Alum Leafing Paste
Alum Leafing Paste is a metallic pigment dispersion composed primarily of aluminum flakes suspended in a carrier solvent or paste medium. It is designed to produce a high-luster, silver-like metallic finish in coatings, inks, plastics, and decorative applications. The aluminum flakes in leafing pastes are specially treated to align parallel to the surface during application, creating a reflective, mirror-like effect. This paste is commonly used in industrial, automotive, packaging, and printing industries where brilliant metallic appearance and surface coverage are essentia
Primary Uses
Paints & Coatings Industry
- Provides high-reflective silver finish in solvent-based paints and lacquers.
- Used in protective and decorative coatings for metals, plastics, and wood.
- Ideal for industrial, automotive, and general-purpose metallic coatings.
- Enhances corrosion resistance in specific formulations.
Printing & Packaging
- Used in gravure, screen, and offset printing inks for metallic effects on labels, packaging, and textiles.
- Creates bright, eye-catching print finishes on paper and synthetic substrates.
Secondary Uses
Plastics & Rubber
- Added to plastics and rubber compounds to achieve a metallic look.
Arts & Crafts
- Used for decorative finishes and effects in artistic applications.
- Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Aluminum pigment in paste form
- Common/Trade Name: Alum Leafing Paste, Aluminum Leafing Paste
- CAS Number: 7429-90-5 (Aluminum)
- HS Code: 3212.90 (Pigments in paste form)
- Molecular Formula: Al (primary component)
- Synonyms: Metallic paste, silver paste, leafing aluminum paste
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Viscous metallic paste
- Color & Odor: Silver-gray with a mild solvent odor
- Melting Point: ~660°C (aluminum)
- Boiling Point: Not applicable (paste formulation)
- Density: ~1.3–1.8 g/cm³ (depending on formulation)
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; dispersible in solvents
- pH Level: Not applicable
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Flammable (depending on solvent content)
- NFPA Ratings: Health 1, Flammability 3, Reactivity 1
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (Aluminum): 15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
- Reactivity: Reacts with strong oxidizers and acids; avoid contact with water in some formulations
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, and open flames
- Container Type: Sealed metal or solvent-resistant containers
- Shelf Life: 12–24 months under recommended storage conditions
- Special Handling: Use spark-proof tools; ensure proper ventilation; avoid static discharge
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- OSHA (USA): Regulated due to flammable solvent content and aluminum dust hazard
- REACH (EU): Compliant under applicable uses with appropriate safety data
- Hazard Symbols (GHS): ![Flammable Symbol] 🔥 (if solvent-based)
- Transportation Restrictions: May be classified as hazardous for transport (UN 1309 or UN 1325 depending on formulation)
- Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Moderate; aluminum can be toxic to aquatic organisms in high concentrations
- Persistence: Aluminum flakes are non-biodegradable
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic
- Biodegradability: Inorganic and not biodegradable
- Safety Handling Precautions
- Wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing when handling.
- Use explosion-proof equipment in flammable environments.
- Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent vapor accumulation.
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes; wash thoroughly after handling.
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs.
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
- Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical help.
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Flammable (due to solvent carrier); aluminum dust may be explosive in air.
- Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, foam, or COâ‚‚; do not use water on burning aluminum.
Special Precautions: Cool fire-exposed containers; wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).