Material Safety Data Sheet: Polyethylene Wax Dispersion

Identification

Product Name: Polyethylene Wax Dispersion
Chemical Family: Polyolefin wax mixture in aqueous base
Product Use: Additive for coatings, inks, plastics
Manufacturer Name: Example Chemical Industries
Address: 123 Chemical Ave, Industry City, USA
Phone Number: +1-800-555-1234
Email Contact: msds@examplechem.com
Emergency Phone: +1-800-424-9300 (CHEMTREC)

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Signal Word: None
Hazard Statements: Product may cause mild skin or eye irritation on contact. Inhalation of mist or vapor may lead to slight respiratory discomfort. Swallowing may cause mild gastric upset.
Precautionary Statements: Use with adequate ventilation. Avoid eye and prolonged skin contact. Wear suitable gloves and goggles. Wash hands after handling.
Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion
Hazard Symbol: No pictogram required by GHS
Other Hazards: Spilled dispersion may cause slippery surfaces.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Polyethylene Wax (CAS 9002-88-4): 30–40%
Water (CAS 7732-18-5): 60–70%
Nonionic Surfactant (Proprietary): 1–2%
Additives/Preservatives: < 1%
Impurities/By-products: Minor traces of stabilizers and dispersants, all below reporting thresholds under current regulations.

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. If irritation develops or persists, consult a doctor.
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. If symptoms such as coughing or respiratory discomfort occur, seek medical advice.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. If symptoms develop, seek medical attention.
Notes to Provider: Symptomatic and supportive treatment as required.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Unsuitable Media: High volume water jet may spread the material.
Special Hazards: Combustion produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly hydrocarbons. Accumulated vapors may ignite above decomposition temperature.
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear when fire fighting.
Fire-fighting Instructions: Remove containers from fire area if safe to do so. Cool exposed containers with water spray.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with spilled material. Wear protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection. Provide suitable ventilation.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff to surface waters and sewers.
Containment: Dike spilled material using sand or earth. Do not flush with water.
Clean-up Methods: Collect with absorbent (e.g., sand, vermiculite). Place in containers for disposal. Clean area thoroughly with water.
Special Instructions: Slippery when wet; caution in affected areas.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Use proper grounding/bonding for bulk transfers. Avoid inhaling mists.
Storage Conditions: Store at 5–35°C (41–95°F), out of direct sunlight and away from heat or ignition sources. Keep away from oxidizers and acids.
Storage Stability: Stir before use if stored for extended periods as product may settle.
Other Precautions: Keep containers upright. Use spill containment in storage areas.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established exposure limits for main components; observe general dust/mist limits (OSHA PEL: 15 mg/m³ inhalable dust, 5 mg/m³ respirable dust)
Engineering Controls: Provide local ventilation where mists or vapors may form.
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles or face shield
Skin Protection: Impervious gloves, long sleeves, closed shoes
Respiratory Protection: If ventilation inadequate, use NIOSH-approved respirator for mists
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after use. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical State: Liquid dispersion
Appearance: Milky white or light opaque
Odor: Mild, waxy
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: 7–9
Melting Range (Wax): 100–120°C (212–248°F)
Initial Boiling Point: Around 100°C (212°F, water component)
Flash Point: >200°C (wax component, closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Similar to water
Flammability: Not classified as flammable
Vapor Pressure: 23 hPa at 20°C (from water component)
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Relative Density: 0.95–1.05 (water = 1)
Solubility: Dispersible in water
Partition coefficient (n-Octanol/Water): Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting under normal conditions
Decomposition Temperature: Over 200°C
Viscosity: 50–500 mPa·s depending on formulation

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Product remains stable under normal storage and use conditions.
Reactivity: Not considered reactive under recommended storage and usage.
Conditions to Avoid: Freezing, excessive heat, direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Combustion may yield carbon oxides, hydrocarbons, and potentially aldehydes with incomplete burning.
Polymerization: No dangerous reactions are expected.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Based on available data, low toxicity by ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact (LD50 oral rat > 2000 mg/kg).
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild irritation possible; prolonged exposure increases risk.
Eye Damage/Irritation: Direct contact may result in temporary discomfort or mild irritation.
Respiratory Sensitization: Not a known respiratory sensitizer
Skin Sensitization: Product does not sensitize skin.
Mutagenicity/Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a mutagen or carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: Not recognized as toxic to reproduction
Repeated Dose Toxicity: No evidence of significant health effects with proper handling
Symptoms: Exposure may lead to mild eye or skin irritation; inhaling mists could cause short-term throat or respiratory tract discomfort.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Polyethylene wax shows low toxicity to aquatic life at likely environmental concentrations.
Persistence and Degradability: Wax component resists biodegradation and may persist in the environment. Surfactants degrade more readily.
Bioaccumulative Potential: Polyethylene wax does not bioaccumulate significantly due to high molecular weight.
Mobility in Soil: Limited mobility; product floats on water and may adsorb to solids.
Other Information: Avoid release to waterways as component build-up can occur during repeated large spills.

Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Dispose of as nonhazardous industrial waste in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations. Do not dump into drains, sewers, or waterways.
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse and recycle containers if possible, or dispose of following local laws. Do not reuse container for other purposes.
Disposal Methods: Use licensed waste disposal contractors for large quantities.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Non-hazardous Polyethylene Wax Dispersion
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: Not classified
Special Precautions: Prevent container damage and leakage during shipment, avoid freezing temperatures
Transport in Bulk per Annex II of MARPOL 73/78: Product not subject to Annex II

Regulatory Information

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: Product not classified as hazardous
TSCA Inventory: All components listed or exempt
SARA Title III (Sections 302, 304, 311/312, 313): Not subject to reporting requirements
California Prop 65: Contains no listed substances
WHMIS Classification (Canada): Product not regulated
EU REACH Status: Polyethylene wax registered, exemptions apply for water-based dispersions
Other Regulatory Listings: Consult regional regulations for further requirements.