Product Name: ABS Flame Retardant Masterbatch
Other Names: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene FR Masterbatch
Recommended Use: For injection molding, extrusion, or compounding where enhanced flame resistance is needed
Manufacturer: [Company name and contact]
Emergency Phone Number: [Provide emergency contact details]
Address: [Manufacturer’s address]
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS standards as supplied in pellet form; dust or fumes from processing may cause irritation
Signal Word: None for solid product; dust and smoke may trigger warning labels
Hazard Pictograms: None usually required, though fire and health hazard icons may appear for dust
Potential Health Effects: Skin and eye irritation possible, respiratory irritation from fumes, rare allergic reactions reported
Environmental Effects: Pellet spills may pose environmental risks due to persistence in soil or water, animals may ingest pellets by accident
ABS Polymer: 60–90%, CAS: 9003-56-9
Flame Retardant Additive (often brominated or phosphorous-based): 10–35%, CAS: [Specific CAS depends on chemical, such as 13674-87-8 for brominated varieties]
Compatibilizer or Dispersing Agent: 1–5%, CAS: [Varies]
Processing Aids: <1%, CAS: [Varies]
Additive Residuals and Byproducts: Typically present in trace amounts, identification varies by formula and manufacturer
Inhalation: Move exposed individual to fresh air, watch breathing, get medical attention if symptoms (coughing, dizziness) appear after heating or burning
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothes, wash thoroughly with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with plenty of water for several minutes, remove contacts if present, seek medical care for irritation
Ingestion: Small accidental swallowing unlikely to cause harm due to pellet size, large amounts or additives require medical assessment
Fire Reaction: If exposed to smoke, follow inhalation steps and seek emergency help for breathing problems or other symptoms
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide all work to put out burning ABS or masterbatch
Unsuitable Media: Strong water jets can spread pellets and melted resin further
Hazardous Combustion Products: Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, brominated or phosphorus compounds may release during burning
Protective Equipment: Firefighters must use full self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Fire and Explosion Risk: Pellets themselves burn when exposed to flame; finely divided dust may pose a minor explosion risk in poorly ventilated areas
Personal Precautions: Wear gloves and goggles to avoid skin or eye irritation, ventilate area if dust or fumes present due to melting or grinding
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spilled pellets from entering drains or waterways, collect quickly to avoid wildlife ingestion
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep or vacuum loose pellets using non-sparking tools, dispose of in proper waste containers, avoid creating dust clouds
Handling: Use good industrial hygiene; avoid breathing dust or fumes; wear suitable gloves when loading or working near moving machinery; wash after handling
Storage: Store bags or boxes in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight; keep away from heat sources and strong oxidizers; do not stack beyond recommended weight to avoid crushing or leaking
Incompatibilities: Oxidizing agents, acids, and strong bases may react with components under some conditions; avoid temperatures above recommended melt point
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation at processing points cuts down fumes; general room ventilation helps control airborne particles
Exposure Limits: No set workplace limit for ABS; OSHA/ACGIH exposure limits for nuisance dust (typically 10 mg/m³ for total dust) and for specific flame retardant additives may apply
Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves and long sleeves prevent skin contact; safety glasses avoid eye irritation from dust; use respirators if dust or fumes exceed guideline levels
Hygiene: Remove contaminated clothing, wash thoroughly after exposure, never eat or smoke before washing up
Physical State: Solid pellets or granules
Color: Usually white, gray, or slightly yellow
Odor: Mild or almost none, some may smell faintly sweet or chemical-like
Melting Point: 200–240°C (approximate)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Above 400°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in strong solvents
Density: 1.05–1.20 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not relevant for solid product
Other: Pellets soften and melt before burning, release white smoke if burned, electrical insulation properties affected by flame retardant choices
Chemical Stability: Stable under regular use, will break down at temperatures above processing range
Hazardous Reactions: Not reactive with most chemicals under normal conditions
Decomposition Products: Burning or overheating forms carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly brominated or phosphorous fragments
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged heating, open flame, strong acid, base, or oxidizers
Incompatibles: Strong oxidizing chemicals, some heavy metals can speed breakdown
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation of process fumes/dust, skin or eye contact with pellets, rare ingestion
Acute Effects: Eye or skin irritation possible, especially with repeated contact or with dust; respiratory irritation from fumes generated by overheating
Chronic Effects: No known cancer risk for base ABS, but studies note possible risks from certain additives; long years of exposure to process dust or fumes can increase health issues like bronchitis
Symptoms: Coughing, mild rashes, eye redness, headache from heavy fume exposure
Toxicological Data: LD50 > 5000 mg/kg (oral, rats) for solid material; specific data for additive components vary
Persistence and Degradability: Pellets do not break down fast in soil or water, stick around for long periods
Bioaccumulation: Additives may build up in aquatic systems if released; polymers themselves not likely to accumulate in body tissues
Ecotoxicity: Not highly toxic to fish or plants in pellet form, but smaller fragments or leachates from additives can harm aquatic organisms
Other Risks: Wildlife may accidentally eat pellets, causing blockages or injury; improper disposal leads to lasting environmental footprint
Waste Treatment Methods: Recycle if facilities accept flame retardant plastics; if not, send to authorized solid waste landfill
Incineration: Incineration in approved plants can destroy product, but may generate toxic gases unless proper scrubbing units are in place
Precautions: Never release pellets to water bodies, storm drains, or natural landscapes
Regulatory Requirements: Comply with local, regional, and national laws for industrial plastic waste and hazardous waste streams as applicable
UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous good for most transport types
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous
Pictograms: Not required on outer packaging
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Use secure packaging to prevent pellet spills; keep product dry during transport; provide documentation on flame retardant content for overseas shipping if requested
Chemical Inventory: Ingredients typically listed on TSCA (US), REACH (EU), and equivalent chemical registries
Workplace Labeling: Follow regional hazard communications standards (OSHA in US, WHMIS in Canada, CLP in Europe, etc.)
Restrictions: Some flame retardant additives face bans or controls (e.g., certain brominated flame retardants in the EU); always review for local requirements
SARA Title III/California Prop 65: Review if ingredients or additives are listed as substances of concern for health; label accordingly for jurisdictions
