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EC number: 266-046-0 | CAS number: 65997-17-3 This category encompasses the various chemical substances manufactured in the production of inorganic glasses. For purposes of this category, 'glass' is defined as an amorfous, inorganic, transparent, translucent or opaque material traditionally formed by fusion of sources of silica with a flux, such as an alkali-metal carbonate, boron oxide, etc. and a stabilizer, into a mass which is cooled to a rigid condition without crystallization in the case of transparent or liquid-phase separated glass or with controlled crystallization in the case of glass-ceramics. The category consists of the various chemical substances, other than by-products or impurities, which are formed during the production of various glasses and concurrently incorporated into a glass mixture. All glasses contain one or more of these substances, but few, if any, contain all of them. The elements listed below are principally present as components of oxide systems but some may also be present as halides or chalcogenides, in multiple oxidation states, or in more complex compounds. Trace amounts of other oxides or chemical compounds may be present. Oxides of the first seven elements listed* comprise more than 95 percent, by weight, of the glass produced. @Aluminium*@Lead@Boron*@Lithium@Calcium*@Manganese@Magnesium*@Molybdenum@Potassium*@Neodymium@Silicon*@Nickel@Sodium*@Niobium@Antimony@Nitrogen@Arsenic@Phosphorus@Barium@Praseodymium@Bismuth@Rubidium@Cadmium@Selenium@Carbon@Silver@Cerium@Strontium@Cesium@Sulfur@Chromium@Tellurium@Cobalt@Tin@Copper@Titanium@Germanium@Tungsten@Gold@Uranium@Holmium@Vanadium@Iron@Zinc@Lanthanum@Zirconium
Endpoint summary
Administrative data
Description of key information
Additional information
The data received from the importing companies show that E-glass microfibre is inorganic, chemically inert solid fibre with ca. 100% purity, odorless, white. The data also show that the softening point of E-glass microfibre is approximately 700 °C, and it is estimated that the melting point is ca. 800 °C.
A GLP study and company data suggest that the density of E-glass microfibre varies between approximately 2.5 and 2.6 g/cm³ depending on the fibre type.
Published information is presented on the particle size distribution of E-glass microfibre. Bivariate size distribution from scanning electron microscopy of aerosol samples of E-glass microfibre showing fibres/mL per size category is presented. Accordingly, all of the fibres are respirable (i.e aerodynamic diameter <4 um).
It is evaluated that E-glass microfibre is highly insoluble in water. An ECHA publication entitled "Guidance on information requirements and chemical safety assessment Chapter R.7a: Endpoint specific guidance" also states that a fibre is a water insoluble particle with an aspect ratio (length/diameter>3) and diameter <100 µm.
The end-points on boiling point, vapour pressure, and auto flammability of E-glass microfibre are waived based on adaptation to column 2 of Annex VII. Because, E-glass microfibre is an inorganic solid with melting point above 300 °C. Similarly, the end-points on partition coefficient, flash point and stability in organic solvents and identification of relevant degradation products are also waived based on an adaptation according to column 2 of Annex VII. Because, E-glass microfibre is inorganic. The end-point study on surface tension waiving is done as the study is considered technically not feasible, because E-glass microfibre is highly water insoluble and the relevant test methods are not applicable.
In the case of flammability the justification for the study waiving is that E-glass microfibre is of inorganic origin and manufactured at temperatures of approx. 1500°C (molten glass). The ignition at room temperature with a flame as required by EU test method A10 - Flammability (solids) - is therefore not possible, and thus the study of this end-point is evaluated to be technically not feasible.
The end-point study on explosiveness is waived, as the study scientifically unjustified. The reason is that E-glass microfibre is of inorganic origin and manufactured at temperatures of approx. 1500°C (molten glass). Absence of certain reactive groups in the structural formula establishes beyond reasonable doubt that the substance is incapable of rapid decomposition with evolution of gases or release of heat (EU test method A14 - Explosive properties). Furthermore, Bretherick's Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards (7th edition), Vol 1&2, Elsevier, 2007, is also consulted. In accordance with this authoritative handbook and the other information, it is evaluated that E-glass microfibre does not hold any explosive potential.
The end-point study on oxidising properties is also waived based on an adaptation to Annex VII, 7.13 column II. E-glass microfibre is of inorganic origin and manufactured at temperatures of approx. 1500 °C (molten glass). The examination of the structural formula establishes beyond reasonable doubt that the substance is incapable of reacting exothermically with a combustible material. EU test method A17 - Oxidising properties (solids) is therefore not applicable. Furthermore, a bibliographic source entitled Bretherick's Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards (7th edition), Vol 1&2, Elsevier, 2007, is also consulted. In accordance with this authoritative handbook and the other information it is evaluated that E-glass microfibre does not hold oxidative potential.
The end-point study on dissociation constant is waived, as scientifically unjustified. Dissociation is defined as being the reversible splitting into two or more chemical species which may be ionic (OECD guideline 112). E-glass microfibre is an inorganic mineral fibre and highly insoluble in water, and it will not dissociate in water. The splitting of E-glass microfibre in the different chemical species is not reversible.
The end-point study on viscosity is waived, as the study evaluated to be technically not feasible. The justification for the waiving is that E-glass microfibre is an inorganic solid and the relevant test methods are not applicable to this test substance.
Information on Registered Substances comes from registration dossiers which have been assigned a registration number. The assignment of a registration number does however not guarantee that the information in the dossier is correct or that the dossier is compliant with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (the REACH Regulation). This information has not been reviewed or verified by the Agency or any other authority. The content is subject to change without prior notice.
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