MSDS of Ammonium Polyphosphate Flame Retardant for Polypropylene

1. Identification

Product Name: Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP) Flame Retardant
Recommended Use: Additive for flame retardancy in polypropylene and related polymers
Supplier Name: [Enter Manufacturer/Supplier Details]
Supplier Address: [Enter Address]
Emergency Contact: [Enter Emergency Phone Number]
Product Code: [Enter Code If Applicable]
Synonyms: APP, Polyphosphoric Acid Ammonium Salt
Relevant Identified Uses: Used to increase fire resistance in plastics manufacturing, electronics, automotive and construction industries
Chemical Family: Inorganic Phosphates
CAS Number: 68333-79-9
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous under the UN system for transport

2. Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: May cause mild skin and eye irritation; low toxicity through inhalation or ingestion; not flammable in itself but may release toxic fumes when exposed to fire
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes irritation to eyes and skin; inhaling dust can irritate respiratory track; no significant risk of carcinogenicity or acute toxicity at normal usage
Pictogram: Exclamation Mark
Precautionary Statements: Wear protective gloves/eye protection, avoid breathing dust or powder, wash hands after handling, keep away from food and drink
Routes of Exposure: Eye, skin, inhalation, ingestion
Potential Health Effects: Redness or dryness on skin upon contact; eye irritation with redness or watering; inhalation may cause coughing, sneezing, or temporary breathlessness

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Ammonium Polyphosphate
Chemical Formula: (NH4PO3)n
CAS Number: 68333-79-9
Concentration: >98% (by weight)
Impurities: Water (<2%), orthophosphates (trace), trace levels of ammonia in some products
Other Ingredients: Additives, coatings or anti-caking agents may appear in some blends; reveal details per supplier specification

4. First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with lukewarm water for at least 10 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy, seek medical attention for persistent pain or irritation
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin thoroughly with plenty of water and mild soap, medical treatment in case of significant irritation or allergic reaction
Inhalation: Move person into fresh air, allow to rest, seek medical attention for continued discomfort, cough, or chest tightness
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, drink water for dilution, do not induce vomiting, consult doctor in case of discomfort or large ingestion
Most Important Symptoms: Eye redness, skin dryness, mild respiratory irritation
Special Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically, no specific antidote required

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical powder, foam, or carbon dioxide can suppress fire involving polypropylene materials
Incompatible Extinguishing Media: None known for APP itself
Special Hazards: Thermal decomposition releases ammonia, nitrogen oxides, phosphorus oxides, low risk of toxic gas formation unless heated strongly or involved in a major fire incident
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus due to risk of gases
Firefighting Instructions: Avoid inhaling dust or vapors, cool containers with water spray to prevent rupture, remove undamaged material from fire area if safe, keep run-off from contaminating waterways
Flashpoint: Not applicable
Explosive Limits: Non-explosive
Autoignition Temperature: Decomposes before ignition

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear suitable respiratory protection and gloves, avoid breathing in dust, keep unnecessary personnel away from spill area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering nearby water sources or drains, notify local authorities in case of large spillage
Methods for Clean Up: Sweep up spilled product carefully, avoid raising dust, shovel into suitable container for reuse or disposal, flush spill site with water after removal
Disposal of Contaminated Materials: Place in labeled, tightly sealed containers for proper disposal, avoid mixing with incompatible waste substances
Decontamination: Wash equipment and surfaces fully after clean-up, ventilate area well
Reference to Other Sections: See also exposure controls and disposal considerations for additional guidance

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Use with proper ventilation and dust extraction systems, avoid formation of airborne dust, do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling, wash hands thoroughly after use
Storage: Store in tightly closed bags or drums, keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas, avoid contact with strong acids, bases, and oxidizers, protect from moisture to prevent caking or hydrolysis
Storage Temperature: Room temperature recommended, avoid prolonged heat or direct sunlight exposure
Incompatible Materials for Storage: Acids, strong reducing agents, strong oxidizers
Special Storage Instructions: Segregate from food or feedstuffs, label containers clearly and check for leaks regularly

