MELAMINE CYANURATE (MCA)

Halogen-Free Nitrogen-Based Flame Retardant Series

In line with our R&D philosophy of "One Small Step Ahead," this comprehensive document compiles the industrial applications, optimized example R&D formulations, and safety protocols for Melamine Cyanurate (MCA) in 20 main sections, fully aligned with academic and industrial standards.

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

Parameter	Description
Trade Name	Melamine Cyanurate (MCA)
Chemical Family	Heterocyclic Nitrogen Compound (Salt Complex)
Use Area	Halogen-free (HFFR) intumescent flame retardant for engineering plastics (especially unfilled and modified polyamides), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), epoxy resins, and specialty textile coatings.
Manufacturer / Supplier	Global Chemical and R&D Technologies Group (Representative Data)

SECTION 2: CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURAL FRAMEWORK

The product is a highly ordered crystal lattice structure formed by the combination of melamine and cyanuric acid in equimolar ratios through hydrogen bonding.

Parameter	Value
CAS Registry Number	37640-57-6
IUPAC Name	1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine; 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triol
Molecular Formula	C₆H₉N₉O₃
Molecular Weight	255.20 g/mol
EC Number	253-575-7

MCA is a 1:1 adduct of melamine and cyanuric acid, forming a planar network bonded by nine hydrogen bonds. This stable hydrogen-bonded network is responsible for its very low water solubility and high thermal stability .

SECTION 3: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property	Value	Source
Physical State	White, odorless, free-flowing powder
MCA Purity	≥ 99.5%
Free Melamine	≤ 0.2-0.3%
Free Cyanuric Acid	≤ 0.2%
pH (10% aqueous suspension)	5.5 – 7.5 (commercial range 5-6 to 6-8 reported)
Water Solubility	Practically insoluble (~0.001 g/100 mL at 20°C); <0.01 g/L reported
Density	~1.7 g/cm³
Bulk Density	~350 g/L (varies by grade)

Verified Data Note: EPA sources report water solubility values ranging from 1 to 27 mg/L at 20°C depending on test conditions; the hydrogen-bonded network is destabilized only at pH extremes .

SECTION 4: THERMAL PERFORMANCE AND DEGRADATION PROFILE

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) data under nitrogen atmosphere:

Parameter	Value	Source
Thermal Onset (1% Mass Loss)	≥ 320°C	Document data; consistent with literature stating MCA offers better thermal stability than pure melamine up to 320°C
Maximum Decomposition (50% Mass Loss)	~345°C	Document data
Sublimation Temperature	~440°C (by DTA)
Application Limit	Safely processed in PA6 (~220°C) and PA66 (~260°C) extrusion without decomposition

Verified Data Note: Commercial MCA products report stability below 300°C, with sublimation above 350°C and decomposition temperature of 440-450°C . BASF Melapur® MC grades report sublimation at 440°C .

SECTION 5: PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION (PSD) METRICS

Three micronized grades are produced to prevent mechanical weak points and agglomeration in the polymer matrix:

Grade	D₅₀	D₉₈	Application
MCA-15 (Standard)	≤ 4.0 μm	≤ 15.0 μm	General purpose
MCA-25 (Engineering Plastics)	≤ 8.0 μm	≤ 25.0 μm	PA66 E&E
MCA-M8 (Ultra-Fine)	≤ 2.0 μm	≤ 8.0 μm	Cables, thin-wall injection

SECTION 6: DETAILED INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

MCA is used as a primary and auxiliary flame retardant in the following areas due to its high nitrogen content (~49%) and thermal decomposition profile:

Electrical & Electronics (E&E): Indispensable in polyamide compounds for connectors, relay housings, switches, bobbin cores, and switch boxes to increase electrical arc resistance.

Wire and Cable Industry: Preferred in TPU and TPE-based cable sheaths to achieve halogen-free, low-smoke-density flexible structures.

