MSDS of Flame Retardant: Exolit OP1400

Identification

Chemical name: Exolit OP1400
Common names: Organophosphinate flame retardant, flame retardant phosphorus compound
Producer: Clariant International
Recommended use: Additive for polymers, especially polyamides and polyesters
Emergency contact: Local emergency response number or CHEMTREC
Synonyms: Diethylphosphinic acid, aluminum salt; Organophosphinate
Relevant regulations: Listed under various chemical inventories such as REACH, TSCA, DSL, ENCS

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS criteria
Physical hazards: Slight dust explosion risk if dispersed in air
Health hazards: Can irritate eyes, nose, and throat with dust contact
Environmental hazards: Slightly hazardous to water
Pictograms: No GHS pictograms assigned
Signal word: None
Hazard statements: May cause mechanical irritation; not toxic by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact
Precautionary statements: Use dust control methods; avoid eye and skin contact; wash hands thoroughly after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical identity: Diethylphosphinic acid, aluminum salt
CAS number: 225789-38-8
Concentration: > 95% by weight
Impurities: None relevant for hazard classification
Formula: [C4H10AlO4P]
Molecular weight: Approximately 197 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical attention for breathing discomfort or irritation
Skin contact: Wash with soap and plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye contact: Flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids open, consult medical help for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water, do not induce vomiting, get medical attention if symptoms persist
Most important symptoms: Eye, skin, or respiratory irritation from dust

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable extinguishing media: Water spray, dry powder, foam, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable media: Direct water jet on burning material bulk may spread dust
Special hazards: Combustion releases toxic gases like phosphorus oxides, carbon oxides
Protective equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
Other advice: Avoid breathing dust or combustion gases, control runoff to prevent environmental contamination

Accidental Release Measures

Personal precautions: Isolate area, ventilate, avoid dust formation, wear dust mask and gloves
Environmental precautions: Prevent material entering drains, surface water, or soil
Clean-up actions: Sweep up, shovel into properly labeled containers for recycling or disposal, avoid dust dispersal
Decontamination: Wash affected surfaces with plenty of water, dispose wash water as hazardous waste
Notification: Inform responsible authorities in case of major spill or release

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle with local exhaust ventilation, avoid inhaling dust, wear protective gloves and eye protection, avoid eating or drinking in work area
General hygiene: Wash hands and face thoroughly after processing, keep work clothing separate
Storage conditions: Store in original packaging, keep dry, protect from moisture and extreme temperatures, ventilate storerooms
Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong acids, bases, and oxidizers
Recommended materials: Use tightly sealed containers made of materials compatible with phosphinates

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure limits: No national occupational exposure limits established; suggested dust limit 10 mg/m³ (total), 3 mg/m³ (respirable)
Engineering controls: Use dust extraction and local ventilation
Personal protective equipment:
— Respiratory protection: FFP2 dust mask or equivalent for dusty operations
— Eye protection: Safety goggles or face shield
— Skin protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene)
— Clothing: Protective lab coat or apron

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, free-flowing powder
Odor: Odorless
Melting point: > 300°C
Decomposition temperature: > 400°C
Solubility: Water solubility < 0.1 g/L (very low); practically insoluble in organic solvents
pH value: 7–9 (1% suspension in water)
Vapor pressure: Not applicable, solid at room temperature
Density: Approx. 1.2–1.4 g/cm³ at 20°C
Particle size: D50 around 15–20 µm (may generate inhalable dust)
Flammability: Not self-igniting, will burn under strong ignition source
Explosion risk: Dust explosion possible with fine powder and air mixture

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical stability: Stable under recommended storage and use conditions
Thermal decomposition: Above 400°C, starts breaking down, generating hazardous gases
Hazardous reactions: Reacts with strong acids, strong bases, and oxidizing agents, generating heat
Incompatibility: Strong oxidizers, acidic or basic materials, water/moisture exposure over time
Hazardous decomposition products: Phosphorus oxides, carbon oxides, aluminum oxides, possibly hydrocarbons

Toxicological Information

Acute toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) > 2000 mg/kg, not acutely toxic
Skin corrosion/irritation: Mild, mechanical skin irritant
Eye damage/irritation: Dust may cause redness and irritation
Respiratory effects: Dust may scratch throat, cause coughing, no chronic toxicity noted in studies
Chronic effects: Not classified as a carcinogen, mutagen, or reproductive toxicant
Other hazards: No known sensitization, no evidence of organ toxicity at normal exposure

Ecological Information

Aquatic toxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic organisms (LC50 > 100 mg/L for fish, daphnia, algae)
Persistence and degradability: Not readily biodegradable, slow breakdown in environment
Bioaccumulation: No significant accumulation expected
Mobility: Low in soil and water, binds to particles, insoluble phase
Other effects: Avoid large releases to watercourses or soil, persistent insoluble compounds may long-term contaminate sediments

Disposal Considerations

Waste treatment: Collect into containers for specialized landfill or incineration
Disposal method: Follow local, state, and national regulations for hazardous waste
Packaging disposal: Triple rinse, puncture, and recycle; contaminated packaging as hazardous waste
Precautions: Do not discharge wash water or product into sewers or water bodies
Options: Prefer recycling or incineration in industrial facilities with proper emission controls

Transport Information

UN number: Not regulated for transport by road, sea, or air
Class: Not classified as dangerous goods
Packing group: Not applicable
Labeling: None required
Handling in transport: Protect packaging from moisture, tears, or impacts, do not stack high
Transport regulations: No special requirements under IMDG, IATA, ADR, RID, DOT

Regulatory Information

Chemical inventory status: Listed on REACH, TSCA, DSL, ENCS, AICS, PICCS
Label requirements: No GHS hazard label required, ordinary industrial chemical
Restrictions: Not listed as a substance of very high concern or priority pollutant
Workplace regulations: Standard industrial hygiene and safety laws apply, no specific product bans
Community right-to-know: Product safety sheet available to downstream users and emergency responders