with prompt washing and removal from exposure environment
12. Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life in solid state; particle size and chemical persistence raise concerns for sediment and microplastic accumulation
Persistence and Degradability: Non-biodegradable in the environment; remains intact for years, slow photodegradation outdoors
Bioaccumulation Potential: Limited, large molecular size restricts uptake by aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Low, tends to stay where released, potential for eventual migration through wind or water erosion
Other Adverse Effects: Risks tied to improper waste handling or accidental releases into drains and natural waters
13. Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Methods: Incinerate in licensed facility with pollution control or landfill in accordance with state and national regulations
Safe Packaging: Use sealed, labeled containers; avoid reuse of packaging for food or drink
Special Precautions: Minimize airborne powder during disposal, notify waste handlers of dust explosion risks with fine grades
Regulatory Compliance: Meet local/municipal, state, and federal environmental rules; document all disposals of large quantities
14. Transport Information
UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for transport under ADR, IMDG, IATA
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous goods; may be described as “Plastic Material, NOS” for bulk export
Packing Group: Not applicable; use standard precautions for packaging and labeling
Special Transport Precautions: Protect from moisture and ignition sources, avoid transporting with strong oxidizers, acids
Other Data: Dedicated bulk or lined containers for international sea shipment, keep bills of lading up to date
15. Regulatory Information
Labeling Requirements: No mandatory hazard labeling for end users; manufacturing and transport containers labeled with product name, lot/batch, and safety instructions
Safety, Health, Environmental Regulations: OSHA HazCom compliance for workplaces, EPA waste codes for spent dust, TSCA inventory listing for base polymers
International Inventory: Listed on EU REACH, US TSCA, Japan ENCS, China IECSC, Korea ECL,
Restrictions: No restrictions on polymer use in most applications; recycling regulations may apply depending on regional plastics bans
Other Regulatory Notes: Low risk for routine handling, high controls during production/compounding; check for updates related to microplastics in new chemical safety updates
