Material Safety Data Sheet for Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV)

1. Identification

Product Name: Thermoplastic Vulcanizate
Common Names: TPV, Vulcanized Thermoplastic Elastomer
Manufacturer: Indicate reputable manufacturer, including address and emergency phone number
Recommended Use: Automotive components, weather seals, industrial parts, consumer products
Supplier Contact: Include telephone, email, mailing address for support and inquiries

2. Hazard Identification

Classification: Non-hazardous solid at room temperature under normal use
Physical Hazards: Combustible, may generate irritating vapors and fumes if heated during processing
Health Hazards: Molten material can cause thermal burns; inhalation of heated fumes may irritate respiratory tract
Environmental Hazards: Unlikely to present acute hazard to aquatic environments, but dust or particles may persist
Label Elements: Avoid contact with hot material; ensure adequate ventilation during processing; wear personal protective equipment when handling

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Components: Polypropylene (50-90%), Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Rubber (EPDM, 10-40%), Mineral Oil (up to 20%), Stabilizers and Additives (2-5%)
Impurities: Generally < 1%; may contain traces of residual catalysts, antioxidants, colorants
Chemical Abstracts Service Numbers (CAS): Polypropylene: 9003-07-0, EPDM: 25038-36-2, Mineral Oil: 8042-47-5

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; if symptoms persist, seek medical attention
Skin Contact: For burns from molten material, immerse in cool water; remove contaminated clothing and do not peel off solidified material; consult medical professional for serious burns
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with water at least 15 minutes; seek medical assistance if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek medical advice for significant amounts

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide for significant fires
Specific Hazards: Burning TPV releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, possibly irritating smoke
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Fire Fighting Instructions: Avoid inhaling fumes, keep upwind, cool exposed containers with water spray

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Protection: Wear safety glasses, gloves, and respiratory protection if there is high dust or fume generation
Spill Procedures: Sweep up spilled material to avoid slipping hazard; collect for recycling or disposal; do not flush into drains
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into waterways and sewers; minor releases unlikely to cause significant impact but control dust
Cleanup Methods: Use mechanical collection or industrial vacuum; avoid creating airborne dust

7. Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Avoid contact with molten or heated material; ensure ventilation during molding or extrusion
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; avoid direct sunlight and sources of ignition
Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong oxidizers and acids
Packaging: Use original or equivalent packaging with clear labeling; do not stack excessively to avoid compaction and deformation

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established exposure limits for TPV; ensure airborne dust and vapors during processing remain within local occupational guidelines
Engineering Controls: Ventilate work areas, use local exhaust during melting or mechanical processing
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety goggles, heat-resistant gloves when processing, and long sleeves for protection from hot splashes
Respiratory Protection: Use dust mask or respirator if airborne particulates or fumes build up
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; no eating, drinking, or smoking in work areas

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Opaque pellets or granules, various colors possible
Odor: Mild, characteristic waxy or rubbery smell
Physical State: Solid at ambient conditions
Melting Point: 130-180 °C (266-356 °F), depending on specific formulation
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Flash Point: > 250°C (482°F)
Auto-ignition Temperature: Approx. 350°C (662°F)
Density: 0.85-1.2 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Other Properties: Stable under normal conditions, slight static charge possible, softens above melt point

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature and under recommended storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Extreme heat, open flames, direct sunlight, strong oxidizing agents
Hazardous Decomposition: Thermal decomposition releases hydrocarbons, carbon oxides, low levels of sulfur oxides depending on formulation
Reactivity: Minimal risk if kept dry and clean, away from incompatible materials
Polymerization: Not known to occur under normal use or recommended storage

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low acute toxicity on skin or by ingestion under normal conditions
Skin Contact: Molten material causes burns; solid form not expected to irritate skin
Eye Contact: Dust or fragments may cause minor mechanical irritation
Chronic Effects: No evidence linking TPV to chronic health problems; possible irritation of respiratory tract from fumes when overheated
Inhalation: Fume exposure may irritate eyes, nose, throat, especially under poor ventilation
Carcinogenicity: Components not classified as carcinogens by OSHA, IARC, ACGIH, NTP

12. Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not inherently toxic in solid form, but persistence of particles in water or soil possible
Mobility: Floats on water, unlikely to dissolve or disperse
Persistence and Degradability: Long-term persistence in environment; low biodegradability
Bioaccumulation Potential: Significant bioaccumulation unlikely
Aquatic Impact: Pellet or dust spills may present ingestion risk for aquatic life

13. Disposal Considerations

Product Disposal: Recycle whenever possible; suitable for energy recovery; dispose of according to local, regional, national regulations
Container Disposal: Rinse and recycle or dispose with approval from regulatory bodies
Environmental Precautions: Avoid uncontrolled releases; do not incinerate unless facility allows for off-gases from plastic combustion

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not regulated
Marine Pollutant: Not considered a marine pollutant, but care should be taken to prevent spills into waterways
Special Precautions: Prevent packaging damage, keep pallets secured during shipping to avoid spills

15. Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not classified as hazardous under US Occupational Safety and Health standard
TSCA: Polymers and main ingredients listed
REACH: Exempt as an article; monomers registered as required
Other Regulatory Listings: Components may be listed on inventory lists for Canada, Europe, Japan, China, and Australia
Labeling: Not required for consumer packaging under most jurisdictions, but workplace use should be accompanied by standard precautionary labeling