MSDS for Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE)

Identification

Product Name: Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE)
Chemical Formula: C₂H₃Cl
CAS Number: 63231-66-3
Recommended Use: Impact modifier, wire and cable jacketing, synthetic rubber applications
Manufacturer/Supplier: Contact relevant industrial distributor
Emergency Telephone Number: Refer to local regulations for poison control or fire department numbers

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
Signal Word: None
Pictograms: None required
Hazard Statements: May cause mild irritation to eyes and respiratory system; dust formation may create explosion risk in confined spaces
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, avoid contact with eyes and skin, wash hands after handling, ensure adequate ventilation in processing areas

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Ingredient: Chlorinated Polyethylene
Concentration: 90–100%
Impurities/Stabilizers: Traces of additives such as calcium stearate, antioxidants, processing oils (typically below 2%)
Other Information: No hazardous ingredients present above regulatory disclosure limits

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist such as coughing, shortness of breath, or dizziness
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse; seek medical attention if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing; seek medical attention if discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do not induce vomiting; seek medical advice if symptoms occur

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Decomposition generates hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and other toxic gases during fire; dust may form explosive mixtures with air
Protective Equipment: Firefighters require full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Additional Information: Fight fire from upwind position; cool containers with water spray to prevent overheating or rupture

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, avoid dust generation; use personal protection such as gloves, goggles, and respirators if dust threshold is exceeded
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into sewers, watercourses, or confined spaces; report accidental releases as per local regulations
Methods for Containment: Sweep or vacuum spilled material and place in suitable, labelled containers for disposal; avoid dry sweeping if airborne dust could result
Cleanup: Use non-sparking tools and explosion-proof equipment if handling large spills in confined areas

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid dust generation; earth and bond equipment to prevent static discharge; use only in well-ventilated areas; wash thoroughly after handling
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; keep away from heat sources, ignition points, and strong oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, alkalis, and oxidizers
Packaging Materials: Use polyethylene-lined bags, drums, or bulk containers; store away from direct sunlight and humidity to maintain product stability

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Control Parameters: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits for CPE; use workplace dust limits as guidance (OSHA PEL for nuisance dust: 15 mg/m³ total, 5 mg/m³ respirable)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosures, dust collection systems
Personal Protection: Gloves (nitrile or PVC), safety goggles or face shield for eye protection, NIOSH-approved particulate respirators under dusty conditions
General Hygiene: Wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking; launder contaminated clothing before reuse; provide eyewash stations in work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to pale yellow free-flowing powder or granules
Odor: Odorless or faintly aromatic
Melting Point: >120°C (varies by grade)
Boiling Point: Not applicable, decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Not applicable
Flammability: Not classified as flammable; may burn with external flame
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient conditions
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in some chlorinated solvents
Density: 1.1–1.3 g/cm³ (varies by grade)
Decomposition Temperature: >160°C
pH: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, sources of ignition, open flame, formation of dust clouds
Materials to Avoid: Strong acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents; avoid contact with amines and certain metals which may catalyze decomposition
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, phosgene, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons under thermal decomposition
Polymerization: Not known to undergo hazardous polymerization

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low acute oral and dermal toxicity in animal studies; LD₅₀ (oral, rat) > 2000 mg/kg
Inhalation: Inhalation of dust may irritate respiratory tract, causing coughing or sneezing
Skin Contact: Dust may cause mechanical irritation with prolonged contact
Eye Contact: May cause redness, tearing, or discomfort due to physical irritation
Chronic Effects: No evidence of carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity at exposure levels typical for occupational setting; no mutagenic or teratogenic potential indicated in available studies
Sensitization: Not expected to cause skin or respiratory sensitization

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not acutely toxic to aquatic organisms; limited biodegradability, potential for long-term persistence in environment
Mobility in Soil: Low mobility, insoluble in water; may accumulate in sediment
Bioaccumulative Potential: No significant bioaccumulation expected based on molecular structure and environmental fate studies
Degradability: Very slow biodegradation under environmental conditions; photodegradation may occur on surface exposure
Other Adverse Effects: Not expected to pose significant environmental hazard if handled according to industrial best practices

Disposal Considerations

Waste Management: Dispose of surplus or waste product in accordance with national, state, and local regulations; preferred disposal by incineration in properly permitted facility
Recycling: Possible in facilities capable of handling chlorinated plastics; consult municipal or commercial recycling operators for procedures
Landfill: Allowable where permitted, but not preferred due to slow decomposability
Packaging Disposal: Empty containers can contain residues—handle as hazardous waste or decontaminate and recycle where facilities exist
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release to environment, especially waterways and storm drains

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as a dangerous good under UN transport regulations
Proper Shipping Name: Chlorinated Polyethylene
Transport Hazard Class: Not assigned
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not considered a marine pollutant
Special Precautions for Transport: Protect from moisture, avoid rough handling and sources of ignition, secure containers upright and labeled during transport

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200
TSCA: Listed on Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory
EU REACH: Registered as polymer, not classified for health or environmental hazard
California Proposition 65: No listed ingredients present above threshold levels
WHMIS (Canada): Not regulated as hazardous
Other Regulations: Complies with applicable food contact regulations under specific conditions; users must consult local, regional, and national rules for additional workplace controls or product restrictions