Red Phosphorus (CAS 7723-14-0)
Purity grades: Technical Grade · Stabilized Micro-Encapsulated Grade · Electronic Grade
Red phosphorus (EC/EINECS 231-768-7) is supplied as a reddish-brown amorphous powder functioning as a halogen-free flame retardant in engineering plastics, an oxidizer component in pyrotechnic and match-head formulations, and a chemical intermediate for phosphorus halide synthesis. Grade selection is driven by end-use thermal stability requirements and moisture-sensitivity tolerance.
Instant Technical Summary
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Content (Assay) | ≥98.5% min |
| Physical Form | Reddish-brown amorphous powder |
| Auto-Ignition Point | >260°C |
| Moisture Content | ≤0.1% typical |
| Yellow (White) Phosphorus Contamination | <0.01% (<50 ppm) |
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Technical Specifications & Chemical Data
| Technical Parameter | Standard Specification | Testing Method / Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Red Phosphorus Assay | 98.5%–99.0% min | Titrimetric / ASTM-referenced internal method |
| Yellow (White) Phosphorus Content | ≤50 ppm (<0.01%) | Solvent extraction / GC |
| Moisture Content | ≤0.1% | Karl Fischer / loss-on-drying |
| Free Acid (as H3PO4H_3PO_4 ) | ≤0.1% | Acid-base titration |
| Particle Size Distribution | D50: 15–45 µm / D90: <75 µm (grade-dependent); 100–325 mesh | Laser diffraction / sieve analysis |
| Auto-Ignition Temperature | >260°C | ASTM E659 / equivalent |
| Specific Gravity | 2.0–2.4 g/cm³ | Pycnometry |
Reaction Mechanism & Industrial Applications
Halogen-Free Flame Retardancy Mechanism
In polyamide (PA66) and PBT compounding, red phosphorus undergoes controlled thermal oxidation during combustion, converting to phosphoric acid species that catalyze char formation on the polymer surface:
The resulting polyphosphoric acid layer dehydrates the polymer matrix and forms a protective carbonaceous char barrier, limiting oxygen ingress and suppressing further pyrolysis. This condensed-phase mechanism distinguishes red phosphorus from gas-phase halogenated retardant systems.
Industrial Applications & End Uses
- Engineering Plastics & Electronics — Micro-encapsulated red phosphorus in glass-reinforced PA66 and PBT for connectors, circuit breakers, and electrical housings requiring UL94 V-0 performance.
- Matches & Pyrotechnics — Primary striking-surface reagent; controlled-combustion mixtures in signal and safety pyrotechnic devices.
- Chemical Synthesis — Feedstock for phosphorus trichloride (PCl3PCl_3 ) and phosphorus tribromide (PBr3PBr_3 ) production, reduction reactions, and semiconductor-grade phosphorus dopant manufacturing.
Compound Processing & Stabilized Handling Protocols
Recommended polymer loading rates: 5–15% by weight, grade-dependent. Micro-encapsulation (resin or aluminum hydroxide coating) is applied to stabilized grades to suppress moisture-induced phosphine (PH3PH_3 ) gas evolution during storage and processing:
Processing caution: Uncoated or degraded material is sensitive to friction and static discharge above its auto-ignition threshold. Extrusion and compounding equipment should incorporate temperature monitoring and inert purge where encapsulation integrity cannot be verified.
Packaging, Logistics & Dangerous Goods Transport
Packaging Configurations 25 kg or 50 kg hermetically sealed steel drums with inner heavy-duty polyethylene liner bags, nitrogen-flushed; UN-approved anti-static fiber drums available for electrostatic-sensitive grades.
Storage Protocols Store in a cool, dry, fireproof, well-ventilated dedicated hazard warehouse. Segregate from oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides), open flame/ignition sources, and direct sunlight.
Shipping Classification
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| UN Hazard Class | 4.1 (Flammable Solid) |
| UN Number | 1338 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Proper Shipping Name | RED PHOSPHORUS |
Safety, EHS & Regulatory Compliance
GHS Classification & Hazard Statements
- Flammable Solid, Category 1 — H228
- Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects — H412
Handling Precautions & PPE Explosion-proof electrical equipment and anti-static grounding during transfer operations; NIOSH-approved particulate respirators; flame-resistant coveralls; nitrile or neoprene gloves; splash goggles.
Regulatory Certifications ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) · ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management) · REACH registration compliance · RoHS/WEEE compliant for halogen-free electronics applications · Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) issued with every shipment.
Specifications vary by grade. Request the current Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for batch-specific values prior to order confirmation.
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