Product Name: SPECFLEX* NF 856 Polyol DA Issue Date: 09/07/2012

Print Date: 10 Sep 2012

®(TM)*Trademark

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The Dow Chemical Company encourages and expects you to read and understand the entire (M)SDS, 

as there is important information throughout the document. We expect you to follow the precautions 

identified in this document unless your use conditions would necessitate other appropriate methods or 

actions.

1. Product and Company Identification

Product Name

SPECFLEX* NF 856 Polyol DA

COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

The Dow Chemical Company

2030 Willard H. Dow Center

Midland, MI 48674

United States

Customer Information Number: 800-258-2436

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER

24-Hour Emergency Contact: 989-636-4400

Local Emergency Contact: 989-636-4400

2. Hazards Identification

Emergency Overview

Color: White 

Physical State: Liquid.

Odor: Characteristic

Hazards of product:

CAUTION! May cause eye irritation. Isolate area. Possible cancer hazard. May 

cause cancer based on animal data. 

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard

This product is a "Hazardous Chemical" as defined by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 29 

CFR 1910.1200. 

Potential Health Effects

Eye Contact: May cause slight temporary eye irritation. May cause slight temporary corneal injury. 

Skin Contact: Prolonged exposure not likely to cause significant skin irritation.

Skin Absorption: Prolonged skin contact is unlikely to result in absorption of harmful amounts. 

Inhalation: At room temperature, exposure to vapor is minimal due to low volatility; single exposure is 

not likely to be hazardous. Vapor from heated material may cause respiratory irritation. 

Material Safety Data Sheet

The Dow Chemical Company
Product Name: SPECFLEX* NF 856 Polyol DA Issue Date: 09/07/2012

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Ingestion: Low toxicity if swallowed. Small amounts swallowed incidentally as a result of normal 

handling operations are not likely to cause injury; however, swallowing larger amounts may cause 

injury. 

Aspiration hazard: Based on physical properties, not likely to be an aspiration hazard. 

Cancer Information: Findings from a chronic diethanolamine skin painting study by NTP include liver 

and kidney tumors in mice; no tumors were observed in rats. Mechanistic studies indicate that tumor 

formation is of questionable relevance to humans. 

Component CAS # Amount

Polyether polyol Trade secret > 70.0 %

Polymer polyol (SAN) Trade secret > 15.0 - < 25.0 %

N,N-Diethanolamine 111-42-2 >= 0.1 - <= 1.0 %

4. First-aid measures

Description of first aid measures

General advice: If potential for exposure exists refer to Section 8 for specific personal protective 

equipment. 

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; if effects occur, consult a physician. 

Skin Contact: Wash skin with plenty of water. 

Eye Contact: Flush eyes thoroughly with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses after the 

initial 1-2 minutes and continue flushing for several additional minutes. If effects occur, consult a 

physician, preferably an ophthalmologist. Suitable emergency eye wash facility should be available in 

work area. 

Ingestion: If swallowed, seek medical attention. Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by 

medical personnel. 

Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed

Aside from the information found under Description of first aid measures (above) and Indication of 

immediate medical attention and special treatment needed (below), no additional symptoms and 

effects are anticipated.

Indication of immediate medical attention and special treatment needed

No specific antidote. Treatment of exposure should be directed at the control of symptoms and the 

clinical condition of the patient. 

5. Fire Fighting Measures

Suitable extinguishing media

Water fog or fine spray. Dry chemical fire extinguishers. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. Foam. 

Alcohol resistant foams (ATC type) are preferred. General purpose synthetic foams (including AFFF) 

or protein foams may function, but will be less effective. 

Extinguishing Media to Avoid: Do not use direct water stream. May spread fire. 

Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture

Hazardous Combustion Products: During a fire, smoke may contain the original material in addition 

to combustion products of varying composition which may be toxic and/or irritating. Combustion 

products may include and are not limited to: Carbon monoxide. Carbon dioxide. 

3. Composition Information
Product Name: SPECFLEX* NF 856 Polyol DA Issue Date: 09/07/2012

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Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Container may rupture from gas generation in a fire situation. 

Violent steam generation or eruption may occur upon application of direct water stream to hot liquids. 

