ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I            PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name:      Aluminum Boride                                                                       Chemical Family:             Metal boride

Synonyms:          Aluminum diboride                                                                    Formula:                           AlB₂

CAS #:                12041-50-8 

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components         %                 OSHA/PEL        ACGIH/TLV                    Sec. 302               Sec. 304               Sec. 313

Aluminum Boride                     0-100            N/E                      N/E                                    No                       No                       No

HMIS Ratings: Health: 2             Flammability: 0               Reactivity: 0      Protective Equip: E: glasses, gloves, respirator

III         PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point (^oC):           N/E or N/A                                                                   Melting Point:                  N/E or N/A

Vapor Density:                 N/E                                                                               Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

Specific Gravity:              3.19 g/cc                                                                       Vapor Pressure:               N/A

Appearance and Odor:    Copper-red powder and pieces, no odor                       % Volatile:                       N/A

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point: N/E or N/A                                                                                        Method Used: Non-flammable                     

Explosive Limits: Lower: N/A     Upper: N/A

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

Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Wear full face, and 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 and Explosion Hazards: Aluminum boride may emit toxic fumes of boron and aluminum if involved in a fire. Contact with acids may emit flammable hydrogen gas.

V           HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic):

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

              Aluminum compounds have many industrial uses and are commonly found in industry. Many of these materials are active chemically and thus exhibit dangerous toxic and reactive properties.

              Boron compounds are very toxic and therefore considered an industrial poison. Boron is one of a group of elements, such as Pb, Mn, As, which effects the central nervous system. Boron poisoning causes depression of the circulation, persistent vomiting and diarrhea, followed by profound shock and coma. The temperature becomes subnormal and a scarlatina form rash may cover the entire body (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth ed.).

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: May cause respiratory irritation and boron poisoning.

Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal irritation and boron poisoning.

Skin: May cause mild irritation.

Eye: May cause mild irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: May cause pulmonary granulomas.

Ingestion: May affect the central nervous system.

Skin: May cause dermatitis.

Eye: No chronic health effects recorded.

Routes of Entry: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion.

Target Organs: May affect the respiratory and central nervous system.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory disorders.

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No           IARC Monographs: No                OSHA Regulated: 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: If conscious, give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention. Never give anything by mouth or induce vomiting in an unconscious person.

SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing from affected area, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water, seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYES: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: None

Incompatibilities (Materials to Avoid): Acids

Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts: Hydrogen gas, boron, aluminum and their oxides.

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: Observe all Federal, State & Local regulations.

VIII      SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): NIOSH-approved dust respirator.

Ventilation: Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV. General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves

Eye Protection: Safety glasses

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX         SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Store in cool, dry area. Store in tightly sealed container. Wash thoroughly after handling.

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.

              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.

Issued by:            S. Dierks

Date:                    August 2005