Group of Chemicals : Fatty Acids
Commercial Name : Palmitic/Stearic Acid

Physical & Chemical Properties
Boiling point, deg C at 760mm Hg                                    351.5-376
Melting point, deg C                                                     62.9-69.6
Flash point, deg C                                                       >200
Auto-ignition temperature, deg C                                   >250
Density, g/ml at 75deg C                                             0.845
Vapor pressure, mm Hg at 165 deg C                             <0.99
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20 deg C                         None
Relative molecular mass                                                256.4-284.5

Chemical Name                : Hexadecanoic Acid + Octadecanoic Acid
Gross Formula                  : C₁₆H₃₂O₂ + C₁₈H₃₆O₂

Important Characteristics
        • Waxy, white crystalline solid with slight bland/tallow-like odour.
           Combustible
        • Corrosive and mild irritationg to eyes, skin and respirtatory tract
        • Low toxicity and not considered hazardous to human beings

Hazards/Prevention/First-Aid
        Fire
        • Combustible
        • Keep away from open flame, no smoking
        • Use dry powder, foam, carbon tetrachloride, carbon dioxide for
          extinguishing

        Inhalation
        • Sore throat, cough
        • Use self-contained breathing equipment if in confined space
        • Ventilation
        • Remove to fresh air. If suffocation is serious take to a doctor

        Skin
        • Redness, pain
        • Use gloves
        • Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with water or soap, take to a
          doctor if necessary

        Eyes
        • Redness, pain
        • Use face shield
        • Flush with water, take to a doctor if necessary

        Ingestion
        • Sore throat, abdominal pain
        • Rinse mouth, drink plenty of water, see physician
        • Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person

        Spillage
        • Collect liquid leakage in sealable containers, soak up with sand or other
          inert absorbent and remove to safe place.
          Wash site with sodium bicarbonate or soda ash. Wipe to clean
        • Can also allow spillage to solidify, then shovel into containers. and clean
           up area immediately

        Handling And Storage
        • To use gloves and wear goggles when handling
        • Keep in a cool and dry place, avoid extrem heat and cold
        • Avoid direct fire, strong alkalis and oxidising agents
        • Store in clean, dry preferably stainless steel vessets
        • Bulk, store about 10 deg C above melting point.
          Temperature higher than necessary degrades quality at rate dependent
          on time and temperature of exposure
        • Exposure to ultraviolet light, especially sunlight must be miniised to
           prevent quality loss

        Notes
        • Product readily biodegradable
        • Always work safely around open hatches on bulk tanks. The low density
          makes floatation difficult for immersed person