Advice for firefighters

Fire Fighting Procedures: Keep people away. Isolate fire and deny unnecessary entry. Use water 

spray to cool fire exposed containers and fire affected zone until fire is out and danger of reignition has 

passed. Fight fire from protected location or safe distance. Consider the use of unmanned hose 

holders or monitor nozzles. Immediately withdraw all personnel from the area in case of rising sound 

from venting safety device or discoloration of the container. Do not use direct water stream. May 

spread fire. Move container from fire area if this is possible without hazard. Burning liquids may be 

moved by flushing with water to protect personnel and minimize property damage. Contain fire water 

run-off if possible. Fire water run-off, if not contained, may cause environmental damage. Review the 

"Accidental Release Measures" and the "Ecological Information" sections of this (M)SDS. 

Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Wear positive-pressure self-contained breathing 

apparatus (SCBA) and protective fire fighting clothing (includes fire fighting helmet, coat, trousers, 

boots, and gloves). Avoid contact with this material during fire fighting operations. If contact is likely, 

change to full chemical resistant fire fighting clothing with self-contained breathing apparatus. If this is 

not available, wear full chemical resistant clothing with self-contained breathing apparatus and fight fire 

from a remote location. For protective equipment in post-fire or non-fire clean-up situations, refer to 

the relevant sections. 

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Isolate area. Refer to 

Section 7, Handling, for additional precautionary measures. Keep unnecessary and unprotected 

personnel from entering the area. Spilled material may cause a slipping hazard. Use appropriate 

safety equipment. For additional information, refer to Section 8, Exposure Controls and Personal 

Protection. 

Environmental precautions: Prevent from entering into soil, ditches, sewers, waterways and/or 

groundwater. See Section 12, Ecological Information. 

Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Contain spilled material if possible. 

Absorb with materials such as: Dirt. Sand. Sawdust. Collect in suitable and properly labeled 

containers. Wash the spill site with water. See Section 13, Disposal Considerations, for additional 

information. 

7. Handling and Storage

Handling

General Handling: Avoid contact with eyes. Wash thoroughly after handling. Keep container closed. 

This material is hygroscopic in nature. See Section 8, EXPOSURE CONTROLS AND PERSONAL 

PROTECTION. 

Other Precautions: Spills of these organic materials on hot fibrous insulations may lead to lowering of 

the autoignition temperatures possibly resulting in spontaneous combustion. 

Storage

Protect from atmospheric moisture. Store in a dry place. Avoid prolonged exposure to heat and air. 

Store in the following material(s): Carbon steel. Stainless steel. Polypropylene. Polyethylene-lined 

container. Teflon. Glass-lined container. Aluminum. Plasite 3066 lined container. Plasite 3070 lined 

container. 316 stainless steel. See Section 10 for more specific information. 

Storage Period: Storage temperature:

6 Months 15 - 25 °C
Product Name: SPECFLEX* NF 856 Polyol DA Issue Date: 09/07/2012

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8. Exposure Controls / Personal Protection

Exposure Limits

Component List Type Value

|

N,N-Diethanolamine ACGIH TWA

Inhalable 

fraction and 

vapor.

1 mg/m3 SKIN 

A "skin" notation following the inhalation exposure guideline refers to the potential for dermal 

absorption of the material including mucous membranes and the eyes either by contact with vapors or 

by direct skin contact.

It is intended to alert the reader that inhalation may not be the only route of exposure and that 

measures to minimize dermal exposures should be considered.

Personal Protection

Eye/Face Protection: Use safety glasses (with side shields). 

Skin Protection: No precautions other than clean body-covering clothing should be needed. 

Hand protection: Chemical protective gloves should not be needed when handling this 

material. Consistent with general hygienic practice for any material, skin contact should be 

minimized. 

Respiratory Protection: Respiratory protection should be worn when there is a potential to exceed 

the exposure limit requirements or guidelines. If there are no applicable exposure limit requirements 

or guidelines, wear respiratory protection when adverse effects, such as respiratory irritation or 

discomfort have been experienced, or where indicated by your risk assessment process. For most 

conditions, no respiratory protection should be needed; however, if handling at elevated temperatures 

without sufficient ventilation, use an approved air-purifying respirator. The following should be 

effective types of air-purifying respirators: Organic vapor cartridge. 

Ingestion: Use good personal hygiene. Do not consume or store food in the work area. Wash hands 

before smoking or eating. 

