MSDS of Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer

Identification

Product Name: Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer
Chemical Family: Polyester Copolymer
Product Code: TPEE
Recommended Use: Engineering, automotive parts, sports equipment, wire & cable insulation
Manufacturer: Various global chemical manufacturers
Contact Information: Emergency phone numbers provided by manufacturer; local poison control centers as backup
Synonyms: Block Copolyester, TPEE, Thermoplastic Elastomer Polyester

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS for bulk resin form
Physical Hazards: May cause static discharge. Hot melt can cause thermal burns.
Acute Health Hazards: Heated material can cause serious eye, skin, or respiratory tract irritation.
Chronic Health Hazards: Repeated exposure to fumes may impact the lungs.
Environmental Hazards: Pellets or dust may create risk for aquatic species if released into water.
Pictograms: None required for polymer granules; hot processing warnings apply
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, vapors, or fumes. Wear protection for eyes and skin in processing areas.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer
CAS Number: 25038-59-9
Ingredients: Poly(butylene terephthalate) (main phase), butylene glycol, terephthalic acid, adipic acid as modifier (content proprietary, non-hazardous as defined by OSHA)
Impurities: Residual catalysts, stabilizers & colorants may be present at non-hazardous trace levels
Typical Purity: >97% by weight polyether-ester block copolymer

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Investigate source of vapor, especially if processed hot. Get medical help for symptoms.
Skin Contact: Cool affected area immediately with water if hot material contacts skin. Do not force removal of solidified resin. Seek medical attention for burns.
Eye Contact: Flush thoroughly with plenty of running water. Remove contact lenses if easy to do. Get prompt medical care if irritation persists.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water. Get medical advice if large amounts ingested. Most likely incidence limited to small accidental intake of granules.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, CO₂
Unsuitable Media: Direct water stream may scatter molten product.
Hazards from Combustion: Burning produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, low molecular weight hydrocarbons, possibly irritating or toxic fumes depending on temperature.
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear.
Precautions: Evacuate area. Cool nearby containers exposed to heat. Avoid inhaling smoke or decomposition fumes.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use proper PPE—gloves, goggles. Watch footing; spilled pellets create slip hazard.
Environmental Precautions: Contain pellet spills promptly. Prevent product from reaching drains or waterways due to persistent microplastic risk.
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum up granules. Collect into suitable containers for recycling or disposal. Use industrial vacuum with filter for accumulated dust.
Disposal: Keep away from sources of ignition and vents. Clean contaminated surfaces thoroughly.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize dust generation. Ground equipment to prevent static buildup, especially in large hoppers. Avoid direct contact with resin at processing temperatures. Wear heat-resistant gloves if handling hot melt.
Storage: Store in dry, well-ventilated locations. Keep bags or containers tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption. Avoid high humidity and temperatures >40°C for extended periods. Keep away from incompatible materials like strong acids or oxidizers.
Special Requirements: Use oldest stock first. Keep product off floors to limit contamination and tripping hazards.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use mechanical ventilation in processing areas to minimize exposure to fumes or dust. Local exhaust recommended.
Personal Protection: Wear safety glasses with side shields during handling and production. Heat-resistant gloves and sleeves protect from hot resin. Respiratory protection recommended if dust or vapors are likely, especially during purging.
Hygiene: Wash hands before eating or after handling product. Remove contaminated clothing promptly and wash before reuse.
Exposure Limits: No OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV for resins; use nuisance dust standard <10 mg/m³

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Translucent to opaque white or colored pellets, sometimes as cut shapes or powder
Odor: Mild, negligible in solid form
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: 150–220°C (varies by grade)
Flash Point: >350°C (estimated, product not easily ignited)
Density: 1.10–1.30 g/cm³
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Vapor Pressure: Essentially zero at room temperature
Autoignition Temperature: Approx. 400°C
Stability at Room Temp: Stable in air, decomposes with prolonged exposure to strong UV or temperatures above 250°C
Other Properties: Can be electrostatically charged in handling, becoming a nuisance for clean-up and creating static shock potential

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Not reactive with most common materials. Decomposes above 250°C, producing irritant gases and smoke.
Hazardous Reactions: Contact with strong oxidizers can cause runaway reactions or decomposition.
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, trace organics, possible low-level formaldehyde in extreme conditions.
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, bases, oxidizing agents.
Conditions to Avoid: Overheating during processing, direct flame, strong UV light, prolonged storage at high temperatures.

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation of processing fumes, skin and eye contact, accidental ingestion of pellets
Acute Effects: Process fumes may cause irritation to eyes, nose, throat. Heated resin can burn.
Chronic Effects: Repeated inhalation of dust from cutting, grinding, or mechanical handling could impact lungs. Not known to be carcinogenic or mutagenic from standard studies.
LD₅₀/LC₅₀: No significant acute toxicity data available for solid polymer; byproducts in fire may be harmful.
Symptoms: Sore throat, red or irritated eyes, dry skin, headache if exposed to large fume volumes.
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Respiratory diseases may be worsened by dust or fume inhalation.

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not considered acutely toxic to aquatic or terrestrial life in bulk form.
Persistence: Pellets persist in natural environments; very slow biodegradation.
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate due to large molecular size, but microplastics ingestion risk to aquatic organisms exists.
Mobility: Pellets float and can be transported in surface waters, creating litter. Fines or dust can get airborne.
Other Hazards: Potential choking or ingestion hazard for wildlife; advised to contain all spills.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Recycle if possible. Non-recyclable material may be landfilled in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Incineration: Permitted in properly equipped, regulatory-compliant facilities only, due to risk of toxic fumes if burned incorrectly.
Special Considerations: Prevent entry of pellets or dust into waterways or sewers.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
Proper Shipping Name: Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous
Packing Group: Not required
Special Precautions: Avoid high stacking of bags or containers during shipment to prevent crush damage and spills
Labeling Requirements: Standard product labeling and material identification
Marine Transport: May require additional labeling for “marine pollutant” risk (microplastics)

Regulatory Information

EU REACH Status: Generally regarded as a polymer exempt from registration; monomer components registered
OSHA Hazard Communication: Not hazardous in solid form
TSCA Inventory: Listed
DSL/NDSL: Listed
Other Regulations: Waste management subject to local environmental laws; detailed state-by-state requirements
Labeling: Safety data sheet available upon request. Hot melt hazard, dust warnings where appropriate.