REACH - Applications for authorisation documents AFA054-01 - OPEO

Overview

Public consultation on alternatives

Reference: AFA054-01

Applicant: PPG Industries (UK) Ltd.

Application type: Review Report

Substance name: 4-(1,1,3,3-Tetramethylbutyl) phenol, ethoxylated (OPE)

Proposed use: The formulation of a hardener component containing OPE within Aerospace two-part polysulfide sealants for use by Airbus and their associated supply chains

Broad information on use applied for (conditions of use and function):

OPE is used during formulation of the hardener component of a two-part polysulphide sealant. OPE historically served as a surfactant to assist in evenly dispersing the curing agent in the hardener. A thorough review of performance against Airbus (Downstream User) requirements is needed to determine whether it is possible to achieve the same dispersion and sealant performance across a range of requirements (such as adhesion, strength, insulating properties and chemical resistance) when OPE is eliminated from the formulation.

This use addresses repackaging by a stand-alone formulator at one site. On-site mixing at industrial sites, including the Applicants, is not included in this use but in use 2.

List of descriptors:

• Sector of end use (SU): 0: other: Aerospace
• Environmental release category (ERC): 2
• Process category (PROC): NA
• Product category (PC): 1 [Adhesives, sealants]
• Technical Function: Surfactant/Dispersant

Annual tonnage used: <1 tonne/year

Review period requested: 4 years

How to submit comments

Provide some basic information on possible alternative(s) in the online survey below but more detailed information should be provided in document(s) prepared using the commenting templates in the related section below. A “public version” should always be completed and will be published after the consultation has closed. If you want to include confidential information in your submission, please additionally complete a “confidential version” and submit both versions as attachments.

The consultation lasts for 8 weeks (unless otherwise specified) and closes at 23:59 London time (BST).