Product Name: Sinopec Low Density Polyethylene
Chemical Name: Polyethylene, Low Density
Synonyms: LDPE, PE-LD
CAS Number: 9002-88-4
Manufacturer: China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec)
Recommended Use: Film, packaging, containers, insulation materials, wire and cable coating
Contact Information: Sinopec Headquarters, Beijing, China; Emergency Response Telephone (local and international access)
Emergency Overview: Colorless to white plastic pellets or granules, essentially odorless, stable at room temperature, not considered hazardous during normal handling.
GHS Classification: Not classified as a hazardous substance or mixture under GHS regulation
Label Elements: None required
Hazard Statements: Dust generated during processing or grinding can cause mechanical irritation to respiratory system, eyes, and skin
Precautionary Statements: Avoid inhalation of dust and fumes, avoid contact with molten material, use proper ventilation, standard work gloves and eye protection recommended during processing
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation of dust from pellets during handling may irritate nose, throat, or lungs; eye contact with dust may cause temporary discomfort; thermal burns possible from contact with molten polymer.
Chemical Composition: Polyethylene resin (LDPE: 98–100%)
Additives: Antioxidants (<1% by weight), slip agents, antistatic agents as needed for process stability
Hazardous Components: No hazardous components above regulatory thresholds; does not contain heavy metals, phthalates, or major carcinogens under current manufacturing practices
Impurities: Residual monomers below detection limits; all additives comply with regulatory specifications for polymer applications.
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, provide comfort, seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Institute artificial respiration if not breathing and obtain medical attention promptly for severe dust inhalation during fire or high temperature decomposition.
Skin Contact: In case of contact with molten product, cool the skin with running water, do not remove polymer adhered to skin mechanically, seek medical attention for thermal burns.
Eye Contact: If particulates enter the eye, flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Mechanical irritation from dust can be alleviated with clean water irrigation. Obtain medical advice if discomfort persists.
Ingestion: Ingestion of pellets unlikely to cause harm except choking hazard; seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide. Do not use water jet directly on molten material.
Specific Hazards: Generates dense black smoke and potentially toxic fumes (hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide) if burned. Decomposition at high temperature, especially in confined spaces, results in emissions of combustion gases.
Fire-Fighting Procedures: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear for large fires or in confined spaces. Remove containers from fire area if safe. Evacuate personnel to safe locations upwind.
Special Notes: Molten polymer may flow and spread fire. Dust may form explosive mixtures in air.
Personal Precautions: No acute toxicity at room temperature; avoid creating dust, use respirators when dealing with dust clouds or after thermal decomposition. Use gloves and eye protection during cleanup, especially if material is hot or being processed.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent pellets from reaching drains, sewers, or natural waterways. Small spills: Sweep or vacuum up for reuse or disposal. Dispose of according to regulatory guidelines. Large spills: Isolate area, collect material, and report as required by local environmental agencies, focusing on wildlife and aquatic protection.
Cleanup Methods: Clean-up by mechanical means; avoid water use to minimize slip hazard from wetted pellets.
Handling: Avoid dust generation, maintain adequate ventilation in areas where heated or processed. Minimize contact with molten product; wear long sleeves, gloves, and eye protection when operating extrusion, molding, or other high-temperature machinery. Prevent static buildup by grounding equipment and using proper grounding procedures.
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas, away from direct sunlight, ignition sources, and incompatible materials (strong oxidizers). Keep containers tightly sealed. Store away from food or drink.
Special Requirements: Label storage areas and containers; do not stack excessively. Spill trays or secondary containment for bulk storage advisable.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established exposure limits for LDPE resin. Nuisance dust: Total particulate (ACGIH TLV: 10 mg/m³). Fumes from thermal degradation: Use engineering controls to keep airborne exposures well below recommended limits.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation in melt processing areas, general room ventilation elsewhere. Dust collection for grinding, pellet transfer.