Engineering Controls

Ventilation: Use local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to maintain airborne levels 

below exposure limit requirements or guidelines. If there are no applicable exposure limit 

requirements or guidelines, general ventilation should be sufficient for most operations. Local exhaust 

ventilation may be necessary for some operations. 

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

 Physical State Liquid.

 Color White

Odor Characteristic

Odor Threshold No test data available

pH No test data available

Melting Point No test data available

Freezing Point No test data available

Boiling Point (760 mmHg) No test data available. 

Flash Point - Closed Cup > 100 °C (> 212 °F) Estimated.

Evaporation Rate (Butyl 

Acetate = 1)

No test data available

Flammability (solid, gas) Not applicable to liquids 

Flammable Limits In Air Lower: No test data available 

Upper: No test data available 

Vapor Pressure No test data available 

Vapor Density (air = 1) No test data available

Specific Gravity (H2O = 1) 1.02 - 1.06 25 °C/25 °C ASTM D891 
Product Name: SPECFLEX* NF 856 Polyol DA Issue Date: 09/07/2012

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Solubility in water (by 

weight)

Partially soluble

Partition coefficient, noctanol/water (log Pow)

No data available for this product. See Section 12 for individual 

component data.

Autoignition Temperature No test data available

Decomposition 

Temperature

No test data available

Kinematic Viscosity 1,450 - 2,700 mm2/s @ 25 °C ASTM D445

Explosive properties Not explosive 

Oxidizing properties No 

10. Stability and Reactivity

Reactivity

No dangerous reaction known under conditions of normal use.

Chemical stability

Stable under recommended storage conditions. See Storage, Section 7. 

Possibility of hazardous reactions

Polymerization will not occur by itself. 

Conditions to Avoid: Product can oxidize at elevated temperatures. Generation of gas during 

decomposition can cause pressure in closed systems. 

Incompatible Materials: Avoid contact with oxidizing materials. Avoid contact with: Strong acids. 

Strong bases. Avoid unintended contact with isocyanates. The reaction of polyols and isocyanates 

generates heat. 

Hazardous decomposition products

Decomposition products depend upon temperature, air supply and the presence of other materials. 

Decomposition products can include and are not limited to: Carbon dioxide. Alcohols. Ethers. 

Hydrocarbons. Ketones. Polymer fragments. 

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity

Ingestion

As product: Single dose oral LD50 has not been determined. 

Estimated. LD50, rat > 2,000 mg/kg

Dermal

As product: The dermal LD50 has not been determined. 

Estimated. LD50, rabbit > 2,000 mg/kg

Inhalation

As product: The LC50 has not been determined. 

Eye damage/eye irritation

May cause slight temporary eye irritation. May cause slight temporary corneal injury. 

Skin corrosion/irritation

Prolonged exposure not likely to cause significant skin irritation. 

Sensitization

Skin

No relevant data found. 

Respiratory

 No relevant data found. 

Repeated Dose Toxicity

No relevant data found. 
Product Name: SPECFLEX* NF 856 Polyol DA Issue Date: 09/07/2012

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Chronic Toxicity and Carcinogenicity

Findings from a chronic diethanolamine skin painting study by NTP include liver and kidney tumors in 

mice; no tumors were observed in rats. Mechanistic studies indicate that tumor formation is of 

questionable relevance to humans. 

Carcinogenicity Classifications:

Component List Classification

N,N-Diethanolamine IARC Possibly carcinogenic to humans.; 2B

ACGIH Confirmed animal carcinogen with 

unknown relevance to humans.; Group A3

Developmental Toxicity

No relevant data found. 

Reproductive Toxicity

No relevant data found. 

Genetic Toxicology

No relevant data found. 

12. Ecological Information

Toxicity

Data for Component: Polyether polyol

For this family of materials: Material is practically non-toxic to aquatic organisms on an acute 

basis (LC50/EC50/EL50/LL50 >100 mg/L in the most sensitive species tested). 

Data for Component: Polymer polyol (SAN)

For similar material(s): Material is practically non-toxic to aquatic invertebrates on an acute 

basis (LC50/EC50 > 100 mg/L). 

