UKK

The Cobalt REACH consortium has decided to tighten the classification of cobalt bis- (2-ethylhexanoate) with effect from 01/11/2018.

This raw material is widely used in the composites industry for the production of pre-accelerated UP resin systems. BÜFA Composite Systems has taken on this task, examined it in the interests of our customers and developed appropriate solutions.The good news for you as BÜFA customer: All resin specialties from the BÜFA complete range are still available for you in the usual quality and all BÜFA products containing cobalt are below the specified limit values or have been provided with substitute products. This means that these BÜFA products do not required additional labelling and nothing changes for you in terms of handling and use – the BÜFA products can be handled and processed as usual!

If you use other UP resin systems in your company, we recommend that you clarify the current status of future classifications via the product safety data sheets. If you continue to use products according to the stricter classifications, extensive measures are necessary at your plant.

If you have any questions about the topics listed above and in particular about cobalt accelerators, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Cobalt accelerators are a special case, as they may contain the cobalt bis-(2- ethylhexanoate) concerned in a concentration >= 0.3%. From this concentration onwards, labelling as toxic for reproduction category 1B (Repr. Tox. 1B) is expected to be mandatory from 01/11/2018. This reclassification means that you need to check whether you are allowed to use products with this labelling in your plant. In this case, please contact the authority responsible for you.

BÜFA Composite Systems can continue to offer an accelerator portfolio with various options. The alternative products listed in the following table contain a 1:1 replacement that corresponds to the current classification. This means that nothing changes for you in terms of handling and use – BÜFA products can be handled and processed as usual! We are happy to support you with sample quantities for your internal qualification if required.

The industry association AVK (www.avk-tv.de) has sent out a newsletter to its members on the categorisation of cobalt. The following excerpts are from the ‘AVK News’ of 21 September 2018:

Cobalt octoate classification

Contrary to previous assumptions, the reclassification of cobalt bis 2-ethylhexanoate will not take place on 1 January 2019, but already on 1 November 2018. There are currently no new safety data sheets available so it is recommended to contact the relevant supplier to obtain up-to-date information.
Classification from 0.3% concentration is considered toxic for reproduction. H360 F may impair fertility and H360 D may cause harm to the unborn child.
This entails a number of organisational measures for processing companies:
It must be checked whether this substance was already included in an authorisation in accordance with the Federal Immission Control Act (BImschG). If not, authorisation must be requested for use beyond 01/11/2018. If so, the authorising authority should be informed of the reclassification, at the latest after the updated safety data sheet is available.
In the case of a corresponding classification below 1B, the corresponding substance must be replaced in accordance with the Hazardous Substances Ordinance (in compliance with specific requirements). In any case, a corresponding substitution test must be carried out and this must be comprehensively documented. If it is not possible to replace the substance in question, appropriate technical, organisational or personal protective measures must be taken (in this order of priority).
This also includes a comprehensive risk assessment. The relevant employees must be instructed in handling (specialised knowledge).
The recirculation of extracted air into the room in which this substance is handled is not permitted. In addition, the relevant principles of the Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance, the Youth Protection Act, the Maternity Protection Act and the Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (TA-Luft) must of course be observed. According to TA-Luft – draft 2016, this substance would be considered a class 1 substance, with a quantity threshold of 1 mg/m³ in fumes. In addition, it must be expected that this substance will be added to the SVHC candidate list in the future.

Source: AVK-TV GmbH | Am Hauptbahnhof 10 | 60329 Frankfurt am Main | Germany | Phone: +49
(0) 69 / 27 10 77 - 0 | E-mail: info@avk-tv.de | Web: www.avk-tv.de

Our partner for organic peroxides, United Initiators, focuses exclusively on the development and production of peroxides. The head office and production for the European market are located in Germany. United Initiators was the first manufacturer of 100% phthalate-free peroxides in Europe and thus also fulfils its claim to sustainability. They products are characterised by a high quality standard and product safety. The range is perfectly matched to your applications.

Important information
Curing agents, accelerators and, if applicable, inhibitors must be exactly matched with one another to achieve the desired effect. The choice of the optimum cold curing system depends on the processing conditions on the one hand and on the requirements to be placed on the finished part on the other.

Attention
It is extremely important that peroxides and accelerators are never mixed with the resin at the same time, but one after the other, in order to avoid fires or deflagrations.

Addition 03/2024
2-Ethylhexanoic acid salts are now generally classified as toxic to reproduction. These mainly include cobalt bis-(2-ethylhexanoate), potassium bis-(2-ethylhexanoate) and calcium bis-(2-ethylhexanoate). BÜFA Composites has already replaced these metal salts in its current product range with less harmful accelerators.