Material Safety Data Sheet: Vinyl Copolymer Resin

Identification

Product Name: Vinyl Copolymer Resin
Chemical Family: Synthetic Polymer
Synonyms: Vinyl Acetate Copolymer, Vinyl Chloride Copolymer
Recommended Use: Adhesives, coatings, plastics manufacturing
Manufacturer: [Company Name]
Emergency Phone: [Company Emergency Contact]
Product Information: Colorless to white flakes, granules, or powder form, faint characteristic odor

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not typically classified as hazardous under GHS, may present risk as combustible dust
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact
Physical Hazards: Dust accumulation may create explosion risk in enclosed spaces
Health Hazards: Prolonged exposure to dust may irritate respiratory tract, eyes, and skin
Environmental Hazards: Not known to present acute environmental hazards under normal use
Pictograms: Exclamation mark for irritation risk
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, ensure adequate ventilation, wash exposed skin

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Ingredient: Vinyl Acetate Copolymer
Chemical Formula: Proprietary blend, predominantly Ethylene, Vinyl Acetate, Vinyl Chloride monomers
CAS Number: Primary: 24937-78-8 (Vinyl Acetate-Ethylene Copolymer), can include other copolymers
Concentration: 100% polymer; traces of residual monomers (typically below regulatory thresholds)
Impurities: Minimal; does not contain heavy metals, may have minor unreacted monomer traces

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, seek medical help if symptoms persist
Eye Contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contacts, obtain medical attention
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek attention for irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, consult a physician

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, CO2, foam
Incompatible Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet on burning dust may spread fire
Special Hazards: May produce hazardous decomposition gases including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrochloric acid fumes
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighting Instructions: Tackle fire upwind, prevent runoff into waterways, cool containers exposed to flames

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Minimize dust generation, ventilate area, wear protective clothing
Methods for Cleaning Up: Collect with vacuum system equipped with HEPA filter, avoid dry sweeping, avoid releasing dust into air
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into sewers, drains, surface water; alert authorities if significant contamination occurs
Spill Response: Secure spill area, collect waste in appropriate containers for disposal

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use local exhaust ventilation, control dust formation, ground all equipment to avoid static
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from ignition sources
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids
Safe Practices: Keep containers tightly closed, protect from moisture and direct sunlight
Bulk Storage: Avoid storing near flammable or combustible materials, check for dust accumulation regularly

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No ACGIH TLV for polymer; watch for nuisance dust limits (e.g., OSHA PEL: 15 mg/m3 total dust, 5 mg/m3 respirable)
Engineering Controls: Ventilation in processing areas, dust collection systems
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, gloves made of nitrile or rubber, dust mask or NIOSH-approved respirator for operations producing airborne dust
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and at end of shift, avoid eating or drinking in work areas
Monitoring: Regular air monitoring in high-dust workplaces

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white solid (granules, flakes, or powder)
Odor: Faint sweet or neutral
Odor Threshold: Not available
pH: Not applicable (insoluble polymer)
Melting Point: 60–200°C, varies by copolymer blend
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Above 200°C (dust cloud may present lower flash hazard)
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Flammability: Combustible dust
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Solubility: Typically insoluble in water; soluble in some organic solvents
Specific Gravity: 1.2–1.5
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable for polymers
Autoignition Temperature: Above 400°C
Decomposition Temperature: >200°C; may release vapors

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Extreme heat, open flames, sources of ignition, accumulation of dust
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizers, acids
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride, low molecular weight hydrocarbons
Polymerization: Not expected to occur
Reactivity: Non-reactive with most substances in normal use; can generate static charge

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, dermal, ocular
Acute Toxicity: Low acute toxicity expected, may cause irritation to mucous membranes on overexposure
Chronic Toxicity: No known chronic effects associated with finished polymer; residual monomers at trace levels can present added risk if inhaled at high concentrations for extended periods
Skin and Eye Irritation: Prolonged or repeated contact may cause mechanical irritation; not a skin sensitizer in animal studies
Carcinogenicity: IARC not classifying polymer as carcinogenic; vinyl chloride (monomer) listed as carcinogenic, but below detectable limits in cured product
Reproductive Effects: Data on finished polymer show no evidence of reproductive toxicity
Mutagenicity: Not expected
Additional Information: Dust from sanding, grinding may aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low potential for toxicity to aquatic or terrestrial life in finished, cured form
Persistence and Degradability: Resistant to biodegradation; long environmental persistence
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate significantly
Mobility: Insoluble in water, tends to remain at disposal site
Other Adverse Effects: Breakdown in environment can generate microplastics, contributing to long-term contamination risks
Wastewater Impact: Dust or particles may clog filters or disrupt sewage treatment operations

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose according to local, regional, national, or international regulations
Product Disposal: Incineration in approved facilities preferred; landfill if incineration not possible
Contaminated Packaging: Decontaminate before recycling or disposal
Special Precautions: Do not allow large quantities to enter waterways; minimize dust during disposal process
Regulatory RCRA Status: Not classified as hazardous waste under US RCRA regulations, but local classifications may differ

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as marine pollutant
Special Precautions for User: Avoid transporting with flammable, oxidizing, or reactive goods; ensure containers protected from moisture and extreme heat
Bulk Transportation: Check for bulk dust accumulation and take measures to prevent static electricity

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not classified as hazardous chemical under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) in finished form
TSCA Status: All ingredients listed or exempt
DSL/NDSL (Canada): All ingredients listed or exempt
EU REACH: Registered or exempt, finished polymer generally not subject to mandatory registration
SARA Title III: No Section 313 components in significant quantities
California Proposition 65: Can contain trace vinyl chloride or acrylate monomer — users should reference supplier statements
Labeling Requirements: Standard GHS elements for dust irritant
Additional Regional Regulations: Check local, national controls on the use and disposal of plastic materials, especially regarding microplastics and environmental discharge