MSDS: Polyethylene Flame Retardant Additives

Identification

Product Name: Polyethylene Flame Retardant Additives
Synonyms: PE Flame Retardant Masterbatch, Brominated Flame Retardant Polyethylene Compound, Halogen-Free Flame Retardant PE Additive
Manufacturer: BlendsTech Chemical Co., Ltd.
Recommended Uses: Wire and cable insulation, plastic sheeting, pipe coating, technical textile back-coating, cable ducts, construction panels
Emergency Contact: CHEMTREC: +1-800-424-9300
Product Code: FR-PEXLCA1203
Address: 3429 Polymer Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74116, USA

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Eye Irritant (Category 2B), Skin Sensitizer (Category 1), Acute Oral Toxicity (Category 4), Not rated as a flammable solid
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes mild eye irritation, May cause allergic skin reactions, Harmful if swallowed, May cause slight respiratory irritation
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area, Wear protective gloves and eyewear, Wash hands thoroughly after handling, Do not eat, drink or smoke during use
Pictograms: Exclamation Mark, Health Hazard

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Polyethylene Resin: 50-60% – CAS: 9002-88-4
Intumescent Flame Retardant (Ammonium Polyphosphate): 20-35% – CAS: 68333-79-9
Brominated Organic Compounds (Decabromodiphenyl Ether): 5-12% – CAS: 1163-19-5
Antimony Trioxide: 2-8% – CAS: 1309-64-4
Mineral Filler (Talc/ATH): 3-10% – CAS: 14807-96-6 / 21645-51-2
Synergist (Zinc Borate): 1-4% – CAS: 1332-07-6
Stabilizers and Lubricants: Proprietary, <1%

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, rest in a position comfortable for breathing. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist: coughing, shortness of breath, or throat irritation.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse with plenty of water and mild soap. If redness or irritation develops, seek medical attention.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with clean water for 15 minutes, hold eyelids apart to ensure thorough flushing. Seek medical care if discomfort continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink one or two glasses of water. Do not induce vomiting except on medical advice. Call poison center or physician if large amounts swallowed or symptoms develop.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, water spray, carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Thermal decomposition releases toxic and irritating fumes such as hydrogen bromide, antimony compounds, phosphorus oxides
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear
Hazardous Combustion Products: Smoke, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, brominated compounds, phosphoric acid fumes
Special Instructions: Evacuate area, douse containers with water to keep cool if exposed to fire; avoid runoff to waterways

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use gloves, goggles, dust mask. Ventilate area, avoid generating dust.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, surface or groundwater. Notify authorities if bulk quantities enter waterways.
Methods for Cleanup: Collect material mechanically using non-sparking tools, place in closed, labeled containers for proper disposal. Use vacuum with HEPA filter for fine dust; avoid sweeping dry dust.
Waste Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local, regional, and federal regulations.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes, prevent dust formation, handle in well-ventilated spaces. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during use. Use proper lifting techniques.
Storage Conditions: Store tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from ignition sources and incompatible materials (oxidizers, acids). Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture. Stack containers safely to avoid tipping.
Storage Temperature: 5–35°C (41–95°F)
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents, ammonia-rich products

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust in processing and handling areas, process enclosure or mechanical ventilation to reduce airborne dust.
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, PVC), safety goggles, dust respirator (NIOSH N95 or higher), coveralls and safety boots.
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands thoroughly after use, remove contaminated clothing, shower after large exposures.
Exposure Limits: Antimony trioxide ACGIH TLV: 0.5 mg/m³ (8-hr TWA). Decabromodiphenyl ether: OSHA/NIOSH REL: 1 mg/m³.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Off-white or light gray granules or pellets
Odor: Mild, faint chemical/plastic
pH: Not applicable (solid, not soluble in water)
Melting Point: 110–140°C (230–284°F)
Decomposition Temperature: Around 320°C (608°F)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not determined (non-volatile solid)
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Specific Gravity: 1.1–1.8 (depending on additives present)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and use. Not sensitive to shock.
Conditions to Avoid: Excess heat, open flames, strong oxidizing/reducing agents, moisture ingress.
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, peroxides, alkalis, oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen bromide, phosphorus oxides, carbon monoxide, antimony fumes, unknown organic compounds
Polymerization: Will not occur in storage or normal handling conditions

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): >2,000 mg/kg (mixture), low acute toxicity but harmful if large amounts ingested
Skin Contact: May cause irritation in sensitive individuals, especially with prolonged or repeated exposure
Eye Contact: Dust particles can trigger swelling, redness, and tearing
Respiratory: Dust inhalation may aggravate allergies, asthma, respiratory illness
Carcinogenicity: Antimony trioxide listed as possible carcinogen (IARC Group 2B); decabromodiphenyl ether possible reproductive hazards in chronic exposures
Sensitization: Repeated exposure can cause skin and respiratory sensitization
Chronic Effects: Chronic inhalation of dust can impact lung function, cause cough, bronchitis

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Additives may pose toxicity to aquatic organisms, especially if significant quantities released in water bodies
Persistence and Degradability: Most flame retardants are persistent; do not biodegrade quickly, some may bioaccumulate
Mobility: Pellets and granules remain in soil and sediment
Bioaccumulation: Certain components (brominated compounds, antimony trioxide) may bioaccumulate in aquatic systems
Aquatic Toxicity: Studies note LC50 values for aquatic species in low mg/L range for some additives
Environmental Precautions: Strict landfill control, do not flush into natural water sources

Disposal Considerations

Waste Management: Collect in closed, labeled containers for final disposal at licensed facilities
Product Disposal: Incineration at approved facility with flue gas cleaning or secure landfill
Packaging Disposal: Triple rinse, recycle if feasible or treat as chemical waste
Regulations: Dispose in accordance with local, state, national, and international law; hazardous waste status may apply based on region
Precautions: Do not attempt open burning; restrict access to disposal areas

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for ground, air, or sea transport
DOT / ADR / IATA / IMDG: Not classified as a hazardous material
Packaging: Ship in original, intact packaging; avoid exposure to moisture
Special Precautions: Block and brace to prevent movement during transit, handle with care to avoid spillage
Transport Conditions: Ambient temperature, dry containers

Regulatory Information

OSHA Hazard Communication: Meets requirements under 29 CFR 1910.1200
TSCA Inventory: All listed ingredients appear on TSCA inventory
REACH: Europe: substances registered, subject to SVHC monitoring (brominated additives follow ECHA guidelines)
RoHS Directive: Some components may exceed RoHS-mandated levels for EEE uses unless halogen-free grades selected
SARA Title III: Section 313: Antimony Compounds reportable; meets Tier II reporting
California Proposition 65: Contains chemicals (e.g., antimony trioxide, certain brominated flame retardants) known to the State of California to cause cancer
Globally Harmonized System (GHS): Hydraulic, health, and environmental labeling applies