Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Wax Dispersion

Identification

Product Name: Wax Dispersion
Other Names: Micronized Wax Emulsion, Polyethylene Wax Dispersion
Recommended Use: Surface coatings, inks, adhesives, industrial applications
Manufacturer: Apollo Chemicals Ltd.
Address: 125 Mercury Road, Cambridge, MA, USA
Telephone: +1-617-555-0148
Emergency Contact: CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300
Email: safety@apollochem.com
Date of MSDS Issue: June 15, 2023

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as dangerous under GHS, possible minor health effects with prolonged exposure
Signal Word: None required
Hazard Statements: May cause mild skin and eye irritation. Inhalation of vapor or mist could result in respiratory discomfort.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing spray or vapor. Wear gloves and protective eyewear.
Acute Effects: Skin and eye irritation
Chronic Effects: No known significant effects
Environmental Hazards: Large spillages could lead to aquatic contamination, especially in still water bodies

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Polyethylene Wax (CAS: 68441-17-8)
Concentration: 20–30%
Chemical Name: Water (CAS: 7732-18-5)
Concentration: 65–75%
Chemical Name: Surfactant Blend (Proprietary, non-ionic)
Concentration: 3–5%
Impurities: None identified above regulatory thresholds

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical advice if respiratory symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately under running water for at least 15 minutes, get medical attention for continued discomfort
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, request immediate medical attention if symptoms develop
Most Important Symptoms: Redness, irritation, headache from inhalation of mist

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water fog
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet could spread material
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, trace hydrocarbons
Fire Fighting Instructions: Wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus, stay upwind
Special Concerns: Slippery residue increases risk of falls near fire site

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with skin and eyes, don gloves and goggles, use breathing mask if mist present
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, waterways, and soil
Spill Cleanup Methods: Contain spill with inert absorbent material such as sand or vermiculite, collect residue, wash area with water, place waste in sealed containers
Disposal: Dispose of material following local and national regulations
Further Advice: Wash any contaminated clothing before reuse

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle in well-ventilated areas, avoid creating aerosol mists, ensure containers remain closed when not in use
Storage Conditions: Store between 5°C and 35°C, keep away from heat or sunlight, protect from freezing
Storage Incompatibility: Strong oxidizing agents, acids
Specific Use Precautions: Avoid skin and eye contact, do not eat, drink or smoke in work area
Bulk Storage: Use polyethylene or stainless steel containers, line drums with plastic if storing for extended periods

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: None established for components
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation recommended for processes generating vapor or mist
Personal Protection—Eye: Chemical splash goggles
Personal Protection—Skin: Nitrile or PVC gloves, protective clothing
Personal Protection—Respiratory: Not needed under normal conditions, use mask if spray or mist forms
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after work, launder work clothing regularly

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Milky white liquid
Odor: Slight, characteristic paraffin-like
pH: 8.0–9.5
Melting Point: 95–108°C (for wax component)
Freezing Point: 0°C (for dispersion)
Boiling Point: Approximately 100°C
Flash Point: >150°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: Less than 2.3 kPa at 20°C
Relative Density: 1.00–1.03 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility in Water: Fully dispersible
Viscosity: 50–200 mPa·s at 25°C
Auto-ignition Temperature: Above 300°C
Explosive Properties: Not explosive
Oxidizing Properties: Not classified as oxidizing

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal and recommended storage conditions
Reactivity: Non-reactive in aqueous form
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, freezing
Materials to Avoid: Strong acids, strong oxidizing materials
Hazardous Decomposition: Emits carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide on combustion
Polymerization: Will not occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral, dermal, and inhalation toxicity extremely low, no data indicating major risks
Irritation: May cause mild eye or skin irritation based on similar preparations
Sensitization: Not a skin sensitizer
Chronic Exposure: No evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity
Inhalation Route: Mist may cause cough or mild transient breathing irritation
Ingestion Route: Not regarded as hazardous when accidentally swallowed in small quantities

Ecological Information

Environmental Fate: Used levels dissipate rapidly in most environments, ingredient biodegradability varies
Ecotoxicity: Frothy residue might harm aquatic life in large undiluted spills, surfactant concentration is low
Mobility: Disperses in water, does not bioaccumulate
Persistence and Degradability: Wax particles degrade slowly, surfactants degrade more quickly
Aquatic Toxicity Data: Acute toxicity for fish and daphnia not observed at typical working concentrations

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Send to approved waste disposal facility, use landfilling or incineration as permitted by regulations
Container Disposal: Rinse thoroughly, recycle or dispose of according to local laws
Avoid: Uncontrolled discharge to waterways and soil
Special Instructions: Use a licensed contractor for bulk material removal

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not assigned
Proper Shipping Name: None
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions: Avoid freezing during transportation, keep container upright and tightly sealed

Regulatory Information

Labeling: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA, GHS, or EU CLP
Inventory Listing: All ingredients appear on TSCA, EINECS, DSL
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting
California Prop 65: Contains no substances listed
Other Regulations: Complies with REACH, does not require special handling under DOT or IATA rules