Material Safety Data Sheet for High Chlorinated Polyethylene (HCPE)

Identification

Product name: High Chlorinated Polyethylene
Other names: HCPE, Chlorpolyethylenum
Chemical formula: (C2H3Cl)n
CAS number: 68527-01-5
Use: Resin additive for coatings, adhesives, anti-corrosive paints, fire retardants
Manufacturer: [Company Name, Address, Emergency Number]

Hazard Identification

Hazard class: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Physical hazards: Can contribute to dust formation from powder. Fine powdered form may be combustible in strong heat.
Health hazards: Dust may irritate eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. Prolonged skin contact may cause mild irritation.
Specific hazards: Inhalation of dust over time could lead to respiratory discomfort.
Signal word: None mandated
Hazard pictogram: No symbol required
Precaution: Avoid breathing dust. Use with adequate ventilation.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical identity: High Chlorinated Polyethylene
Content: 99% or greater by weight
Impurities: Trace residual chlorine (<1%), stabilizers (<1%)
Molecular weight: Ranges between approximately 50,000 to 150,000 (polymeric)
Physical form: White powder or granule

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Eye contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy.
Skin contact: Wash skin with mild soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. No specific antidote; consult a physician if feeling unwell.
Most important symptoms: Mild irritation of airway, skin, or eyes.
Notes for healthcare provider: Treat symptomatically.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable extinguishing media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO2)
Unsuitable extinguishing media: Direct water jet on burning powder
Special hazards: Decomposition in intense fire releases hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and carbon oxides
Protective equipment: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Fire-fighting advice: Avoid inhaling gases. Use water spray to cool exposed containers.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal precautions: Ventilate area. Avoid breathing dust. Use personal protective equipment.
Environmental precautions: Prevent run-off into drains, surface water, or soil. Collect spillage.
Clean-up methods: Scoop up and place in labeled container for disposal. Sweep or vacuum to avoid dust.
Decontamination: Wash spilled area with water and detergent.

Handling and Storage

Safe handling: Minimize dust generation. Use local exhaust or general ventilation. Ground and bond containers during handling.
Storage conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sunlight, sources of ignition, and incompatible materials such as oxidizers. Store in tightly closed containers.
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizers, concentrated acids, alkalis
Other precautions: Keep away from food and beverage containers. Keep out of reach of children.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure limits: No established exposure limits for HCPE; minimize airborne dust where possible
Engineering controls: Provide adequate local or general ventilation. Enclosed systems preferred for powder transfer.
Personal protective equipment: Hands: Impervious gloves (nitrile or PVC). Eyes: Chemical splash goggles or safety glasses. Skin: Long sleeves, lab coat, closed shoes. Respiratory: Dust mask or appropriate respirator if dust exceeds permissible limits.
Hygiene: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in work area. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical state: Solid (powder or granule)
Color: White to off-white
Odor: Weak, characteristic
Chlorine content: Typically 65–70%
pH (suspension): Neutral (5–7)
Melting point: 120–160°C depending on grade
Decomposition temperature: Above 150°C
Vapor pressure: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, and ketones
Density: 1.6–1.7 g/cm³
Flashpoint: Not applicable (non-volatile)
Explosive properties: Dust can form explosive mixtures in air if finely divided and in sufficient concentration

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Chemically stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Polymerization: Not known to undergo hazardous polymerization
Conditions to avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, and strong sunlight
Materials to avoid: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids and alkalis
Hazardous decomposition products: Hydrogen chloride, phosgene, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide

Toxicological Information

Acute toxicity: Low oral and dermal toxicity based on data for similar polymers
Inhalation: Nuisance dust can cause coughing, sore throat, or shortness of breath if airborne dust levels become significant
Skin contact: May cause mild, transient irritation
Eye contact: Particulates may cause mechanical irritation
Chronic effects: No evidence of long-term adverse effects known from typical occupational exposure
Carcinogenicity: No components listed as carcinogenic by NTP, IARC, OSHA
Other remarks: Not expected to be absorbed through skin or mucous membranes in significant amounts.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to harm aquatic or terrestrial organisms under normal use or accidental release
Persistence and degradability: Stable under environmental conditions; slow biodegradation due to molecular stability and chlorine content
Bioaccumulation: Not likely to bioaccumulate; high molecular weight reduces mobility in biological systems
Mobility in soil: Limited due to insolubility in water and heavy polymer structure
Other adverse effects: None known or expected based on structure and chemistry.

Disposal Considerations

Waste treatment methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations. Incineration in approved facility recommended.
Landfill: Permissible if local regulations allow and landfill accepts industrial polymers
Contaminated packaging: Triple rinse, puncture, and dispose as non-hazardous plastic waste or according to guidelines
Recycling: Mechanical recycling possible for uncontaminated material; consult local facilities.

Transport Information

UN number: Not regulated
Proper shipping name: High Chlorinated Polyethylene
Transport hazard class: Not classified as dangerous goods
Packing group: Not assigned
Special precautions: Ensure shifts do not create dust clouds during loading/unloading. Keep container dry and free from impact or puncture.
Environmental hazards: None known for normal transport.

Regulatory Information

Safety, health, and environmental regulations:** Compliant with most national and international chemical inventories, including TSCA (USA), REACH (EU), DSL (Canada), IECSC (China)
Labeling requirements: None for non-hazardous polymers
Other standards: Local fire code may require label as combustible dust if finely divided
Workplace controls: OSHA, ACGIH recommendations for nuisance dust (respirable and total particulates) apply
Special state or national regulations: Check for waste disposal or spill reporting threshold requirements.