Material Safety Data Sheet: Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)

Identification

Product Name: Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene
Chemical Family: Polyolefin
CAS Number: 9002-88-4
Synonyms: UHMW-PE, High Modulus Polyethylene
Recommended Use: Components for industrial equipment, medical implants, bulletproof vests, automotive parts, conveyor systems
Supplier Contact: Refer to container label or manufacturer for emergency contact and further details
Emergency Contact Number: Available on product packaging and official website of manufacturer

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Physical State: Solid, typically in pellet or sheet form
Main Hazards: Dust from processing can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Hot material can cause thermal burns.
Label Elements: No pictogram required. No signal word.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation of dust. Use proper ventilation and personal protection when cutting, sanding, or machining.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Polyethylene, High Molecular Weight
CAS Number: 9002-88-4
Weight Percentage: >98%
Possible Additives: Processing stabilizers, pigments (less than 2%, details in product-specific technical data sheet)
Impurities: Not expected at hazardous levels

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air if symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath from dust appear. Seek medical attention for persistent irritation.
Skin Contact: Wash gently with soap and water to remove dust. Treat melted or hot product burns with cold water, cover loosely. Get medical help for burns.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easily done. Seek medical advice for irritation.
Ingestion: Not expected under normal industrial or consumer use. If large amounts are swallowed, seek medical attention.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use direct water jet on burning material as it may spread the fire
Special Hazards: Thermal decomposition above 300°C can release hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and traces of aldehydes and ketones
Protection for Firefighters: Wear full protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus
Specific Methods: Isolate fire area and keep out unnecessary personnel. Use water to cool containers exposed to fire.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear suitable protective equipment to avoid contacting dust or hot material
Environmental Precautions: Prevent pellets or dust from entering drains or waterways
Clean-Up Methods: Collect spillage by sweeping or vacuuming without raising dust. Store in appropriate containers for disposal or recycling.
Reference to Other Sections: Consult sections on Exposure Controls and Disposal Considerations for safe handling and disposal.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Ensure proper ventilation during processing. Avoid creating dust. Handle using good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight, sources of heat, and ignition. Avoid storing near strong oxidizing agents.
Compatibility: Incompatible with strong oxidizers. May degrade under highly acidic or basic environments.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Not established for UHMWPE dust. Follow general nuisance dust limit (OSHA PEL: 15 mg/m³ total dust, 5 mg/m³ respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation during machining or processing that generates dust
Personal Protective Equipment: - Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields - Hand Protection: Gloves if handling hot or rough material - Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved particulate respirator for dusty environments - Skin Protection: Long-sleeved clothing for high-dust tasks or handling hot product
General Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during use.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, translucent solid; in sheets, rods, or powder
Odor: Odorless
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point: 130–136°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: >340°C
Autoignition Temperature: >357°C
Density: 0.93–0.97 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in hot hydrocarbons
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Viscosity: Not determined

Stability and Reactivity

Reactivity: Chemically stable under normal temperatures and storage conditions
Chemical Stability: Stable at ambient temperature
Hazardous Reactions: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization
Conditions to Avoid: Temperatures above 300°C, prolonged UV exposure, sources of ignition
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers such as peroxides and nitric acid
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, traces of ketones and aldehydes on combustion or thermal degradation

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Not considered toxic
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation (particulate), skin contact
Potential Health Effects: Processing dust can cause irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory tract. Ingestion not expected to be a route of exposure. No known significant effects from skin contact with solid material.
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure to dust may aggravate respiratory conditions
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No evidence found
Reproductive Effects: No evidence found

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not expected to be acutely toxic to aquatic life
Persistence and Degradability: Material is persistent. Not readily biodegradable
Bioaccumulation: Does not show potential for bioaccumulation
Mobility in Soil: Relatively immobile in solid state
Other Adverse Effects: Pellets or powder can pose physical hazards to wildlife if released to the environment due to ingestion or entanglement
Precautions: Prevent material from entering waterways, soil, or storm drains

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Recycle whenever possible. Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations. Landfill permitted for non-recyclable material.
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of containers as nonhazardous industrial waste if not contaminated by hazardous substances
Special Precautions: Incineration not recommended unless managed in controlled facilities due to fumes

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not regulated
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions for User: Avoid generating dust during transport or handling
Environmental Hazards: None identified
Transport in Bulk: Follow requirements for non-hazardous bulk solids

Regulatory Information

U.S. OSHA Status: Not hazardous as defined by OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
TSCA Inventory: Listed
DSL/NDSL (Canada): Listed
REACH (EU): Exempt as polymer
SARA Title III: Not subject to reporting under Sections 302, 304, 311, 312, or 313
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Other National Regulations: Complies with regulations for food contact and medical device polymers in many jurisdictions; check with local regulatory authorities for specific guidance