Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Thermoplastic Polyolefin

Identification

Product Name: Thermoplastic Polyolefin
Chemical Family: Polyolefin elastomeric blend
Common Names: TPO, Polypropylene-Ethylene Propylene Rubber Blend
Manufacturer: Major polymer producers and compounders
Use: Automotive parts, roofing membranes, industrial components
Contact Information: Safety officer or product steward at supplier
Emergency Phone: Local poison control, manufacturer’s emergency line
Recommended Use: Injection molding, extrusion applications

Hazard Identification

Physical State: Solid, pellet or sheet
Color: Varies (usually white, black, or natural)
Odor: Faint hydrocarbon-like
Major Hazards: Low hazard for finished product; dust may form if processed mechanically; molten form can cause burns
Eyes: Dust or fumes may irritate
Skin: May cause burns in molten state
Inhalation: Fumes from overheating may irritate respiratory passages
Ingestion: Unlikely, but may block airway or gut
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by OSHA, IARC, NTP

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Polypropylene (C3H6)n: Typically 40-80%
Ethylene-Propylene Rubber: 10-50%
Filler (calcium carbonate, talc, etc.): 0-40% depending on grade
Stabilizers/Antioxidants: Less than 2% (e.g., hindered phenols, phosphites)
Color additives or pigments: Up to 3%
CAS Numbers: Polypropylene - 9003-07-0, Ethylene-propylene rubber - 25038-36-2, Filler - varies by type

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air if symptoms develop from dust or vapors; offer medical attention for persistent respiratory discomfort
Eye Contact: Flush eyes thoroughly with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present
Skin Contact: For cool solid, wash with soap and water; for burns from molten material, cool affected area with water and seek immediate medical care; do not attempt to remove cooled, solid polymer from skin
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if discomfort occurs; do not induce vomiting unless advised

Fire-Fighting Measures

Flash Point: Above 300°C (572°F)
Autoignition Temperature: Around 350°C (662°F)
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, foam, water spray, CO2
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, trace amounts of hydrocarbons, acrid fumes
Advice for Firefighters: Wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus; polymer dust may form explosive mixtures with air
Special Hazards: Polymer can drip when burning; keep runoff water away from sewers; cool exposed containers to prevent rupture

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with molten material; use protective gear
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering storm drains; sweep or vacuum spilled pellets or dust to prevent slip hazards and environmental release
Cleanup Methods: Collect solid material for recycling or disposal; avoid creating dust; wash area with water if needed; use non-sparking tools if fire risk is present
Disposal: Collect for proper waste handling

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use proper ventilation during processing; avoid breathing dust or fumes; avoid contact with molten product
Safe Storage: Store in a cool, dry location; keep containers closed; protect from sunlight, moisture, and ignition sources
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids
Other Precautions: Control dust formation and accumulation; segregate from combustible or reactive chemicals

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust for dust and fume removal; process enclosure recommended
Eye Protection: Safety glasses or chemical goggles during processing
Skin Protection: Cut-resistant gloves for handling; insulated gloves for hot material
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved respirators if dust or fumes exceed exposure limits
Work Hygiene: Wash hands and skin after handling; change contaminated clothing

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Granules, pellets, sheets
Melting Point: 135°C to 170°C (275°F to 340°F), varies by formulation
Density: 0.85 to 1.10 g/cm³
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Odor: Faint hydrocarbon
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
pH: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal ambient and anticipated storage and handling conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: No dangerous reactions known under standard conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, ignition sources, strong oxidizers
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, possible trace organic acids
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, chlorine, fluorine, nitric acid
Polymerization: Not likely to occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low by all exposure routes based on polyolefin data
Chronic Effects: No expected long-term health effects from regular handling of finished polymer
Inhalation: Dust may cause mild respiratory irritation; fumes from overheated material can cause irritation to nose, throat, lungs
Eye Contact: May cause mechanical irritation or redness from dust or powder
Skin Contact: Not a primary irritant, except in molten state where burns occur
Sensitization: No known sensitizing properties
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as a human carcinogen by ACGIH, IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutagenicity: No evidence from standard tests
Other Effects: Additive package not expected to present hazards in finished formulation

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be toxic to fish or aquatic organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Resists biodegradation by nature; persists in environment if released in bulk
Bioaccumulation: Not likely to bioaccumulate due to high molecular weight
Mobility: Insoluble; sinks in fresh or salt water
Other Adverse Effects: Pieces or pellets may cause physical hazards to wildlife if ingested; microplastic accumulation has raised environmental concerns

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Recycle where practical; landfill or incineration per local requirements
Incineration: Acceptable in properly equipped facilities; expect typical combustion products
Packaging: Dispose or recycle as per material type contamination
Special Precautions: Do not release into waterways; collect all dust and fragments to prevent environmental litter

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous
Packing Group: Not applicable
Marine Pollutant: Not regulated as marine pollutant
Proper Shipping Name: Thermoplastic Polyolefin, not otherwise specified
Special Transport Notes: Protect from moisture and extreme temperatures during transport; secure loads to prevent spills

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Not classified as hazardous under 29 CFR 1910.1200
TSCA: All ingredients listed or exempt
REACH: Exempt or registered, depending on supplier location
SARA Title III: None of the ingredients are subject to reporting
California Proposition 65: Not known to contain listed substances
Other: Persistent microplastics are under growing scrutiny in European and North American regulations, monitoring is ongoing