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

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Product Name:     Zirconium Nitride

Formula:              ZrN

CAS Number:       25658-42-8

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Zirconium Nitride

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA PEL:                        5 mg(Zr)/m³

ACGIH TLV:                       5 mg(Zr)/m³

HMIS Ratings (Powder):

Health:                             1

Flammability:                  2

Reactivity:                       1

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                  2930.0 ^oC

Specific Gravity:             7.09 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:            Insoluble

Appearance And Odor:   Yellow to brown powder or pieces, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E

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

Extinguishing Media:  Use sand, carbon dioxide or powdered extinguishing agent.  Do not use water.

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 Hazards:  When heated to decomposition or comes in contact with water, zirconium nitride may emit toxic metal oxide, nitrogen oxide, and/or ammonia fumes.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Zirconium compounds are not and important industrial poison.  Most zirconium compounds in common use are insoluble and considered inert.  Pulmonary granuloma in zirconium workers has been reported.  The details of the toxicity of nitrites as a group are unknown (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the respiratory tract, mucous membranes or the nose and throat.

Ingestion:  No acute health effects recorded.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause pulmonary edema.

Ingestion:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin:  May cause dermatitis and skin granulomas.

Eye:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs:  May affect the respiratory system and skin.

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

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

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

EYE:  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:  Moisture and water.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Acids and water

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Ammonia and oxides of zirconium

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.  Sweep or scoop up and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH-approved dust respirator.

Ventilation:  Handle in a dry, controlled atmosphere.  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below exposure limits.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

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

IX.   ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storing:  Store in a tightly sealed container, store in a cool, dry place.  Wash thoroughly after handling.

Other Precautions:  Zirconium Nitride reacts with water.  Handle and store in a dry controlled atmosphere.

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.

TSCA Listed:                     Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                   4.1

Identification Number:    UN3178

Packing Group:                III

Proper Shipping Name:    Flammable solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (Zirconium nitride)

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

Revised/Verified:                  May 2008