Product Name: Nitrodiglycolamine Propellant
Chemical Family: Energetic Nitramines
Synonyms: NDGA-based Propellant
Recommended Use: Rocket propellant, energetic additive in munitions
Manufacturer: Classified per defense standards
Emergency Contact: National Poison Control Center or local fire authority
Chemical Formula: C4H10N4O6
UN Number: UN 0160 (explosive, blasting, type A - for propellants containing nitramines)
Hazard Class: Explosive, division 1.1 (mass explosion hazard)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation; may cause respiratory irritation; toxic if swallowed; contact may cause burns to skin; risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of ignition
Pictograms: Exploding bomb, Skull and Crossbones, Corrosion
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, dermal, ocular contact
Environmental Hazard: Toxic to aquatic life, possible long-term hazardous effects
Main Component: Nitrodiglycolamine (CAS No. 615-87-0)
Content: 80-95% by mass
Stabilizers: 2-5% (various proprietary compounds, e.g., diphenylamine, carbamates)
Plasticizers: Triacetin, phthalates, < 10%
Other Additives: Processing aids (trace amounts), fuel binders (polyurethane-based, < 2%)
Impurities: Low-level organic nitrates, water (<0.5%)
Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, seek immediate medical attention if breathing is difficult; provide oxygen by trained personnel
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse affected areas with plenty of water for 15 minutes, wash with mild soap, seek medical attention for persistent irritation or burns
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids open, remove contact lenses if present, seek prompt medical advice
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, offer water if victim is conscious, seek medical care immediately
Notes for Doctors: Treat as cyanogenic nitro compound poisoning, monitor methemoglobin levels
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray (large amounts), flooding volumes, avoid dry chemical and foam
Special Hazards: Highly explosive; intense heat may trigger mass detonation; releases toxic nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide under fire
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus
Firefighting Instructions: Evacuate area within 500 meters, cool surrounding containers with water spray, do not fight fire if drums are involved, let burn if safe to do so, approach from upwind, keep personnel away from blast range
Personal Precautions: Evacuate non-essential staff, ventilate area, prohibit smoking or open flames, wear antistatic clothing, chemical-resistant gloves, face shield
Containment: Limit spread using non-sparking tools, isolate spillage, do not allow into drains or waterways
Cleanup Methods: Wet down with water spray to prevent dust, collect with neutral, non-sparking equipment, transfer to approved disposal container for hazardous waste
Reference to Other Sections: Refer to section on Disposal and Personal Protection
Handling Precautions: Minimize handling, use with adequate ventilation, avoid physical impact, never smoke or use spark-producing equipment near product
Protective Measures: Use grounding and bonding for all equipment, control static electricity, prohibit open flames nearby
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool (<25°C), dry, explosion-proof facility with approved explosives storage, keep tightly sealed and away from incompatible chemicals (acids, bases, oxidizers, reducing agents)
Storage Life: Stability may degrade after 2 years, inspect regularly for discoloration or pressure build-up
Incompatibilities: Metal powders, acids, peroxides, bases, strong oxidizers
Packaging Materials: Use approved steel or composite explosive containers with anti-static liner
Occupational Exposure Limits: No formal OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV established, recommended to keep below 0.05 mg/m³ as inhalable fraction
Engineering Controls: Explosion-proof ventilation, local exhaust at points of emission, continual air quality monitoring
Respiratory Protection: Full-face respirators for dust/aerosol, SCBA for high-risk operations
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles, face shield during handling
Skin Protection: Chemically resistant coveralls, nitrile or butyl rubber gloves, antistatic footwear
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, shower at end of shift, avoid eating or drinking in work area, separate storage for work clothing
Appearance: Pale yellowish solid granules or powder
Odor: Mild, slightly sweet nitrate odor
pH: Not applicable (non-aqueous solid)
Melting Point: Decomposes >80°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes on heating)
Flash Point: Not measurable (explosive prior to flash)
Autoignition Temperature: 145°C
Explosive Limits: Sensitive to impact, friction, electrostatic discharge
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Solubility in Water: Slightly soluble, hydrolyzes slowly to release nitrite
Density: 1.45 - 1.55 g/cm³
Viscosity: Not applicable
Partition Coefficient: Not determined
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage, sensitive to shock, friction, static, heat
Conditions to Avoid: Impact, sparks, open flame, moisture, elevated temperatures, sunlight
Materials to Avoid: Strong acids, alkalis, metallic powders, reducing agents, oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Toxic nitrogen oxides, nitrosamines, carbon monoxide, amines on thermal decomposition
Hazardous Reactions: Rapid self-accelerating exothermic reaction, risk of mass detonation, deflagration-to-detonation transition
Polymerization: Not expected to undergo hazardous polymerization
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 50-150 mg/kg; inhalation LC50 (rat): not established, probable toxic effects from dust
Skin Contact: Irritant, possible systemic absorption leading to cyanosis, hypotension
Eye Contact: Severe chemical burns, risk of corneal damage
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure may target the liver, blood and nervous system
Sensitization: Not classified as a sensitizer, but repeated contact can cause dermatitis
Mutagenicity: Some nitramines linked to mutagenic effects in laboratory tests
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA as a known carcinogen; chronic toxicity not fully evaluated
Other Data: Reports of methemoglobinemia and neurological effects after large exposures
Ecotoxicity: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms (LC50 – 1–5 mg/L for fish)
Persistence and Degradability: Degrades slowly in aquatic environments, risk of nitrate leaching
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low potential for biomagnification in food chain, but possible for breakdown products
Mobility in Soil: Moderately mobile, may contaminate groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: Contributes to eutrophication due to nitrate/nitrite release, may harm beneficial soil bacteria
Disposal Methods: Dispose as hazardous explosive waste at licensed facility, destruction via deep-water neutralization or controlled detonation
Incineration: Not recommended except under tightly controlled conditions
Waste Codes: U.S. EPA: D003 (reactive waste), International: code for explosive waste
Contaminated Packaging: Handle as explosive waste – do not reuse, destroy in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations
Precautions: Do not dump into drains, sewers, or natural bodies of water
UN Number: UN 0160
Proper Shipping Name: Explosive, Blasting, Type A
Transport Hazard Class: 1.1D (explosives with mass explosion hazard)
Packing Group: I (most hazardous)
Labels: Explosive 1.1
Special Provisions: Transport in compliance with IMDG, IATA, DOT, ADR; driver must have explosives permit, vehicle signage mandatory, restrictions on route and quantity per container
Emergency Response Guide: ERG 112 (explosives, mass detonation)
Other Transport Requirements: Inspect packaging for damage prior to transport, separation from incompatible cargo, mandatory escort for some jurisdictions
U.S. TSCA: Listed, restrictions on handling under Toxic Substances Control Act
SARA Title III: Reportable Quantity (RQ): 10 lbs (explosive)
CERCLA: Must be reported if released in quantities above threshold
OSHA: Covered under Process Safety Management for Explosives and Blasting Agents
International: Listed in EU REACH Annex XVII (restricted uses), subject to UN explosives regulations
Other Local and National Laws: Additional state and municipal requirements; reporting obligations for environmental releases, storage, and security
Restrictions: Sale, storage, use, and transport require government permits, screening and training of personnel, security protocols for theft/diversion