Created: November 18, 2008
The Dow Chemical Company
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Product Safety Assessment
PRIMACOR Copolymers
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Names
Product Overview
Manufacture of Product
Product Description
Product Uses
Exposure Potential
Health Information
Environmental Information
Physical Hazard Information
Regulatory Information
Additional Information
References
Names
CAS No. 9010-77-9
Ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers
PRIMACOR copolymers
Product Overview
PRIMACOR copolymers are specialty polymers manufactured by Dow made up of ethylene
and 3 to 20% acrylic acid. They are sold for industrial use as translucent or white pellets or
granules with an acidic odor.1,2 See Product Description.
PRIMACOR copolymers are high-performance thermoplastic adhesives that add flexibility
and strength to polar substrates. They adhere well to metals, plastics, paper, and glass. They
can also bond to fibers and foams. They are mainly used for flexible-packaging and liquid-
packaging applications.3 See Product Uses.
Because PRIMACOR copolymers are used in consumer products and packaging, it is
possible for consumers to come in contact with them. Workplace exposure is also possible.
PRIMACOR copolymers are not sold for direct consumer use. See Exposure Potential.
Spilled pellets or granules can pose a slipping hazard in an industrial setting. Eye contact
with polymer solid or dust may cause irritation or corneal injury due to mechanical action
(scratching). Elevated temperatures during product processing may generate vapor levels
sufficient to cause eye or respiratory irritation. Skin contact with copolymer pellets or granules
is essentially nonirritating. Skin contact with heated polymer during processing operations
may cause thermal burns.4 See Health Information or Physical Hazard Information.
Some PRIMACOR copolymers are used in food packaging applications. PRIMACOR
copolymers selected for these applications should comply with FDA Regulation 177.1310 and
with most European food-contact reg