Material Safety Data Sheet for Thermoplastic Resin

Identification

Product Name: Thermoplastic Resin
Chemical Family: Polyolefins, Polyamides, Polyesters, or similar thermoplastic polymer blends
Common Trade Names: Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polycarbonate (PC)
Manufacturer: Manufacturer details including address, phone number, and emergency contact information
Intended Use: Material for injection molding, extrusion, and various manufacturing applications including automotive parts, packaging, consumer goods, and construction components
Product Code: Identifying numbers related to the specific batch or formulation

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS for bulk resin granules, but dust or fumes produced during processing may present health risks
Label Elements: No specific symbols for granules; warning for dust or off-gassing during processing
Physical Hazards: Dust may form explosive mixtures in air; melted resin at high heat can cause burns
Health Hazards: Fumes generated at high temperatures may irritate eyes, skin, or respiratory system; heated material can adhere to skin, causing thermal burns
Environmental Hazards: Not rapidly biodegradable; resins may release microplastics into natural environments if mishandled
Other Hazards: Slippery when spilled in pellet or powder form, raising risk of slips and falls on shop floors or in transportation areas

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: High molecular weight polymers or copolymers, often with proprietary additives for heat stability, color, impact resistance, or UV protection
Main Components: Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Polyamide, Polycarbonate depending on type
Additives: Heat stabilizers, antioxidants, colorants, flame retardants, plasticizers (by resin and grade)
CAS Numbers: Polyethylene (9002-88-4), Polypropylene (9003-07-0), Polyvinyl Chloride (9002-86-2), Polyamide 6 (25038-54-4), Polycarbonate (25037-45-0)
Typical Concentrations: Thermoplastic polymer base above 90%, with additives and fillers making up the remainder

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected individual to fresh air if exposure to fumes or dust causes discomfort or respiratory symptoms; seek medical attention for breathing difficulty
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and flush affected area with cool water for several minutes in case of exposure to hot, molten resin; do not try to peel hardened resin from skin; obtain medical attention
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with water for 10 to 15 minutes if dust or vapor enters eyes; obtain medical care for persistent irritation
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly, seek medical attention if large quantities are swallowed or if symptoms such as nausea or persistent abdominal discomfort develop
Immediate/Delayed Effects: Molten material can cause serious burns; inhalation of processing fumes may cause headaches or respiratory irritation

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide; avoid direct water jets for large molten resin fires
Specific Hazards: Burns vigorously with release of dense, irritating smoke; decomposition may produce hazardous gases including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride (PVC), hydrogen cyanide (polyamide, ABS)
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Special Procedures: Cool containers with water to prevent rupture from heat exposure; prevent runoff from fire control from entering drains or natural water sources

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid generation of dust; wear safety goggles and gloves if handling spillage, as pellets cause slip hazards
Environmental Precautions: Prevent pellets or powder from entering drains, watercourses, or soil to reduce risk of microplastic pollution
Cleaning Methods: Sweep up or vacuum spilled material for reuse or disposal in approved containers; avoid dry sweeping if significant dust is present
Emergency Procedures: Isolate hazard area and deny unnecessary entry; ensure sufficient ventilation if incident involves heated or molten material

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Use proper equipment when transferring pellets or powders to reduce dust and spillage; avoid open flames or sources of ignition
Safe Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, isolated from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers or acids; protect from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures
Storage Containers and Compatibility: Keep only in original packaging or compatible labeled containers; avoid damage to bags or sacks that can cause spillage
Workplace Hygiene: Wash thoroughly after handling and before eating or drinking; do not eat, drink, or smoke in processing areas

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Provide local exhaust ventilation in processing or pelletizing areas where dust or fumes may be generated
Respiratory Protection: Approved dust masks or respirators where dust or vapor concentrations are high
Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields or goggles during transfer and processing
Skin Protection: Heat-insulating gloves when handling hot resin or equipment; long-sleeved clothing to prevent burns
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits for polymers, but monitor levels of additives or fumes during processing (check national exposure standards for specific compounds used as additives)
Other Protective Measures: Emergency eye wash stations and showers near work areas where exposure might occur