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits for APP; follow general dust exposure limits (Total Dust: 10 mg/m³, Respirable Dust: 5 mg/m³ according to OSHA/ACGIH)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, enclosed handling systems, dust collection devices at points of transfer or filling
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved dust masks or respirators for operations creating dust
Hand Protection: Choose chemical-resistant gloves (PVC, nitrile, rubber recommended)
Eye Protection: Use safety glasses with side shields or chemical goggles
Skin Protection: Wear long sleeves, protective clothing, safety shoes especially during transfer or open handling
Hygiene Measures: Do not touch face with contaminated gloves, wash exposed skin areas with soap and water after handling, change out of dust-laden clothing after work

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules, slightly hygroscopic
Odor: Practically odorless, slight ammonia smell in freshly opened packages
Molecular Weight: Variable, depends on polymerization degree (commonly n=15–300); average molecular weight typically 1,000–5,000 g/mol
pH (10% solution): 5.5–7.0
Melting Point/Decomposition: Softens at approximately 150°C, decomposition usually begins above 240°C
Solubility in Water: Slightly soluble
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Bulk Density: 0.7–1.0 g/cm³ depending on grade
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined, expected to be low due to ionic nature
Viscosity: Not applicable for powder
Evaporation Rate: Not likely to evaporate at ambient temperature

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures, no hazardous polymerization
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture, excessive heat, strong acids or bases, long-term sunlight exposure
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids release phosphoric acid and ammonia, oxidizers, reducing agents
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Ammonia, nitrogen oxides, phosphorus oxides formed at high temperatures
Reactivity: Not a reactive compound under normal use, slowly hydrolyzes in water
Corrosiveness: Non-corrosive to most metals and packaging materials

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): >2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity category)
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Mild irritation possible after prolonged contact
Eye Damage/Irritation: May cause moderate transient irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Some dust exposure may provoke coughing or minor respiratory discomfort
Skin Sensitization: Sensitization unlikely under normal conditions and with appropriate PPE
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic in NTP, IARC, OSHA
Mutagenicity: No known genotoxic effects
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence for reproductive impact in animal studies
Chronic Exposure Effects: Rare, but repeated or continued dust exposure could aggravate existing respiratory issues

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Limited data; not expected to be highly toxic to aquatic life at recommended usage levels
Persistence and Degradability: Gradually hydrolyzes in moist soils, forms orthophosphate ions, which are part of nutrient cycles in environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate substantially in food chains
Mobility in Soil: High water solubility increases risk of leaching in large spills; binds to soil minerals
Other Adverse Effects: Excessive phosphate can contribute to eutrophication if released into watercourses
Aquatic Toxicity: Fish LC50: >1,000 mg/L (low hazard)
Notes: Responsible disposal and spill prevention limit environmental risk

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect and reuse wherever possible as fire retardant in permissible applications
Disposal of Product: Transfer to licensed chemical waste disposal facility in accordance with local regulations
Disposal of Packaging: Clean containers for local recycling/reuse if not contaminated, otherwise treat as chemical waste
Special Instructions: Do not allow significant quantities into surface waters or drains, avoid landfill without immobilization
Waste Codes: EC Waste Code 06 09 99 (for phosphorus-containing wastes not otherwise specified)

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as a dangerous good under major modes of transport (IMDG, IATA, ADR)
Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not applicable
Packing Group: Not applicable
Label: None required
Special Precautions: Avoid physical damage to containers during transport, keep dry during transit, transport with compatible goods to avoid contamination or spillage
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant
Transport in Bulk: Confirm compatibility with vessel prior to transport in bulk, ensure proper documentation

15. Regulatory Information

US Regulations: OSHA hazard classification: Not hazardous; TSCA inventory: Listed
EU Regulations: Reach registration as phase-in substance; not classified as a hazardous preparation per CLP Regulation (EC) 1272/2008
Canadian Regulations: DSL listed, not controlled under WHMIS
Australian Regulations: Listed on AICS
Japanese Regulations: ENCS listed
Restrictions: No significant national or international restrictions for the intended industrial uses
Labeling Requirements: Safety information and hazard warnings recommended on bulk containers for workplace safety
Other Notes: Consult applicable municipal, state, or national authorities for site-specific compliance needs or reporting thresholds