Luperox® organic peroxide safety precautions
Organic peroxides are unstable compounds which can decompose violently if not handled properly. This decomposition can occur if these products are overheated or if contaminated with an incompatible. Organic peroxides also represent a fire hazard since, if ignited, they burn at a much faster rate than common flammable liquids like gasoline or acetone. Safety is the primary concern for handling, storing and transport of these hazardous materials. Arkema provides safety practices and procedures to ensure safe handling of these products.
For more information on safety topics in using Organic Peroxides, please see EOPSG website in Europe and OPPSD website in the US.
Organic Peroxide Decomposition: Thermal instability
Organic peroxides are relatively unstable compounds which can decompose violently if stored at high temperatures. The correct storage temperatures are listed in the SDS for each product.
The SADT (Self-Accelerating Decomposition Temperature) is listed in Section 9 of the SDS and is the temperature at which the organic peroxide will experience an uncontrolled decomposition that might be violent.
The maximum storage temperature is listed in Section 7 of the SDS. This is considerably lower than the SADT and not only ensures safety but also that the quality of the product is preserved for the entire shelf life of the product. Always store the product below this maximum temperature.
Organic peroxide Decomposition : Flammability
Most organic peroxides have relatively high flash points and are difficult to ignite. But when ignited almost all organic peroxides burn at a much faster rate than common flammable liquids.
Organic peroxide fires are more difficult to extinguish and do greater damage to storage facilities than fires involving common flammable and combustible materials.
| Organic Peroxides | Flash point | Burn rate |
|---|---|---|
| Luperox P | 208°F (98°C) | 7.2 |
| Luperox DI | < 46°F (< 8°C) | 6.4 |
| Luperox 101 | 160°F (71°C) | 2.1 |
| Acetone |
-4°F (-20°C) |
0.8 |
| Gasoline | -45°F (-23°C) | 0.7 |
Organic peroxide Decomposition: Contamination sensitivity
Organic peroxides are reactive species that can become destabilized and decompose if mixed with an incompatible material. This can result in smoke generation and even fire. Incompatible materials include acids, bases, oxidizers and reducing agents. Even rust, ash and dust can destabilize some peroxides so any contamination with these should be avoided.
Materials of construction such as copper, brass, aluminum and ferrous metals should never be used in processes involving organic peroxides since they have been shown to induce decomposition.
In addition, absorbents such as Oil-Dri®, vermiculite and peat moss should not be used for cleaning spills of organic peroxides due to their destabilizing effect. The preferred absorbents for the cleanup and containment of organic peroxide spills are calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, clean sand and polypropylene-based pads/berms.
Organic peroxide Decomposition: Shock sensitivity & explosivity
All organic peroxides and their formulations have been extensively tested according to UN Transportation protocols to determine their potential to explode.
Those formulations that are found to be detonatable are classified as Type A and are prohibited to be transported on public roadways.
The few which are determined to not detonate or deflagrate but can undergo a thermal explosion are classified as Type B. These are allowed for transport but their container size is strictly limited and they carry a subsidiary explosive risk.
The remaining organic peroxides have been determined not to present a thermal explosion hazard as packaged. But all organic peroxides can present an explosive risk if overheated when stored in containers that cause confinement.
When organic peroxides decompose gaseous products are formed which increases the internal pressure of a container. If the container does not allow for relief of this pressure, then the result could be rupture of the container which could energetically eject fragments to the environment.