Material Safety Data Sheet for Phenolic Resin

Identification

Product Name: Phenolic Resin
Chemical Family: Phenol-formaldehyde polymer
CAS Number: 9003-35-4
Synonyms: Phenol-formaldehyde resin, Bakelite
Relevant Uses: Used in adhesives, insulation, coatings, mouldings
Supplier Information: Manufacturer address, contact telephone number, website
Emergency Contact: 24-hour emergency telephone, local poison control center

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Skin Irritant (Category 2), Eye Irritant (Category 2A), Respiratory Sensitizer (Category 1), Skin Sensitizer (Category 1)
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause allergic skin reaction. May cause respiratory irritation, headache, and nausea. Prolonged exposure can damage lungs.
Pictograms: Exclamation mark, Health hazard
Precautionary Statements: Avoid dust inhalation, wear protective clothing, wash skin thoroughly after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Phenol-formaldehyde polymer
Content: 85-98%
Other Components: Free phenol <1%, free formaldehyde <0.3%, hexamethylenetetramine up to 10%
Impurities: Low concentrations of methanol or water possible

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, get medical assistance for irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, seek immediate attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, give water to drink if conscious, seek medical attention without delay

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water jets
Specific Hazards: Emits toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenols, and formaldehyde when burned
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear
Advice for Firefighters: Fight fire from safe distance, avoid inhaling combustion products, cool containers exposed to flames

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Remove ignition sources, ventilate area, avoid dust formation, wear protective clothing and respirator
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spill from entering drains, soil, or water bodies
Methods for Cleanup: Sweep or vacuum spilled material using minimally dusty methods, transfer to labeled container for disposal, wash spill site thoroughly

Handling and Storage

Precautions for Safe Handling: Use only with adequate ventilation, handle to minimize dust generation, do not breathe dust, avoid skin and eye contact, wash hands after use
Storage: Store in dry, cool, well-ventilated location, keep container tightly closed, protect from moisture and direct sunlight, segregate from oxidizers and acids, prevent static discharges

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Phenol TWA: 5 ppm (OSHA), Formaldehyde TWA: 0.75 ppm (OSHA)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, general room air changes
Personal Protection: Protective gloves (nitrile, neoprene), chemical splash goggles, long-sleeved clothing, respirator for dusts
Hygiene Measures: No eating, drinking, or smoking in work area, wash hands and face before breaks and after handling

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Solid (powder, flake, bead, or liquid form), color ranges from pale to dark brown
Odor: Characteristic phenolic odor
pH: 7 (neutral solution)
Melting Point: 70-120°C (varies by type)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: >100°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in some organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Density: 1.25–1.30 g/cm³
Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures

Stability and Reactivity

Reactivity: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Chemical Stability: Risk of polymerization at elevated temperature
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Not reactive under normal use
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flames, moisture, strong acids and bases
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Formaldehyde, phenol, carbon oxides

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Dust and vapors may irritate respiratory tract, eyes, skin; high levels can cause headache, nausea, drowsiness
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Repeated, prolonged contact may cause dermatitis or sensitization
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Contact may result in redness, pain, burning
Respiratory Sensitization: Inhalation can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Carcinogenic Effects: Some forms may contain formaldehyde, listed by IARC as carcinogenic Category 1
Other Effects: Chronic exposure may damage kidneys, liver, central nervous system

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term effects in water bodies
Persistence and Degradability: Slow breakdown, not readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation Potential: Limited bioaccumulation expected
Mobility in Soil: Low in solid forms, high for any free phenol which may leach
Other Adverse Effects: Releases formaldehyde and phenol in the environment, which are toxic to aquatic life

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Incinerate in approved facility or dispose as hazardous waste per local regulations
Contaminated Packaging: Triple-rinse, puncture, and dispose of per hazardous waste regulations
Sewage Disposal: Do not discharge into drains or watercourses

Transport Information

UN Number: 3077
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (phenolic resin)
Transport Hazard Class: 9 (Miscellaneous)
Packing Group: III
Labels: Environmental hazard, miscellaneous
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture and damage during transport, ensure proper labeling and documentation

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Hazardous under OSHA regulations
TSCA Inventory: Listed
SARA Title III: Section 313 reportable components include phenol and formaldehyde
Hazard Symbols: Irritant, N (environment)
EU Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008: Classified as irritant and sensitizer
Other Codes: Subject to local and national environmental and health safety regulations, REACH registered where applicable