Product Name: RC Resin (Vinyl Chloride-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer)
Manufacturer: Supplied by major chemical manufacturing firms.
Recommended Use: Used in the production of adhesives, coatings, and inks.
Contact Information: Found on the supplier’s packaging or corporate site.
Emergency Phone: Refer to safety contact provided with shipment or on manufacturer label.
Synonyms: VAc/VC Copolymer, Vinyl Chloride-Vinyl Acetate Resin.
Product Code: Specific codes depend on supplier and grade.
Relevant Identifiers: CAS number: 9003-22-9 (variable depending on composition).
GHS Classification: Not regarded as hazardous under GHS for bulk resin, but dust generation or thermal decomposition can pose risks.
Hazard Pictograms: Not assigned for bulk resin, can include irritant if processed.
Signal Word: Warning for dust inhalation or fire byproducts.
Hazard Statements: May cause respiratory tract irritation. Molten resin can cause thermal burns. Combustion produces hydrochloric acid and other toxic fumes.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, fumes, or vapors. Use in well-ventilated areas. Use personal protective gear during processing.
Potential Health Effects: Eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation from particulates or decomposition vapors.
Chronic Exposure: Chronic inhalation of processing fumes could lead to lingering respiratory symptoms.
Main Chemical: Vinyl Chloride-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer
CAS Number: 9003-22-9
Monomer Units: Vinyl chloride (CAS No. 75-01-4), vinyl acetate (CAS No. 108-05-4)
Typical Composition: Vinyl chloride: 80–95%, Vinyl acetate: 5–20% by weight
Additives: May contain heat stabilizers, lubricants, and plasticizers in certain formulations. Additive specifics vary with application and supplier.
Impurities: Residual monomers typically less than 1% under regulatory thresholds.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical help if symptoms of irritation, coughing or shortness of breath develop.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. For molten resin burns, seek immediate medical attention.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with plenty of water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy. Continue rinsing. Get medical help if discomfort persists.
Ingestion: Unlikely route due to industrial handling. If swallowed, rinse mouth, get medical advice if feeling unwell.
Note to Physician: Treat symptomatically; molten resin burns need specialized care.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water fog, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam. Avoid direct water stream on molten resin.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use direct high-pressure water jets, which may spread molten material.
Specific Hazards: Decomposes at high temperature producing hydrogen chloride gas, phosgene, carbon monoxide, and other toxic compounds.
Protective Equipment: Full firefighting turn-out gear, self-contained breathing apparatus. Avoid inhaling vapors.
Special Procedures: Move containers away from fire if safe. Use caution due to slippery molten resin and hazardous fumes.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area if significant dust or resin fumes are present. Wear respiratory protection and gloves.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains, soil, or surface water. Isolate spill area from waterways.
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up spilled solid resin with minimal dust generation. Collect in labeled waste containers for disposal. For molten resin, let solidify and remove for proper disposal.
Decontamination: Wash spill area with mild detergent and water after cleanup.
Handling: Handle with local ventilation to control dust and vapors during processing. Use anti-static measures when transferring resin to prevent ignition from static electricity. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while using the product.
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated spaces, away from strong oxidizers and sources of heat or ignition. Protect containers from physical damage. Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use.
Incompatibilities: Oxidizing agents, strong acids, and alkalis.
Storage Temperature: Stay below 40°C for stability.
Container Materials: Compatible with most plastics and metals used in bulk storage.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust and process enclosure for operations generating dust, fumes, or vapors. Maintain adequate ventilation.
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator for dusty or poorly ventilated conditions.
Eye Protection: Safety goggles for routine handling; face shield for high-exposure or molten handling scenarios.
Skin Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, long sleeves, protective overalls recommended during handling and processing.
Hygiene Measures: Thoroughly wash hands, forearms, and face after using. Remove work clothing after handling and launder before reuse.
Exposure Limits: No established limits for finished copolymer. Vinyl chloride monomer TLV (ACGIH): 1 ppm (2.6 mg/m³).
