Lanthanum

Flammability

Description of key information

Lanthanum metal (massive form) = non flammable
Lanthanum metal (powder form) = flammable solid

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Flammability:

flammable

Additional information

Flammability (solids)

Two studies are available to determine the flammability (solids) of the substance. The first study was conducted on the substance in massive (pellet) form; the second was conducted on the substance in powder form. Both studies were conducted to GLP and in line with standardised guidelines EU Method A.10 and UN Method N.1. Both studies were assigned a reliability score of 1 according to the criteria of Klimisch (1997).

In the first study, conducted with lanthanum metal pellets, the test material failed to ignite during the 2 minutes that the Bunsen flame was applied in the preliminary screening test. The result of the preliminary test obviated the need to perform the definitive test. The test material was therefore considered to be non-flammable.

In the second study, conducted with lanthanum metal powder, the test material pile burned with a bright orange flame producing orange sparks and flares. The pile propagated combustion over 200 mm in 11 seconds in the preliminary screening test and propagated combustion over 100 mm in 9 seconds in the main test. Testing was stopped after the first test run of the main test, as the results of the first test run were conclusive. Under the conditions of this study the test material was determined to be a flammable solid (Category 1, according to classification criteria under Regulation 1272/2008).

Flammability (pyrophoric properties)

In accordance with section 1.5 of REACH Annex XI, the study does not need to be performed as based on chemical structure pyrophoric properties are not to be expected.

Flammability (contact with water)

The flammability (contact with water) of the test material was investigated in accordance with the standardised guideline UN Method N.5. The study was awarded a reliability score of 2 in accordance with the criteria of Klimisch (1997).

During the study a sample of test material was placed in 250 ml deionised water at room temperature and the resulting gas measured by gas burette. During the first 8 hours of the test procedure, the volume was recorded at hourly intervals. The test was terminated after 24 hours since the gas development came to a standstill.

In the initial phase (about 8 hours after introduction of water) the gas volume development was 0.37 mL/kg.min or 22.37 mL/kg.h. Since this is below the level that warrants classification under Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 the test material is not considered to be flammable in contact with water.

Flammability additional key value for CSA: non flammable

Justification for classification or non-classification

Lanthanum (massive)

In line with Regulation (EC) 1272/2008, the test material is considered to be unclassified for flammability.

Lanthanum (powder)

In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and DSD 67/548/EEC, the test material meets the criteria for classification as a flammable solid in powder form, since combustion propagated over a distance of 100 mm taking 9 seconds in the burning rate test.