Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Expanded Graphite

1. Identification

Product Name: Expanded Graphite
Synonyms: Flexible graphite, exfoliated graphite
Recommended Use: Industrial sealants, gasketing, thermal management, fireproofing
Supplier: [Company Name], [Company Address], [Contact Number], [Emergency Phone Number]
CAS Number: 7782-42-5
Relevant Identified Uses: Manufacturing, construction, battery electrodes, flame retardants

2. Hazard Identification

Classification: Non-hazardous under GHS classification (dust form may irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract)
Signal Word: None
Label Elements: No pictogram, no signal word required
Hazard Statements: May cause temporary discomfort to eyes and respiratory tract through dust exposure
Precautionary Statements: Use with adequate ventilation, wear protective gear, avoid creating dust clouds
Other Hazards: Finely divided material may form combustible dust concentrations; not considered an environmental hazard

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Graphite (Expanded)
Concentration: 100%
CAS Number: 7782-42-5
Impurities: May contain trace amounts of sulfuric acid residues, sulfur, or other expansion agents, generally below 1%
Molecular Formula: C

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, get medical attention if breathing seems difficult or symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water if irritation occurs, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with clean water for several minutes, seek medical advice if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water if able, seek medical attention if large amount ingested or symptoms develop
Symptoms/Effects: Mechanical irritation, coughing, short-lived respiratory discomfort or eye redness

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Dust may present explosion risk if dispersed in air and exposed to ignition source; combustion produces CO, CO2, potentially irritating fumes
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Advice for Firefighters: Avoid inhaling combustion products; move containers away from fire if safe

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear respiratory protection, gloves, goggles; avoid generating dust and inhaling particles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe; do not let product enter drains or waterways
Cleanup Methods: Use shovel or vacuum equipped with HEPA filter to collect; avoid dry sweeping; place in suitable closed containers for disposal
Reference to Other Sections: See Section 8 for personal protection and Section 13 for waste disposal

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Work in well-ventilated areas; avoid breathing dust and creating airborne concentrations; wash hands before breaks and after handling
Storage: Store in dry, cool, well-ventilated conditions; keep containers tightly closed; avoid storing near strong oxidizers or moisture sources
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, sources of ignition
Hygiene Practices: Keep away from food, drink, and animal feed; avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV (respirable): 2 mg/m3 (graphite, natural), OSHA PEL: 5 mg/m3 (respirable fraction), 15 mg/m3 (total dust)
Engineering Controls: Adequate local exhaust ventilation required for dust control; maintain low airborne concentrations
Personal Protective Equipment: Respiratory protection (N95 mask or better), protective gloves, chemical safety goggles, long-sleeved clothing
Environmental Controls: Prevent dust accumulation and emission to air or water
Other Protective Measures: Safety shower and eyewash station near work area

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Black to dark gray powder, flakes, or worms
Odor: Odorless
Odor Threshold: Not applicable
pH: Neutral (in water suspension)
Melting Point / Freezing Point: Sublimes >3,600°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: May form flammable dust-air mixtures
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Bulk Density: 0.002-0.1 g/cm3 (after expansion)
Solubility: Insoluble in water and solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not applicable
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 400-500°C (dust)
Decomposition Temperature: >600°C
Viscosity: Not applicable

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: No dangerous reaction known under normal use
Conditions to Avoid: Exposure to strong oxidizers, excessive heat, open flames, sources of ignition, generating dust clouds
Incompatible Materials: Avoid storing with strong acids (sulfuric, nitric), oxidizing agents (peroxides, chlorates)
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, minor amounts of sulfur or other decomposition byproducts depending on expansion agents

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Inhalation of dust can cause mild respiratory discomfort; considered practically non-toxic by oral, dermal, or inhalation exposure
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Prolonged contact with dust may produce mild irritation; not a sensitizer
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Mechanical irritation (redness, itching, tearing)
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Not sensitizing based on available data
Germ Cell Mutagenicity: No data indicating mutagenic effects
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, ACGIH, or OSHA
Reproductive Toxicity: No information suggests reproductive hazard
Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure): Possible temporary irritation of respiratory tract (from dust)
Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Repeated Exposure): Data does not support chronic toxicity from standard workplace exposures
Aspiration Hazard: Not expected to be an aspiration hazard

12. Ecological Information

Toxicity: Product poses minimal risk to aquatic and terrestrial environments in bulk or dispersed form
Persistence and Degradability: Chemically inert, not readily biodegradable, remains in environment unless physically removed
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not bioaccumulative due to insolubility and lack of significant mobility in biological systems
Mobility in Soil: Remains at surface or in sediment; does not migrate readily
Other Adverse Effects: No evidence of significant effects on wildlife or ecosystems at currently known release levels

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect in closed, labeled containers; dispose of through facility’s chemical waste process or at approved industrial landfill
Disposal of Packaging: Empty containers may be landfilled or recycled according to local regulations after thorough cleaning
RCRA Status: Not classified as a hazardous waste under federal law
Additional Notes: Avoid releasing to drains, surface water, or soil; follow all local, regional, and national guidelines

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated under UN transport codes
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not applicable
Environmental Hazards: Not applicable
Special Precautions for User: Prevent mechanical damage to packaging; keep containers closed during transport; avoid creation of dust
Transport in Bulk: Keep dry, use dust-tight containers
Regulatory Transport Status: Not classified as dangerous goods for transport by road, rail, sea, or air

15. Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Considered non-hazardous; subject to dust exposure limits
TSCA Inventory: Listed
Canadian DSL: Listed
EU REACH: Exempt or registered
SARA Title III: Not subject to Section 302, 304, or 313 reporting
California Proposition 65: Not listed
WHMIS Classification (Canada): Not controlled
Additional State or Local Regulation: Check relevant regional workplace safety and environmental laws
Other International Regulations: Check with local regulations for restrictions or requirements