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:      Niobium Carbide                                                                         Chemical Family:             Carbide

Formula:            NbC                                                                                             CAS #:                               12069-94-2

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Percent by Weight: 100                                                                                         OSHA/PEL: N/A

ACGIH/TLV: 5 mg/cubic meter

III         PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point 760 mm Hg:             Nonvolatile                                                     Specific Gravity (Water=1):          7.6

Vapor Density (Air = 1):                Nonvolatile                                                     Vapor Pressure (mm Hg):             Nonvolatile

% Volatile by Volume:                  Nonvolatile                                                     % Volatile by Weight:                   Nonvolatile

Appearance and Odor:                  Grey-Dark brown odorless powder.               Solubility in H₂O:                           Insoluble

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point (Method Used): NbC may burn in air at 200-800 ^oC, depending on grain size.

Extinguishing Media: Class "D". Fire extinguishing media (dry sodium chloride, etc.) Confine dust/powder to avoid spreading. Do not use water.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures: For a powder fire confined to a small area, use a respirator approved for toxic dust and fumes. For a large fire involving this material, fire fighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus, especially when other materials like plastics are involved in the fire.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Fine powder/dust may be a fire or explosion hazard. Keep away from heat, open flames and electric discharge.

V           HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Routes of Entry: Inhalation, Ingestion, Skin and Eye.

Effects of Overexposure: Exposure to powder/dust may cause eye and mucous membranes irritation. No chronic health effects known.

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:

EYES: Flush with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes. If irritation persists seek medical attention.

SKIN: Wash with soap and water and a large volume of water. Seek medical assistance as necessary, especially if irritation develops or persists.

INHALATION: If any symptoms of pulmonary develop, remove from exposure and seek medical attention.

INGESTION: If substantial quantities are swallowed dilute with a large amount of water

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): HF, Fluorine, Bromine and strong Alkali

Hazardous Decomposition or Products: None

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not Occur

VII        SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled: Remove all sources of ignition. Do not generate dust during clean-up. Use only cleaning equipment that can be grounded or is explosion.

Waste Disposal Method: Conform to all solid waste labeling, shipping and disposal regulations. Waste material may have some salvage value. May be sold as scrap for reclaim.

VIII      SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): Use an appropriate NIOSH approved respirator specified by safety engineer.

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

Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles are recommended.

Protective Gloves: Gloves are recommended when contact is likely

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: N/A

IX         SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Other Handling and Storage Conditions: Maintain good housekeeping procedures to prevent accumulation of dust. Use clean-up methods which minimize dust generation such as vacuuming or wet clean-up. If airborne dust is generated, use an appropriate NIOSH respirator.

Other Precautions: Avoid dust inhalation.

              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:                    June 1991