Polyamide Wax Material Safety Data Sheet
Identification
Product Name: Polyamide Wax
Chemical Family: Polyamide-based synthetic resin
Recommended Use: Industrial additive in inks, coatings, adhesives, and plastics
Supplier: Manufacturer and distributor contact details must be included with address and emergency telephone
Synonyms: Polyamide resin, Amide wax
CAS Number: Usually assigned based on polymer composition, often proprietary
REACH Registration Number: Stated, if applicable
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Typically not classified as hazardous under GHS, but fine dust may cause mechanical irritation.
Physical Hazards: Dust can form combustible mixtures with air.
Health Hazards: Dust or fumes may irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
Environmental Hazards: Non-biodegradable; may cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic environments.
Label Elements: Pictograms may not be required; signal word is usually absent; precautionary statements focus on dust management.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid generating dust; use local exhaust; wash thoroughly after handling.
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Identity: Polyamide Wax
Ingredients: Proprietary polyamide polymers, possible trace unreacted monomers
Impurities: Typically less than 1% residual monomers, low-molecular-weight fractions
Concentration: 100% polyamide unless blended for commercial use
CAS/EC Numbers: Reported based on specific molecular structure, generally proprietary or trade secret
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move to fresh air if dust inhalation causes discomfort; seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; get medical advice if irritation develops.
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes; lift eyelids; remove contact lenses if present; seek medical advice if irritation continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; get medical help if feeling unwell; do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel.
Note to Physician: Treat symptomatically, monitor for respiratory or skin sensitization symptoms.
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water jets can disperse dust.
Specific Hazards: Fumes may include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides upon combustion.
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Dust mixtures may ignite if airborne in confined spaces; static discharge poses a risk.
Firefighting Instructions: Isolate area, cool surrounding containers with water, use equipment suitable for chemical fires.
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Avoid creating or breathing dust; ventilate area; wear protective equipment.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into drains, soil, or natural waterways.
Methods for Cleanup: Use vacuum equipment with HEPA filtration or wet sweep to minimize airborne dust; place material in suitable, labeled containers.
Other Information: Dispose of collected material according to local regulations.
Handling and Storage
Safe Handling: Minimize dust formation; ground and bond containers to prevent static discharge.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use; do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling.
Storage: Store in original, tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers.
Storage Hazards: Keep away from open flame, heat, and sources of ignition.
Packaging Materials: Use containers made of compatible materials such as polyethylene or metal drums.
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits; use general dust exposure limits as guidance (ACGIH TLV for particulates not otherwise regulated: 10 mg/m³ for inhalable, 3 mg/m³ for respirable fraction).
Engineering Controls: Employ local and general exhaust ventilation to maintain airborne concentrations below recommended limits.
Personal Protective Equipment: Use appropriate dust masks or respirators, goggles or safety glasses, and protective gloves (e.g., nitrile or PVC).
Environmental Controls: Prevent entry into drains and the environment.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Waxy solid or flakes; white to off-white color
Odor: Mild or slightly fatty
pH: Not applicable, insoluble in water
Melting Point/Range: 95 - 145°C, varies by grade
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Typically above 200°C
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in some organic solvents
Density: 0.95 - 1.1 g/cm³
Viscosity: Not relevant for solid product
Other Data: Stable under normal conditions; combustible as dust
Stability and Reactivity
Stability: Chemically stable at ambient conditions and pressures.
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, static discharge, friction.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers such as peroxides and chlorine.
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, low-molecular-weight organics.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur in normal use.
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: No acute toxicity observed in animal studies at typical industrial exposure levels.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Prolonged contact may cause mild irritation.
Eye Damage/Irritation: Dust or particles may cause mechanical irritation.
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Rare but possible with prolonged or repeated exposure.
Carcinogenicity: No components listed as carcinogens by IARC, NTP, or OSHA.
Mutagenicity/Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence found in available research.
Chronic Toxicity: Chronic high dust exposure could trigger respiratory discomfort or worsen lung conditions.
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic organisms based on known polyamide data, though physical effects possible.
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable; persists in soil and sediment.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not expected, large molecule size reduces bioaccumulation risk.
Mobility in Soil: Relatively immobile, may accumulate in sediment or sludge.
Other Adverse Effects: Littering or uncontrolled disposal can contribute to microplastic pollution.
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; should be treated as industrial non-hazardous waste unless contaminated.
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse and landfill or incinerate empty containers following legal guidelines.
Special Considerations: Avoid disposal into sewage, drains, or natural waters; encourage recycling or energy recovery where facilities exist.
Transport Information
UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods
Proper Shipping Name: Polyamide Wax
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Prevent excessive dust generation; avoid contact with strong oxidizers during shipment.
Regulatory Guidelines: Transport in accordance with local and international guidelines (ADR/RID/IMDG/ICAO/IATA).
Regulatory Information
Regulations: Polyamide wax typically not listed as a hazardous substance under OSHA, EU REACH, or Canadian WHMIS but compliance with general workplace safety and environmental regulations applies.
Labeling: No hazard pictograms or signal words mandated; precautionary labeling recommended for dust hazards.
Inventory Status: Components may be listed or exempt on chemical inventories such as TSCA (US), EINECS/ELINCS (EU), DSL (Canada), AICS (Australia), ENCS (Japan), and others.
Restrictions: Observe dust control, workplace exposure limits, and waste management requirements.
Other Statutory Information: Review local, national, and regional regulatory requirements before manufacture, use, or disposal.