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White or colored pellets, granules, or powders; odorless or faint plastic-like smell
Odor: Slight or no odor; pungent odors during high temperature processing
Melting Point/Range: 100°C to 260°C (depending on resin type: PE ~110–130°C, PP ~160–170°C, PA ~220–260°C, PC ~230°C)
Boiling Point: Not applicable; decomposes before boiling
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: Ranges from 0.9 to 1.4 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water; may swell in certain organic solvents
Flammability: Polymer powders or fibers may present a dust explosion hazard
Self-Ignition Temperature: Typically above 350°C
Decomposition Products: Releases hydrocarbons, carbon oxides, and possible toxic gases upon thermal decomposition

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Shows good stability under recommended storage and handling; shelf stable in original packaging
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat above decomposition temperature; direct contact with open flame or strong oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, concentrated acids, fluorine gas
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Thermal breakdown can release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen cyanide depending on resin and additives
Polymerization: Polymer resin does not undergo hazardous polymerization under normal use

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity by oral, dermal, or inhalation routes for unmodified polymer; additives or byproducts during high-temperature processing may cause irritation
Chronic Effects: Chronic exposure to processing fumes may increase risk of respiratory symptoms or sensitization, especially in poorly ventilated areas
Skin and Eye Irritation: Prolonged skin contact with additives, or exposure to hot resin, can cause irritation or burns
Ingestion Effects: Expected to have low acute toxicity; ingestion of large amounts may result in physical discomfort
Sensitization: Not known to cause allergic reactions except through additives or residual monomers
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Polymeric resin itself not classified as a carcinogen under IARC, NTP, OSHA; monitor for residual monomers or decomposition products

Ecological Information

Mobility in Soil: Insoluble in water, expected to have low mobility in soil but may persist as microplastics
Persistence and Degradability: Resistant to biodegradation in environment, contributing to long-term plastic accumulation and pollution risks
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to bioaccumulate due to size and chemical properties, but microplastic fragments can be ingested by wildlife
Ecotoxicity: Low acute toxicity to aquatic or terrestrial organisms; physical effects from ingestion by animals or aquatic species present ecological risks
Other Adverse Effects: Environmental hazard stems from improper disposal and entry into waterways, leading to accumulation in food chains

Disposal Considerations

Safe Disposal Methods: Recycle resin where facilities exist, or dispose of as non-hazardous industrial solid waste in accordance with local regulations
Incineration: Approved facilities only—ensure proper controls for exhaust gases to limit release of toxic decomposition products
Packaging Disposal: Rinse and recycle containers, or dispose per local waste authority guidance; avoid release of pellets or fragments into environment
Limitations: Resin should not be burned in open fires, dumped in open land, or released to water bodies

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport of solid bulk resin in most countries
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous goods under UN, IMDG, IATA, ADR guidelines
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Protect containers from physical damage and moisture; secure pallets and packaging to prevent spillage of pellets during transit
Environmental Hazards: Not classified as marine pollutant, but protect against loss or leakage during shipping
Transport in Bulk: Use dedicated vehicles or containers to prevent cross-contamination

Regulatory Information

Labelling Requirements: Product labels and shipping papers should carry proper product identification and safety advice as required by local or regional laws
Safety Regulations: Compliance with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard in the US, REACH in Europe, and equivalent national guidelines elsewhere
Chemical Inventories: Main components listed on TSCA, EINECS, DSL, and AICS chemical inventories
Restriction and Prohibitions: Monitor changes in legal status of additives or specific resin types, including flame retardants and plasticizers under various regional laws
Worker Right-to-Know: Safety data provided in accordance with national workplace safety legislation to support risk management