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:     Potassium Sodium Alloy 56:44

Formula:              NaK

CAS Number:       11135-81-2

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Potassium            Sodium

CAS Number:                   7440-09-7           7440-23-5

Percent (%):                   56                       44

OSHA/PEL:                      N/E                      N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                     N/E                     N/E

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   813 ^oC

Melting Point:                  No data

Molecular Weight:           N/A

Specific Gravity:             0.865

Solubility in H₂O:            Reacts explosively

Appearance and Odor:   Silvery liquid, no odor

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  No data

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  No data   Upper:  No data

Extinguishing Media:  Class D metal fire agent, dry salt or sand.

Special Fire Fighting 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

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard:  If involved in a fire, burning metal may produce corrosive fumes of potassium and sodium oxide and hydroxide.  Flammable liquid.  May self-ignite.  Dust may form explosive mixtures with air.  Evolves flammable hydrogen with water.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of potassium sodium alloy have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Sodium rapidly forms caustic and highly corrosive sodium hydroxide with evolution of heat.  Severe thermal and chemical burns will result at every point of human contact.

The toxicity of potassium compounds is almost always that of the anion.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:  With moisture or human  contact, metal rapidly forms caustic and highly corrosive alkali hydroxide with evolution of heat.  Severe thermal and chemical burns will result.

Inhalation:  Alloy is a liquid.  Inhalation is an unlikely occurrence.

Ingestion:  Ingestion will cause burns and perforations of the gastrointestinal tract.

Skin:  Severe thermal burns, corrosion and ulceration of the skin may occur on direct contact.

Eye:  Severe thermal burns, corrosion and ulceration of the eyes may occur on direct contact.

Chronic Effects:  No information available on long-term chronic effects.  Impurities in some mineral oils may be tumorigens.

Routes of Entry:  Skin and Eyes

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No      IARC:  No       OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  If inhaled remove victim to fresh air.  Closely monitor the victim for signs of respiratory problems, such as difficulty in breathing or coughing.  In such cases seek immediate medical assistance.

INGESTION:  Seek medical attention immediately.  Keep the victim calm.  Give the victim water (only if conscious).  Induce vomiting only if directed by medical personnel.

SKIN:  Wash the affected area with water for at least 15 minutes.  Remove contaminated clothes if necessary.  Seek medical assistance if irritation persists.

EYES:  Immediately flush the eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 10-15 minutes.  A victim may need assistance in keeping their eye lids open.  Get immediate medical attention.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Air sensitive, moisture sensitive.

Conditions to Avoid:  Contact with water or of any fine dust with air.

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Water, alcohols, oxidizers, oxygen, carbon dioxide, halogens, halocarbons, acids.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Flammable hydrogen with moisture, caustic oxide with air or moisture.

Hazardous Polymerization:  No hazardous polymerization.

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.  Liquid may be pyrophoric.  In case of a spill, the liquid dispersion should be covered with dry soda ash, limestone or sand.  Place in open container and seek expert advice.

Waste Disposal Method:  Material should be disposed of in accordance with Local, State and Federal regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type):  If ventilation is not available a respirator should be worn.  The use of respirators requires a Respirator Protection Program to be in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.134.

Ventilation:  Handle in an efficient fume hood.  Handle under argon.

Protective Gloves:  Consult with glove manufacturer to determine the proper type of glove.

Eye Protection:  Always wear approved chemical splash proof goggles.

Other Protective Equipment:  Wear a protective clothing and gloves.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in a tightly sealed container in argon and under mineral oil, in a cool, dry place.  Handle in argon.

Other Precautions:  The material will react with air and moisture.  Handle and store the material under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen or argon.

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:                   January 2005