Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Polyethylene Wax
Identification
Product Name: Polyethylene Wax
Chemical Family: Polyolefin, Synthetic Wax
Chemical Formula: (C2H4)n
Synonyms: PE Wax, Ethylene Homopolymer Wax
CAS Number: 9002-88-4
Recommended Use: Lubricant, processing aid, surface coating, additive in adhesives, ink and plastic industries
Supplier Details: Manufacturer or distributor contact information available upon request
Emergency Contact: National chemical emergency response center hotline available
Hazard Identification
Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to GHS regulations
Physical Hazards: May cause slippery surfaces if spilled in solid or molten form
Health Hazards: Dust generation could cause minor respiratory irritation, fume exposure from molten wax can cause headache or nausea
Environmental Hazards: Not considered environmentally hazardous in solid state, degrades very slowly in natural environments
Signal Word: None
Hazard Pictograms: None required under standard chemical labeling guidelines
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or vapors, use only with adequate ventilation, avoid contact with molten product
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Product: Polyethylene Wax
Chemical ingredients: Polyethylene resin wax (homopolymer, content >99%)
Impurities: Trace amounts of antioxidants or processing aids, not considered hazardous at specified levels
Additives: None intentionally added
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move to fresh air promptly, consult medical attention if symptoms persist, especially after inhaling fumes or dust
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water, remove contact lenses if present, seek medical help if irritation develops
Skin Contact: If molten wax contacts skin, cool rapidly with water, do not remove solidified material forcefully, seek medical help for burns
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, seek medical attention if symptoms appear, do not induce vomiting
Most Important Symptoms: Respiratory irritation, mild eye or skin irritation from particulates or vapors, thermal burns from molten material
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, water spray (for cooling only, not direct stream on burning wax)
Unsuitable Media: Do not use water jet due to risk of spreading molten product
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, potential for low-molecular weight hydrocarbons, aldehydes, and ketones
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus recommended
Special Hazards: Molten wax can flow and spread fire; vapors may form explosive mixtures with air in confined spaces
Specific Methods: Remove containers from fire area if safe, cool exposed surfaces to prevent reignition
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Avoid generating dust, wear protective gloves and eye protection, prevent slips by containing spills
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into surface water or drains, recover product where possible
Cleanup Methods: Shovel up solidified wax, use absorbent material for molten spills, wash area with water and detergent
Disposal: Collect for approved disposal or recycling; consult local waste contractors for regulations
Handling and Storage
Safe Handling: Use with adequate ventilation, avoid contact with molten product, minimize dust generation, implement measures against static discharge
Storage Conditions: Store away from strong oxidizers, acids, and sources of ignition, keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, avoid direct sunlight
Container Requirements: Use stainless steel, HDPE, or lined containers resistant to thermal deformation
Special Requirements: Handle thermal transfer of molten product carefully, label storage containers clearly, maintain clear gangways to prevent accidents
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Occupational Exposure Limits: Polyethylene dust not specifically regulated, general nuisance dust limits applicable (e.g., ACGIH TLV Total Dust 10 mg/m³)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation in areas with vapor, fume, or dust generation, provide mechanical air movement where necessary
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, gloves impervious to hot/burning wax, long-sleeved clothing, if ventilation insufficient, wear NIOSH-approved respirator
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, avoid food and drink in work area, remove contaminated clothing before leaving work zone
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White to light yellow, flakes, powder, pellets, or pastilles
Odor: Mild or negligible odor
Melting Point: 90–120°C (194–248°F) depending on grade
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: >240°C (464°F)
Auto-ignition Temperature: Approx. 330°C (626°F)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient conditions
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Solubility in Other Solvents: Soluble in aromatic, chlorinated hydrocarbons, some mineral oils
Density: 0.92–0.98 g/cm³
pH Value: Not applicable
Viscosity: Varies by grade and temperature, generally low in molten state
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not measured, not expected to bioaccumulate significantly
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature and under recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Inert under normal handling and storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents (including peroxides), strong acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, minor acrid smoke under incomplete combustion
Polymerization: Will not occur under normal processing and storage
Toxicological Information
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation of dust or fumes, eye/skin contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Low hazard for acute toxicity (oral, dermal, or inhalation)
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: May cause mild irritation, thermal burns possible from molten wax
Eye Damage/Irritation: Dust or fumes may cause slight eye irritation
Respiratory Effects: Prolonged inhalation of dust/fume may lead to respiratory irritation, cough
Sensitization: Not a sensitizer
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, ACGIH, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen
Reproductive Toxicity: No data indicating reproductive toxicity
Mutagenicity: Not mutagenic under standard test conditions
Ecological Information
Persistence and Degradability: Resistant to biodegradation, persistent in most environmental conditions
Bioaccumulation: Potential to persist, not expected to significantly bioaccumulate due to large molecule size
Mobility in Soil: Immobile in solid state, floats in water, potential to accumulate in sediment and shorelines
Aquatic Toxicity: Not considered acutely toxic to aquatic life, physical hazard from pellets to wildlife
Other Adverse Effects: Contributes to microplastic pollution concerns if not managed correctly
Disposal Considerations
Disposal Methods: Recycle whenever possible, disposal as non-hazardous industrial waste permitted under most regulations, incineration at permitted facilities may be used
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers may retain residues, clean and recycle or dispose of according to local, state, or national regulations
Environmental Impact: Avoid uncontrolled release into the environment, prevent leaks into water bodies
Transport Information
UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods by ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not applicable
Proper Shipping Name: Polyethylene Wax
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect from heat, store away from oxidizers, secure containers to prevent tipping or spillage
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as a marine pollutant
Regulatory Information
Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Polyethylene wax is subject only to general workplace, fire, and environmental protection laws
OSHA Hazard Communication: Not hazardous under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
TSCA Inventory: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) inventory
REACH Status: Registered in EU REACH under polymer exemption, supported by relevant safety data
RoHS and WEEE Compliance: Meets major electronic directives for hazardous substance restrictions
SARA Title III: Not classified as an extremely hazardous substance
California Proposition 65: Not identified as a chemical known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity
Other National Inventories: Listed on AICS (Australia), DSL (Canada), ENCS (Japan), KECI (Korea), IECSC (China)