Data for Component: N,N-Diethanolamine

Material is moderately toxic to aquatic organisms on an acute basis (LC50/EC50 between 1 

and 10 mg/L in the most sensitive species tested). May increase pH of aquatic systems to > 

pH 10 which may be toxic to aquatic organisms. 

Fish Acute & Prolonged Toxicity

LC50, Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow), static test, 96 h: 1,460 mg/l

Aquatic Invertebrate Acute Toxicity

EC50, Daphnia magna (Water flea), static test, 48 h: 55 mg/l

Aquatic Plant Toxicity

ErC50, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (green algae), Growth rate inhibition, 96 h: 2.2 mg/l

Toxicity to Micro-organisms

EC50, OECD 209 Test; activated sludge, 3 h: > 1,000 mg/l

Aquatic Invertebrates Chronic Toxicity Value

Daphnia magna (Water flea), semi-static test, 21 d, NOEC: 0.78 mg/l, LOEC: 1.56 mg/l

Persistence and Degradability

Data for Component: Polyether polyol

For this family of materials: Material is readily biodegradable. Passes OECD test(s) for ready 

biodegradability. 

Data for Component: Polymer polyol (SAN)

The polymeric component is not expected to biodegrade. 

Data for Component: N,N-Diethanolamine

Material is readily biodegradable. Passes OECD test(s) for ready biodegradability. Material is 

ultimately biodegradable (reaches > 70% biodegradation in OECD test(s) for inherent 

biodegradability). 

OECD Biodegradation Tests:
Product Name: SPECFLEX* NF 856 Polyol DA Issue Date: 09/07/2012

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Biodegradation Exposure Time Method 10 Day Window

93 % 28 d OECD 301F Test pass

Indirect Photodegradation with OH Radicals

Rate Constant Atmospheric Half-life Method

8.90E-11 cm3/s 0.167 d Estimated.

Theoretical Oxygen Demand: 2.13 mg/mg

Bioaccumulative potential

Data for Component: Polyether polyol

Bioaccumulation: No bioconcentration is expected because of the relatively high molecular 

weight (MW greater than 1000). 

Data for Component: Polymer polyol (SAN)

Bioaccumulation: No bioconcentration of the polymeric component is expected because of 

its high molecular weight. 

Data for Component: N,N-Diethanolamine

Bioaccumulation: Bioconcentration potential is low (BCF < 100 or Log Pow < 3). 

Partition coefficient, n-octanol/water (log Pow): -2.18 Shake flask (OECD 107 Test)

Mobility in soil

Data for Component: Polyether polyol

Mobility in soil: No data available.

Data for Component: Polymer polyol (SAN)

Mobility in soil: No data available.

Data for Component: N,N-Diethanolamine

Mobility in soil: Given its very low Henry's constant, volatilization from natural bodies of water 

or moist soil is not expected to be an important fate process., Potential for mobility in soil is 

very high (Koc between 0 and 50).

Partition coefficient, soil organic carbon/water (Koc): 1 Estimated.

Henry's Law Constant (H): 5.35E-14 atm*m3/mole; 25 °C Measured

13. Disposal Considerations

DO NOT DUMP INTO ANY SEWERS, ON THE GROUND, OR INTO ANY BODY OF WATER. All 

disposal practices must be in compliance with all Federal, State/Provincial and local laws and 

regulations. Regulations may vary in different locations. Waste characterizations and compliance with 

applicable laws are the responsibility solely of the waste generator. AS YOUR SUPPLIER, WE HAVE 

NO CONTROL OVER THE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OR MANUFACTURING PROCESSES OF 

PARTIES HANDLING OR USING THIS MATERIAL. THE INFORMATION PRESENTED HERE 

PERTAINS ONLY TO THE PRODUCT AS SHIPPED IN ITS INTENDED CONDITION AS

DESCRIBED IN MSDS SECTION: Composition Information. FOR UNUSED & UNCONTAMINATED 

PRODUCT, the preferred options include sending to a licensed, permitted: Recycler. Reclaimer. 

