Expandable Graphite: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: Expandable Graphite
Chemical Formula: C
CAS Number: 7782-42-5
Synonyms: Graphite intercalation compound, Expanded graphite, Worm graphite
Relevant Identified Uses: Fire retardant, sealing material, conductive filler, thermal insulation, plastic and rubber admixture
Supplier Details: Company name, address, contact number, contact email
Emergency Phone: Local or regional poison control hotline, manufacturer 24-hour emergency line

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS, but dust can cause respiratory irritation and mild mechanical irritation to the eyes
Signal Word: None required
Pictogram: None
Hazard Statements: Dust may cause eye and lung discomfort, potential aggravation in people with preexisting respiratory issues
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash hands and face after handling, use protective equipment to avoid dust exposure
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Expandable graphite
Percent Purity: 95-99% graphite base, 1-5% sulfuric acid and other acid residues (encapsulated as intercalant, not free acid)
Chemical Additives: Traces of ammonium compounds, oxidizers, sodium or potassium salts, based on production process
Impurities: Natural origins might bring trace heavy metals, always listed in supplier’s full analysis
Other Components: No special stabilizers, no carcinogenic components listed by IARC or OSHA

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Take affected person out of dusty area to fresh air, let them rest, medical attention if symptoms continue
Skin Contact: Wash skin with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek attention with persistent redness
Eye Contact: Flush gently with clean water for 15 minutes, hold eyelids open, medical help for irritation that persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, do not induce vomiting, consult medical support if feeling unwell
Most Important Effects: Dust inhalation may cause coughing or dryness, eye contact may cause irritation, no chronic effects recognized at industrial exposures
Protection for First-Aiders: Use suitable gloves and mask to avoid secondary exposure to dust

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide for surroundings, unaffected by normal extinguishing agents
Specific Hazards: Fine dust can form explosive carbon-air mixtures, substantial heat may evolve irritating gases like CO₂ and traces of SOx
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should don self-contained breathing gear and full protective clothing
Special Instructions: Cool containers with water, prevent water runoff from entering drains, avoid stirring up dust

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask or respirator, safety glasses, gloves, avoid skin and eye contact
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release into environment, sweep carefully to avoid raising dust, keep away from drains and soil
Clean-Up Methods: Collect spilled material with non-sparking tools or industrial vacuum, place waste in closed, labeled containers, clean area with wet methods to prevent dust clouds
Safe Handling Advice: Always keep area well-ventilated, limit unnecessary movement during cleanup

Handling and Storage

Handling: Store in tightly sealed, labeled containers, minimize exposure to air and humidity to prevent product clumping, avoid inhaling dust clouds by working in ventilated environment, never eat, drink, or smoke around product
Storage: Store away from moisture, strong oxidizers, or acids, protect from ignition sources, control static electricity, keep product away from food, animal feed, and incompatible chemicals
Special Storage Features: Palletized packaging recommended, warehouse temperature below 40°C, avoid direct sunlight

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 15 mg/m³ total particulate, 5 mg/m³ respirable fraction; ACGIH TLV: 2 mg/m³ respirable
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, dust collection systems, minimize generation of airborne dust
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask or respirator (NIOSH approved), safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use, change clothing if contaminated, never use compressed air for cleaning work clothing, use barrier creams for sensitive skin
Monitoring: Routine airborne graphite dust surveys recommended in high-use areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Black, lustrous powder or flake, may show slight metallic sheen
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: 5–9 in suspension (variable based on acid intercalant residue)
Melting Point: Sublimes above 3652°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Decomposition Temperature: Roughly 200–240°C (expansion begins)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Solubility: Insoluble in water or organic solvents
Density: 2.2 g/cm³
Flammability: Not easily combustible, but finely divided powder can ignite in air
Explosion Risk: Dust may form flammable or explosive mixtures
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal ambient and forecast storage conditions
Reactivity: Will expand rapidly above 200°C, reacts strongly with strong oxidizers and some acids, avoid mixing with halogens or alkalis
Hazardous Reactions: Rapid heat may trigger expansion, fine powder may react exothermically
Decomposition Products: Small quantities of sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, moisture, ignition sources, strong acids and oxidizers

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral, dermal, and inhalation exposure studies show low toxicity, primary effects from inhalation of particulates
Irritation: May cause mild eye and respiratory tract irritation, rare skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Corrosiveness: Not classified as corrosive
Sensitization: Not reported to trigger sensitization
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged high-level exposure may cause lung changes (pneumoconiosis), standard industrial hygiene practices control risk
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogenic by NTP, IARC, OSHA
Mutagenicity: Negative results in available tests
Reproductive Toxicity: Not documented in animal or human studies
Potential Health Effects: Allergic and asthmatic individuals can experience aggravated symptoms near airborne dust

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic or terrestrial life, persistent particle form may accumulate in soil or sediment
Biodegradability: Permanent, non-biodegradable
Bioaccumulation: Not expected, very low water solubility means negligible mobility
Mobility in Soil: Particulate forms persist, limited dispersion beyond immediate spill zone
Other Effects: Residual acid may cause pH shift in sensitive water bodies with large spills, otherwise not hazardous in most environmental settings

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment: Collect waste in sealed, labeled containers, avoid direct dumping into surface waters or drains
Disposal Methods: Landfill disposal in accordance with local regulations, treat as industrial solid waste, incineration not recommended due to sulfur compounds
Special Precautions: Wear personal protective equipment during cleanup, sweep using wet methods, avoid raising dust
Container Disposal: Empty packaging to be decontaminated or disposed following local waste guidelines, recycling may be possible for some plastics and metals

Transport Information

UN Number: Not applicable (not regulated)
UN Shipping Name: Not classified as dangerous goods
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture, keep containers tightly closed, ensure vehicles are clean to avoid cross contamination with oxidizers or acids
Labels: Not required

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not classified as hazardous, dust exposure covered under nuisance particulates standard
TSCA: Listed
REACH: Registered, restrictions may apply to sulfur content and fine particle size
SARA Title III: No listed chemicals
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other Regional Legislation: Check relevant local and national chemical inventories for additional notes on handling, labeling, or restricted use