MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I.  PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Manufacturer/Supplier:

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313

E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Product Name:     Silicon Nitride

Formula:              Si₃N₄

CAS Number:       12033-89-5

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:    Silicon Nitride 

Percent (%):                    100 

OSHA/PEL:                        15 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                      10 mg/m³

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                               1

Flammability:                    0

Reactivity:                         0

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                     N/A or N/E

Melting Point:                    1900 ^oC (sublimes)

Specific Gravity:               3.44 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:               Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:      Grayish white powder and pieces, no odor.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method Used):  N/A 

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Flammable Limits in Air:  Lower:  N/A          Upper:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding material and type of fire.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  When heated to decomposition, silicon nitride may emit toxic fumes of ammonia and ozone.  Contact with acids may generate flammable hydrogen gas.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the physical, chemical and toxicological properties of silicon nitride have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Inorganic silicon compounds may be acute inhalation irritants.  Prolonged inhalation may cause pulmonary fibrosis, known as silicosis.

Acute Effects:    

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to nose, throat and mucous membranes, chemical pneumonia, chemical bronchitis and pulmonary edema.

Ingestion:  No acute health effects recorded.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause pulmonary fibrosis and pneumosilicosis.  No other chronic health effects recorded. 

Medical Conditions, if any, Aggravated by the Chemical:  Pre-existing respiratory and skin disorders.

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system, skin and eyes.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No              IARC:  No             OSHA:  No            EPA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention.

INGESTION:  Do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash with soap and water.  Seek medical attention.

EYES:  Immediately flush eyes, including under eyelids, with large amounts of water.  Seek medical attention.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None known

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Strong acids, potassium hydroxide.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Ammonia gas, ozone, hydrogen gas and oxides of nitrogen

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.  SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in section VIII.  Isolate spill area and provide ventilation.  Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with all State, Federal and Local regulations.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles.

Other Protective Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Keep container tightly closed.  Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.  Wash thoroughly after use.

Other Precautions: Lab coat and apron, flame and chemical resistant coveralls.  Caution:  Dust may irritate skin and eyes.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.  Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:          None

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.  ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Prepared By:         S. Dierks

Dated:                  March 2006