Appearance: White, off-white, or slightly yellowish powder or pellets.
Odor: Mild, faint, or odorless (may resemble plastic).
pH: Not applicable in solid form.
Melting Point: 150–220°C, highly dependent on composition.
Density: Ranges from 1.18–1.40 g/cm³ (varies with additive type and copolymer ratios).
Solubility: Not soluble in water; partially soluble in strong polar organic solvents.
Boiling Point: Not applicable; decomposes at elevated temperature.
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable for solid resin.
Flash Point: Not flammable as solid resin; dusts may combust if exposed to ignition source.
Flammability: Dust and melted resin are combustible.
Viscosity: Not relevant in solid form; solution viscosity provided by supplier.
Autoignition Temperature: Above 400°C depending on exact formulation.
Chemical Stability: Stable under standard conditions of temperature and pressure.
Hazardous Reactions: Exposure to strong oxidizers or acids can cause violent reaction or decomposition.
Thermal Decomposition: Decomposes with heat, forming hydrogen chloride gas, phosgene, and other toxic gases.
Incompatible Materials: Chlorine, nitrogen tetroxide, concentrated nitric acid, and strong alkalis.
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged exposure to heat, open flames, or direct sunlight.
Polymerization: Not known to undergo hazardous polymerization under normal use.
Acute Toxicity: Not classified as acutely toxic by oral, dermal, or inhalation routes for bulk copolymer.
Chronic Toxicity: Long-term inhalation of dust may cause mild respiratory symptoms. Decomposition fumes during heating (hydrogen chloride, phosgene) present significant health risks.
Skin Irritation: Prolonged skin contact can cause irritation, particularly during processing or cleanup of molten resin.
Eye Irritation: Dust or fumes irritate the eyes.
Carcinogenicity: Finished polymer not classified, but vinyl chloride monomer is a known carcinogen (IARC Group 1). Risk is negligible in fully polymerized resin.
Sensitization: No evidence from existing studies for skin or respiratory sensitization with standard use.
Persistence: Does not biodegrade easily; persists in environment over time.
Bioaccumulation: Low for finished polymer; not expected to migrate extensively in living organisms.
Ecotoxicity: Low expected toxicity to aquatic life unless broken down into smaller particulates or decomposed.
Mobility: Practically insoluble in water, so movement in soil and water is limited.
Aquatic Effects: Large quantities of dust or chips may cause physical hazard to aquatic organisms.
Other Notes: Additives or decomposition byproducts may pose greater environmental concerns than the copolymer itself.
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national requirements. Incineration may be preferred, as landfill will not degrade resin.
Contaminated Packaging: Rinse thoroughly before recycling or disposal. Treat as chemical waste if substantial residues remain.
Environmental Precautions: Do not discharge material or washings into surface water, drains, or soil to avoid long-term contamination.
Special Instructions: Work with licensed waste disposal contractors for large volumes.
UN Number: Not regulated as a dangerous good for transport in most countries.
Proper Shipping Name: Vinyl Chloride-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer Resin.
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified, but precautions against dust explosions and static ignition should be enforced.
Packing Group: Not assigned.
Environmental Hazards: Not classed as a marine pollutant.
Special Precautions: Ensure packaging is secure, dry, and intact during transit. Label according to local transport regulations.
Labeling: Product labeling must meet global and local chemical management standards (such as OSHA, REACH, or CLP for Europe).
Inventory Listings: Registered under major chemical inventories including TSCA (USA), DSL (Canada), EINECS (EU), ENCS (Japan).
REACH Status: The copolymer itself is exempt under REACH but monomers fall under restriction if present as impurities.
OSHA Status: Classified as an article, not hazardous under OSHA bulk criteria, unless being processed or forming airborne dust.
Other Regulations: Finished polymer handled as non-hazardous in many jurisdictions, but vinyl chloride monomer regulated strictly in feedstock and emissions. Fire, exposure, and waste laws also apply depending on region.
