Silica Matting Agent Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Identification
Product Name: Silica Matting Agent
Chemical Family: Amorphous Silica
Recommended Use: Coating additive for surface matting
Supplier: Industrial chemical distributor
Emergency Contact: Provided by the manufacturer
CAS Number: 7631-86-9
Synonyms: Silicon dioxide, Synthetic amorphous silica
Product Description: White, fine, odorless powder
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous per GHS
Signal Word: None
Pictogram: None required
Hazard Statements: May cause mild respiratory irritation if inhaled; physical contact can lead to mechanical irritation of eyes and skin; not considered carcinogenic by IARC in amorphous form
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; wear suitable personal protective equipment; maintain good housekeeping to prevent dust accumulation
Potential Health Effects: Repeated inhalation of large quantities may affect lung function
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, eye contact, skin contact
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Name: Amorphous Silica
Concentration: 98–100% by weight
Impurities: Trace amounts of sodium oxide, aluminum oxide, iron oxide
Additives: None
Relevant Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (Total Dust): 15 mg/m³; ACGIH TLV (Inhalable): 10 mg/m³
Molecular Formula: SiO₂
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air promptly; seek medical attention if symptoms remain
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if possible
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical attention for irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Notes for Doctor: Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms; product lacks acute toxicity
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None known
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Standard gear; no unique precautions
Specific Hazards: Not combustible; no hazardous combustion products
Thermal Decomposition: Stable at high temperatures; does not decompose to hazardous substances
Explosion Data: Not explosive; dust mixtures with air could pose minor ignition risk in confined spaces
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Avoid dust formation; wear respiratory protection and gloves
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains or waterways
Cleanup Methods: Sweep carefully or use vacuum with HEPA filter; avoid dry sweeping in dusty conditions; transfer to suitable container for disposal
Decontamination: Wash area with water after product has been removed
Disposal of Waste: Collect and place in labeled containers for proper disposal as non-hazardous waste
Handling and Storage
Precautions for Safe Handling: Handle in well-ventilated spaces; minimize dust generation; use local exhaust where necessary
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in closed containers, away from moisture and incompatible materials like hydrofluoric acid
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after contact; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during handling
Other Information: Residual dust particles can make surfaces slippery; regular cleaning avoids incidents
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust; general ventilation keeps airborne concentration below exposure limits
Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved dust mask if exposure limits may be exceeded
Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves
Body Protection: Protective clothing if contact likely
Additional Controls: Keep eyewash and shower stations accessible
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White powder
Odor: Odorless
pH: 6–8 (in dispersion)
Melting Point: > 1700°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Density: 1.8–2.2 g/cm³
Bulk Density: 100–200 kg/m³
Particle Size: 2–50 microns
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not flammable
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Chemically stable under normal usage
Incompatible Materials: Hydrofluoric acid (can react and dissolve silica); strong alkalis
Hazardous Reactions: None under recommended storage or handling
Hazardous Decomposition: Not expected
Polymerization: Will not occur
Toxicological Information
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, eye contact, skin contact
Acute Toxicity: No acute toxicity observed for amorphous silica at occupational exposures; oral LD50 (rat) > 5000 mg/kg
Irritation: May cause minor mechanical irritation to eyes or skin
Chronic Toxicity: No evidence of carcinogenicity for amorphous silica; crystalline silica poses a respiratory hazard, but not present here
Reproductive and Developmental Effects: Not expected
Sensitization: Not reported
Mutagenicity: Negative in standard tests
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: Not harmful to aquatic environments in typical discharge quantities; amorphous silica shows low toxicity
Persistence and Degradability: Essentially inert; does not biodegrade
Bioaccumulation : Potential low; does not bioaccumulate
Mobility in Soil: Particulate form limits mobility; settles out
Other Adverse Effects: No known significant effects
Disposal Considerations
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of material as non-hazardous industrial solid; follow local regulations
Packaging Disposal: Rinse empty bags or drums before recycling or disposal
Decontamination: Clean containers before re-use or disposal; prevent dust emissions during disposal
Disposal Restrictions: Do not allow material to enter public sewer systems or watercourses
Transport Information
UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods
Proper Shipping Name: Not classified
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Handle to avoid dust leakage
Environmental Hazards: Not subject to marine pollutant rules
Additional Information: Secure packaging against spillage during transit
Regulatory Information
OSHA: Listed as non-hazardous under US OSHA communication rules
TSCA: Listed on US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
REACH: Registered in the EU; not classified for hazards
WHMIS: Not controlled in Canada
California Prop 65: Does not contain listed substances
Other Regulations: Not regulated for transport or use under GHS, DOT, or ADR protocols