Automotive Industry: Used in thin-wall injection parts requiring high mechanical and thermal stability, such as under-hood electrical distribution boxes, fuse holders, and submersible pipe clips.

Textile Coatings and Adhesives: Integrated into acrylic, polyurethane-based emulsions, or hot-melt adhesives to form retardant barriers in technical textiles.

Verified Application Note: BASF Melapur® MC is primarily used for E&E applications (connectors, switches, housings) made from polyamide or TPU; in unfilled or mineral-filled compounds it gives UL94 V-0; in glass-filled systems only V-2 is possible .

SECTION 7: INDUSTRIAL R&D AND FORMULATION EXAMPLES

Components	Recipe A: PA6 (Injection)	Recipe B: PA66 (E&E)	Recipe C: Glass Fiber PA6	Recipe D: TPU (Cable)
Polymer Matrix	88.0% (Pure PA6)	85.0% (Pure PA66)	58.0% (Pure PA6)	70.0% (Polyester-TPU)
MCA	11.5% (MCA-15)	14.5% (MCA-25)	10.0% (MCA-M8)	12.0% (MCA-15)
Glass Fiber (Chopped)	-	-	30.0%	-
Auxiliary FR (APP / Di-Penta)	-	-	-	15.0% (Ammonium Polyphosphate)
Synergist (Aluminum Phosphinate)	-	-	1.5%	-
Process Aids / Lubricant	0.3% (E-Wax)	0.3% (E-Wax)	0.3% (Calcium Stearate)	0.5% (Silicone Oil)
Antioxidant (Irganox 1010/168)	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	2.5% (Special Heat Stabilizer)
Target UL 94 Rating	V-0 (1.6 mm)	V-0 (0.8 mm)	V-2 (1.6 mm)	V-0 (1.6 mm)

Verified Data Note: BASF guidelines for Melapur® MC: PA6 unfilled achieves UL94 V-0 at 10-12 wt%; PA66 unfilled at 6-8 wt%; mineral-filled PA6/PA66 at 13-15 wt%; glass-filled systems achieve V-2 at 15-20 wt% . Peer-reviewed literature confirms that PA6 with modified MCA can achieve V-0 at 9 wt% .

SECTION 8: HAZARD IDENTIFICATION (GHS CLASSIFICATION)

Parameter	Assessment
Classification	Not classified as a hazardous substance or mixture according to Regulation 1272/2008/EC (CLP) or OSHA HCS (29 CFR 1910.1200).
Signal Word	None.
Physical Hazards	High concentrations of airborne dust in enclosed spaces have the potential to form explosive dust-air mixtures when triggered by static electricity.
Transport Classification	Not regulated for transport (ADR/RID/IMDG/IATA)

SECTION 9: STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Parameter	Information
Chemical Stability	Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions.
Conditions to Avoid	Excessive heat (>320°C) and moisture accumulation.
Incompatible Materials	Strong oxidizing agents and strong acids.
Hazardous Decomposition Products	Thermal decomposition may release carbon oxides (CO, CO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and trace cyanide-derived gases.

SECTION 10: REGULATORY STATUS AND ENVIRONMENTAL DECLARATIONS

Parameter	Status
Global Inventory Compliance	Actively listed in TSCA (USA), REACH (EU), DSL (Canada), and IECSC (China).
RoHS and WEEE Directives	Fully compliant with 2011/65/EU; contains no PBB, PBDE, or phthalates.
Halogen-Free Declaration	Completely green formulation component containing no fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine.
REACH SVHC	Not applicable

SECTION 11: FIRST AID MEASURES

Exposure Route	Action
Inhalation	Move affected person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if breathing difficulty develops.
Skin Contact	Wash with plenty of water and soap for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing.
Eye Contact	Rinse with running clean water for at least 15 minutes while keeping eyelids open. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion	Rinse mouth with water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Do not induce vomiting.

SECTION 12: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

Parameter	Information
Suitable Extinguishing Media	Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Special Hazards	Intense white smoke and nitrogen oxide gases may be released during fire.
Protective Equipment	Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective chemical clothing.

