Rheology Additive Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: Rheology Additive
Manufacturer: Global Chemical Solutions, 1124 Industrial Drive, Houston, TX 77043, USA
Product Code: RLX-5897
Recommended Use: Used to control viscosity and stabilization in water-based paints, coatings, and inks
Emergency Contact Number: +1-800-555-7366
Synonyms: Modified Bentonite, Organoclay, Synthetic Magnesium Aluminum Silicate

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Physical Hazards: Dust created during use can cause respiratory irritation
Health Hazards: Prolonged inhalation may cause lung irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath; skin contact may result in irritation in sensitive individuals
Environmental Hazards: May cause sedimentation in waterways if released in large quantities
Signal Word: None required
Pictograms: Not required
Hazard Statements: May cause mild irritation by inhalation, skin, or eye contact
Precautionary Statements: Use local exhaust, avoid breathing dust, wear protective clothing

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
CAS Number: 1327-43-1
Concentration (%): 80 – 95
Chemical Name: Polyalkyl Quaternary Ammonium Compound
CAS Number: 61791-10-4
Concentration (%): 5 – 20
Impurities: Trace water (less than 0.5%), proprietary activators (less than 3%)
Common Additives: Proprietary surface treatment, less than 0.2%

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately, rest in a half-sitting position, seek medical attention if respiratory irritation continues or worsens
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing; consult a physician if redness or rash appears
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing; medical advice recommended if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, drink plenty of water, seek medical advice if a large quantity has been swallowed or if you feel unwell

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known
Hazardous Combustion Products: Under fire conditions, fumes containing carbon oxides and unknown products may form
Specific Hazards: Dust accumulation may present explosion risk in closed environments
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Special Firefighting Procedures: Minimize dust dispersion, use typical firefighting techniques for surrounding hazards

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing in dust, ventilate area, use personal protective equipment such as gloves and goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so, keep material away from drains, surface, and ground water
Methods for Containment: Sweep or vacuum up material to prevent dust buildup, collect material into sealable containers for disposal
Cleanup Procedures: Avoid dry sweeping that produces dust; dampen with water before cleaning or use HEPA-filtered vacuum; dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle in well-ventilated areas, avoid dust generation, use proper PPE such as dust masks and gloves, wash hands after handling
Storage: Store in original containers tightly closed, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space away from incompatible substances like oxidizers; keep container upright to prevent leaks
Incompatibilities: Avoid exposure to strong acids, oxidizing agents, and moisture
Specific Requirements: No special equipment required beyond basic dust control

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne dust below recommended limits
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for inert dust: 15 mg/m³ (total), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
Personal Protective Equipment:
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator when dust is likely
Skin Protection: Wear protective gloves (nitrile or latex); long-sleeved shirt and pants recommended
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles
Hygiene Measures: Regular hand washing, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Off-white to beige fine powder
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH (1% aqueous suspension): 7 – 9
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Decomposes above 450°C, does not melt
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Dust may be combustible under extreme conditions
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water, can swell and disperse
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Auto-ignition Temperature: Not self-igniting
Decomposition Temperature: >450°C
Viscosity: Not applicable
Density: 2.0 – 2.4 g/cm³ (bulk)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Will not polymerize or react dangerously under normal use
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, extreme heat, generation of airborne dust
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Fumes containing carbon oxides and metal oxides at high temperatures

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact
Symptoms: Irritation of respiratory tract, eyes, or skin
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): >2000 mg/kg (non-toxic by ingestion at typical exposures)
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Non-corrosive, mild irritant
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause transient irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Not known to cause sensitization
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: Not classified
Carcinogenicity: Components not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: Not expected
Repeated Dose Toxicity: Prolonged exposure can increase risk of pulmonary symptoms

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Practically non-toxic to aquatic organisms, may affect aquatic life by settling out as sediment
Persistence and Degradability: Not biodegradable, remains stable in soil and water
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential for bioaccumulation
Mobility in Soil: Low solubility, expected to remain near site of release
Other Adverse Effects: No ecological damage believed likely from small releases; large-scale spillages may cause sedimentation

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect waste product in containers for disposal, avoid generating dust
Disposal Containers: Use sealed, labeled containers; avoid re-use of container if contaminated
Disposal Regulations: Dispose according to local, state, and federal regulations; non-hazardous waste in most regions
Special Precautions: Avoid release to environment, prevent spillage into sewage and drainage systems

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not required
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions for User: Avoid dust creation during loading and unloading
DOT: Not regulated
IMDG: Not classified
IATA: Exempt

Regulatory Information

TSCA: All components listed on the TSCA inventory
SARA Title III Sections 311/312: Non-hazardous
SARA Title III Sections 313: Not listed
California Proposition 65: No chemicals present in amounts that require warning
REACH (EU): Compliant
WHMIS (Canada): Not classified as a controlled product
Labeling Requirements: None required beyond product identification and safe handling instructions
Other International Regulations: Product complies with chemical control laws in major jurisdictions
Workplace Safety: Practice good hygiene and use PPE to maintain safe work environment