Incinerator or other thermal destruction device. For additional information, refer to: Handling & 

Storage Information, MSDS Section 7 Stability & Reactivity Information, MSDS Section 10 Regulatory 

Information, MSDS Section 15 

14. Transport Information

DOT Non-Bulk

NOT REGULATED

DOT Bulk

Proper Shipping Name: ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES, LIQUID, N.O.S

Technical Name: DIETHANOLAMINE
Product Name: SPECFLEX* NF 856 Polyol DA Issue Date: 09/07/2012

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Hazard Class: 9 ID Number: UN3082 Packing Group: PG III

IMDG

NOT REGULATED

ICAO/IATA

NOT REGULATED

Additional Information

Reportable quantity: – 100 lb - DIETHANOLAMINE-RQ

This information is not intended to convey all specific regulatory or operational 

requirements/information relating to this product. Additional transportation system information can be 

obtained through an authorized sales or customer service representative. It is the responsibility of the 

transporting organization to follow all applicable laws, regulations and rules relating to the 

transportation of the material. 

15. Regulatory Information

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard

This product is a "Hazardous Chemical" as defined by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 29 

CFR 1910.1200.

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 Title III (Emergency Planning 

and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986) Sections 311 and 312

Immediate (Acute) Health Hazard No

Delayed (Chronic) Health Hazard Yes

Fire Hazard No

Reactive Hazard No

Sudden Release of Pressure Hazard No

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 Title III (Emergency Planning and 

Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986) Section 313

To the best of our knowledge, this product does not contain chemicals at levels which require reporting 

under this statute.

Pennsylvania (Worker and Community Right-To-Know Act): Pennsylvania Hazardous 

Substances List and/or Pennsylvania Environmental Hazardous Substance List:

To the best of our knowledge, this product does not contain chemicals at levels which require reporting 

under this statute.

Pennsylvania (Worker and Community Right-To-Know Act): Pennsylvania Special Hazardous 

Substances List:

To the best of our knowledge, this product does not contain chemicals at levels which require reporting 

under this statute.

California Proposition 65 (Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986)

WARNING: This product contains a chemical(s) known to the State of California to cause cancer.

Component CAS # Amount

N,N-Diethanolamine 111-42-2 0.1 - 1.0 %

US. Toxic Substances Control Act

All components of this product are on the TSCA Inventory or are exempt from TSCA Inventory 

requirements under 40 CFR 720.30

CEPA - Domestic Substances List (DSL)

All substances contained in this product are listed on the Canadian Domestic Substances List (DSL) or 

are not required to be listed.
Product Name: SPECFLEX* NF 856 Polyol DA Issue Date: 09/07/2012

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16. Other Information

Product Literature

Additional information on this product may be obtained by calling your sales or customer service 

contact.

Recommended Uses and Restrictions

Identified uses

Component(s) for the manufacture of urethane polymers. We recommend that you use this product in 

a manner consistent with the listed use. If your intended use is not consistent with the stated use, 

please contact your sales or technical service representative. 

Revision

Identification Number: 1012675 / 0000 / Issue Date 09/07/2012 / Version: 3.0

Most recent revision(s) are noted by the bold, double bars in left-hand margin throughout this 

document. 

Legend

N/A Not available

W/W Weight/Weight

OEL Occupational Exposure Limit

STEL Short Term Exposure Limit

TWA Time Weighted Average

ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Inc.

DOW IHG Dow Industrial Hygiene Guideline

WEEL Workplace Environmental Exposure Level

HAZ_DES Hazard Designation

Action Level A value set by OSHA that is lower than the PEL which will trigger the need for 

activities such as exposure monitoring and medical surveillance if exceeded.

The Dow Chemical Company urges each customer or recipient of this (M)SDS to study it carefully and 

consult appropriate expertise, as necessary or appropriate, to become aware of and understand the 

data contained in this (M)SDS and any hazards associated with the product. The information herein is 

provided in good faith and believed to be accurate as of the effective date shown above. However, no 

warranty, express or implied, is given. Regulatory requirements are subject to change and may differ 

between various locations. It is the buyer's/user's responsibility to ensure that his activities comply with 

all federal, state, provincial or local laws. The information presented here pertains only to the product 

as shipped. Since conditions for use of the product are not under the control of the manufacturer, it is 

the buyer's/user's duty to determine the conditions necessary for the safe use of this product. Due to 

the proliferation of sources for information such as manufacturer-specific (M)SDSs, we are not and 

cannot be responsible for (M)SDSs obtained from any source other than ourselves. If you have 

obtained an (M)SDS from another source or if you are not sure that the (M)SDS you have is current, 

please contact us for the most current version.