SECTION 13: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Parameter	Information
Personal Precautions	Use dust mask and protective goggles. Prevent dust formation. Remove all ignition sources from the area.
Environmental Precautions	Prevent material from entering sewers, surface waters, or groundwater systems.
Cleaning Methods	Sweep with spark-free or explosion-proof (ATEX) industrial vacuum systems and transfer to closed waste containers. Do not use compressed air.

SECTION 14: HANDLING AND STORAGE

Parameter	Information
Handling	Provide adequate local exhaust ventilation. Perform periodic cleaning to prevent dust accumulation. Ground equipment against static electricity.
Storage	Keep in original packaging; store in cool, dry, well-ventilated enclosed warehouses away from direct sunlight. Protect from moisture.

SECTION 15: EXPOSURE CONTROLS AND PERSONAL PROTECTION

Parameter	Value/Recommendation
Exposure Limits	No specific limit established. General inert dust limits apply: OSHA PEL 15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction).
Respiratory Protection	NIOSH-approved N95 or EN149 P2 mask in dusty environments.
Eye Protection	Dust-tight safety goggles with side shields (EN166).
Skin Protection	Nitrile or neoprene industrial gloves and appropriate work coveralls.

SECTION 16: TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Parameter	Value	Source
Acute Oral Toxicity	LD₅₀ (Rat) > 2000 mg/kg (Low toxicity)	Document data
Skin/Eye Irritation	May cause mild and transient mechanical irritation upon direct contact. Not chemically corrosive.	Document data
Carcinogenicity	Not classified as carcinogenic in IARC, NTP, or OSHA lists.	Document data
Repeated Dose Toxicity	H373 (May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure if swallowed) — classification from some SDS sources; this is associated with melamine exposure at high doses

SECTION 17: ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Parameter	Value	Source
Ecotoxicity	Very low water solubility limits acute toxic effects on aquatic organisms.	Document data
Persistence and Degradation	Slowly hydrolyzes to melamine and cyanuric acid in natural environments; gradually metabolized by soil microorganisms.	Document data
Bioaccumulation Potential	Low due to low log Kow; BCF < 100 or Log Pow < 3
Mobility in Soil	High potential (Koc between 50 and 150; Koc = 53.4 estimated)
Biodegradability	Expected to biodegrade very slowly; fails to pass OECD/EEC ready biodegradability tests

SECTION 18: DISPOSAL INFORMATION

Parameter	Information
Product Disposal	Dispose of in licensed industrial waste disposal or incineration facilities in accordance with local and national environmental regulations.
Packaging Disposal	Emptied bags should be sent for recycling after complete emptying or managed as contaminated packaging.

SECTION 19: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter	Information	Source
ADR / RID (Road/Rail)	Not classified as dangerous goods. Not regulated for transport.
IMDG (Sea)	Not classified as dangerous cargo in maritime transport (Non-hazardous).	Document data
IATA (Air)	No restrictions in air cargo transport.	Document data
Special Transport Requirement	Closed-body vehicles should be preferred to prevent pallets from getting wet during transport.

SECTION 20: REGULATORY LAWS AND DOCUMENT CONTROL

Parameter	Status
SARA Section 313 / California Prop 65	Not listed in any reporting or restriction lists.
Document Version	6.0 (2026 Update)
Legal Liability Limit	The technical data and safety parameters provided in this form are based on our current laboratory records and the latest optimization work of our R&D unit. Customers are recommended to conduct R&D trials in their own matrices for specific reaction outcomes with other additives in polymer formulations.

Disclaimer: This TDS/SDS is for informational purposes only and is based on available data. Product performance may vary depending on polymer matrix, processing conditions, and formulation. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific application and for complying with all applicable local, national, and international regulations. This document is not a substitute for the official SDS provided by the manufacturer.

Melamine Cyanurate, MCA, 37640-57-6