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

Trade Name:                    Boron Silicide                                                               Chemical Family:             Metal silicide

Molecular Formula:        B₆Si                                                                              CAS #:                               12008-29-6

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

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

Boron Silicide                         0-00            N/E                         N/E                                    No                       No                       No

HMIS Ratings: Health: 1 Flammability: 0        Reactivity: 0      Protective Equipment: E: glasses, gloves, dust respirator

III         PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E or N/A                                                                   Melting Point:                  N/E or N/A

Specific Gravity:              2.47 g/cc                                                                       Vapor Pressure:               N/A

Appearance and Odor:    Black crystalline powder, no odor.                               Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method Used): N/E or N/A                                                              Autoignition Temperature: N/A

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

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

Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: When heated to decomposition, boron silicide may emit toxic fumes of boron oxide and amorphous silicon dioxide.

V           HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

              To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicology properties of boron silicide have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

              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 affects the central nervous system. Boron poisoning causes depression of the circulation, persistant 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)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: May cause mild pulmonary irritation. Silicon is considered a nuisance particulate and may cause irritation.

Ingestion: No acute health effects recorded.

Skin: May cause mild irritation.

Eye: May cause mild irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: May cause pulmonary granulomas.

Ingestion: No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin: May cause dermatitis.

Eye: No chronic health effects recorded.

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

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

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No           IARC: No          OSHA: 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 immediately.

INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention. Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to 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 immediately.

EYE: Flush with lukewarm water, lifting upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: None

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): None

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Boron, boron oxide, amorphous silicon dioxide.

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) 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 (Specify Type): NIOSH approved dust respirator.

Ventilation: Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at low exposure levels. General exhaust is recommended.

Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves

Eye Protection: Safety glasses

Other Protective Equipment: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX         SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Other Handling and Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry area. Store in tightly sealed container. Wash thoroughly after handling. Keep container closed.

Other Precautions: Avoid breathing boron silicide dust.

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.

Prepared by:        S. Dierks

Dated:                  November 2004