ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

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

E-Mail: sales@espimetals.com

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I            PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION/COMPOSITION

Trade Name:                    Aluminum Carbide                                                       CAS #:                1299-86-1

Chemical Formula:          Al₄C₃

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component                  %                        OSHA PEL                       ACGIH TLV

Aluminum Carbide                          0-100                   N/E                                    N/E

HMIS Ratings: Health: 2             Flammability: 2               Reactivity: 2

III         PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Boiling Point:                   2200 ^oC (decomposes)                                                  Melting Point:                  Stable to 1400 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              2.36 g/cc                                                                       Vapor Pressure:               N/E or N/A

Solubility in H₂O:            Decomposes to CH₄                                                     Vapor Density:                 N/E or N/A

Appearance and Odor:    Yellow-green to olive-brown powder, no odor.           % Volatiles:                      N/A

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flashpoint: N/A                                                                                                     Autoignition Temperature: N/E

Flammable Limits: Lower: N/E  Upper: N/E

Extinguishing Media: DO NOT USE WATER. Use extinguishing powder.

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 and Explosion Hazard: Dusts may present a fire or explosion hazard under rare favoring conditions. Avoid storing in damp conditions. Contact with water releases flammable gases.

V           HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

              Aluminum may be implicated in Alzheimers disease. Inhalation of aluminum containing dusts may cause pulmonary disease

              Carbon dust inhalation may cause mild irritation of the nose and throat. Skin and eye contact may cause irritation due to abrasive action of the dust. Current scientific evidence indicates no adverse effects are likely from accidental ingestion of small amounts of this material.

Routes of Exposure: Material can be inhaled, swallowed or come in contact with skin or eyes.

Carcinogenic Assessment (NTP Annual Report, IARC Monographs, Others): This material has not been identified as known or suspected carcinogenic by NTP, IARC or OSHA.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

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

INGESTION: Seek medical attention.

SKIN: Thoroughly wash affected area with mild soap and water and prevent further contact. Seek medical attention.

EYE: Flush eyes with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Consult a physician.

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: Water/moisture

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Water/moisture, acids, oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Methane

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 in section VIII. Remove all sources off ignition. Ventilate the area of the spill. Scoop or vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter. Take care not to raise dust. Do not flush with water or aqueous cleansing agents.

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

VIII      SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): Use a appropriate NIOSH approved respirator if airborne dust concentrations exceeds the appropriate PEL or TLV.

Ventilation: Use local exhaust ventilation which is adequate to limit personal exposure to airborne dust levels which do not exceed the appropriate PEL or TLV.

Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields or goggles are necessary.

Protective Gloves: Gloves are recommended when contact is likely.

IX         SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precaution to be Taken in Handling and Storage: Handle under dry, protective gas. Keep container tightly sealed. Store in cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers. Ensure good ventilation at the workplace.

Other Precautions: Keep ignition sources away. Protect against electrostatic charges. Fumes can combine with air to form an explosive mixture. Protect from humidity and water. Store under dry, inert gas. Store away from oxidizing agents. Do not store together with acids.

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