Personal Protective Equipment: Eye protection (safety goggles or face shield), heat-resistant gloves when handling at elevated temperatures, long-sleeved clothing. Respiratory protection as necessary when dust or fumes are present above ambient levels.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, smoking; remove contaminated clothing, launder before reuse.
Appearance: White or translucent pellets, granules, or powder
Odor: Odorless to faint waxy
pH: Not applicable
Melting Point/Range: 105°C – 115°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Flash Point: 350°C (estimate, closed cup, as polymer)
Density: 0.915 – 0.935 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons at high temperatures
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Approx. 350°C
Flammability: Combustible solid
Other Data: Mechanical strength, good flexibility, easily processed by film blowing, extrusion, molding technologies.
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions.
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, strong oxidizing agents. Avoid smoking, welding, or open flame activities around raw or molten polymer.
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers (peroxides, chlorine), concentrated acids
Hazardous Decomposition: At high temperatures, decomposes to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and possibly traces of formaldehyde, acrolein, or other low-molecular aldehydes.
Reactivity: Non-reactive under normal handling, does not undergo hazardous reactions in standard industrial environments.
Acute Toxicity: No significant acute oral, dermal, or inhalational toxicity reported. LD50 (oral, rat) > 8,000 mg/kg for similar polyethylene grades.
Chronic Toxicity: Repeated exposure to dust or fumes during processing can cause mechanical irritation of respiratory system and eyes. Evidence does not support carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity.
Routes of Exposure: Dust inhalation, skin or eye contact with polymer, and thermal burns from molten form.
Sensitization: Not a skin or respiratory sensitizer.
Other Effects: Additives and processing aids tested to conform with food contact and environmental regulations.
Medical Conditions Aggravated: None commonly known; hypersensitive individuals should avoid direct exposure to fumes or molten polymer.
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, polyethylene is considered persistent in terrestrial and aquatic environments; fragmentation possible through physical means.
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation because of high molecular weight and low solubility.
Aquatic Toxicity: Not acutely toxic to fish or aquatic invertebrates, but ingestion by wildlife or aquatic animals may cause physical harm or obstruction.
Mobility: Mobile as discrete pellets or granules; floats on water, may migrate or enter marine and terrestrial food chains as microplastics if not properly contained.
Environmental Precautions: Spills can contribute to microplastic pollution, negatively impacting marine and terrestrial organisms. Use pellets responsibly and contain all waste during processing.
Waste Disposal: Recycle product where facilities exist. If recycling unavailable, incinerate in approved industrial or municipal waste incinerator. Landfill disposal must comply with local, regional, and national requirements. Never release to natural water bodies or soil.
Container Disposal: Clean and recycle containers if possible. Non-recyclable packaging should be disposed of at approved facilities.
Regulatory Framework: Manage as non-hazardous industrial solid waste. No hazardous waste designation under US RCRA or EU directives for used or scrap polymer, provided additives remain within regulatory limits.
UN Number: Not regulated as dangerous goods under UN transport regulations
ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA Classification: Not classified as hazardous
Packaging Requirements: Use clean, strong, and clearly labeled bulk bags, containers, or sealed sacks. Ensure protection from moisture and contamination.
Environmental Handling: Prevent pellet loss during transit; protect loads from weather. Secure materials to avoid spillage, particularly for export shipments or remote delivery.
Global Inventory Listing: LDPE is listed in major national chemical inventories including TSCA (USA), EINECS/REACH (EU), DSL (Canada), IECSC (China), and other major jurisdictions.
Labeling Requirements: Exempt from hazard labeling under GHS, OSHA, and EU CLP. SDS must accompany bulk shipments and be available to all employees.
Local Regulations: Follow national and local regulations regarding workplace handling, storage, and disposal. Polyethylene products designed for food contact comply with FDA (21 CFR 177.1520), EU food contact regulations (EU 10/2011), and GB standards in China if specified.
Occupational Safety Compliance: Observe national guidelines on plastic dust or particulate exposure and use recommended industrial hygiene practices throughout lifecycle.
