MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET



I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name: Niobium Nitride Synonym: Niobium Nitride
Chemical Family: Metal Nitride Formula: NbN
Molecular Weight: 106.91 CAS #: 24621-21-4


II HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Percentage TLV (Units) OSHA PEL Other Limits
0.0-100.0 N/E N/E N/E

SEC.302(EHS): No SEC. 304 RQ: No SEC. 313: No
Hazard Ratings: Health: 3 Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 2


III PHYSICAL DATA


2573.0 oC
Boiling Point 760 mm Hg: N/E or N/A Melting Point:
Specific Gravity (Water=1): 8.4 gm/cc Vapor Density (Air = 1): N/A
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg): N/A % Volatiles: N/A
Solubility in H2O: Insoluble Evaporation Rate: N/A
Appearance and Odor: Black Crystalline Powder, no order.


IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Explosive Limits: Upper: N/A Lower: N/A Flash Point: N/A (Non-Flammable)

Extinguishing Media: N/A, Use fire extinguishing agent 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. Fumes form fire are hazardous. Isolate run off to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: May react with moist air to liberate ammonia gas which can form explosive mixtures with
air.


V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

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

Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic):
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of niobium nitride have not been thor-
oughly investigated and recorded. Niobium is considered a rare earth metal. These metals are moderately to highly toxic. The
symptoms of toxicity of rare earth elements include writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on toes with arched back and
sedation. The rare earth elements exhibit low toxicity by ingestion exposure. However, the intraperitoneal route is highly toxic while
the subcutaneous route is poison to moderately toxic. The production of skin and lung granulomas after exposure to them requires
extensive protection to prevent such exposure (Sax, Dangerous Properties of industrial Materials, eighth edition).

Ammonia gas is a human poison by an unspecified route. Poison by inhalation, ingestion, and possibly other routes. An eye,
mucous membrane, and systemic irritant by inhalation. Mutation data reported (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials,
eighth edition).
Inhalation: Acute: May cause irritation to the upper respiratory system. Ammonia gas may cause irritation to the nose and throat,
dyspnea, bronchial spasms, chest pain, pulmonary edema and pink frothy sputum.
Chronic: May cause writhing, ataxia, labored respiration, walking on toes with arched back, sedation, pulmonary edema and lung
granuloma. Repeated or prolonged exposure to ammonia gas may cause swelling of the mouth and throat to the point of asphyxiation,
permanent injury and death.

Ingestion: Acute: Considered to have low toxicity by ingestion. Ammonia gas may cause nausea, vomiting and burns.
Chronic: May act as a blood anticoagulant.

Skin: Acute: May cause irritation, Ammonia gas may cause irritation and chemical burns.
Chronic: Repeated or prolonged exposure to ammonia gas may cause tissue damage.

Eye: Acute: May cause moderate irritation. Ammonia gas may cause severe irritation and chemical burns.
Chronic: Repeated or prolonged exposure to ammonia gas may cause irreversible damage to the conjunctiva, cornea and lens.

Target Organs: May affect the blood, respiratory system, skin and eyes.
Carcinogenicity: NTP: No IARC Monographs: No OSHA Regulated: No
LD50/LC50: No toxicity data recorded.

Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:

Inhalation: May cause a red, dry throat, coughing, shortness in breath, swelling of mouth and throat.
Ingestion: May affect the coagulation time of blood, tissue damage, chemical burns, nausea and vomiting.
Skin: May cause redness, burning, itching, inflamation, blistering and tissue damage.
Eye: May cause redness, burning, itching, watering, lens opacities and ulceration of the conjunctiva and cornea.

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

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

EYES: Flush with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes. Lifting upper and lower eyelids, seek medical attention.
SKIN: Remove any contaminated clothing, brush material off of skin, flush with running water, wash carefully with soap and water.
Seek medical attention.
INHALATION/INGESTION: Remove from exposure, keep warm and quiet, seek immediate medical attention. Do not induce
vomiting.


VI REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Stable
Incompatibility (materials to avoid): Water, Steam and Moisture.
Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts: Ammonia Gas
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. Isolate spill
area and provide ventilation. Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter 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.
Hazard Label Information: Store in a cool, dry area in a tightly sealed container. Store in an inert atmosphere and wash thoroughly
after handling.

Other Precautions: Niobium nitride may be moisture sensitive, handle and store under argon or other inert gas.
VIII SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): NIOSH approved dust and vapor cartridge respirator.
Protective Clothing: Use gloves, advisable to avoid cuts.

Eye Protection: Safety Goggles or Glasses.
Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: Normal lab wear.

Ventilation: Local: To maintain concentration at low exposure levels.
Mechanical (General): Not Recommended. Special: Handle in a controlled atmosphere.
Other: Handle in an inert gas such as argon.

Work/Hygienic/Maintenance 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 throughly
before eating and smoking. Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.


IX SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Some of the chemicals listed herein may be hazardous. Do not handle before reading this MSDS.


Issued by: S. Dierks
Date: June 1991


NIOBIUM NITRIDE