MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET







I       PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION



Trade Name:      Hafnium Oxychloride                                         Chemical Family:          Metal halide

Formula:         HfOCl2*8H2O                                                 CAS#:                     13759-17-6

Synonyms:        Hafnium chloride oxide octahydrate, hafnium chloride hydroxide, hafnium dichloride dihydroxide





II      HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS



Hazardous Components: Hafnium Oxychloride                                       Percentage: 100

OSHA/PEL: 0.5mg (Hf) /m3                                                        ACGIH TLV: 0.5mg (Hf) /m3



Sec. 302 (EHS): No        Sec. 304 RQ: No                     Sec. 313: No





III     PHYSICAL DATA



Boiling Point:                     N/E or N/A                                 Vapor Density(Air=1):        N/A

Melting Point:                     N/E or N/A                                 Percent Volatile:            N/E or N/A

Vapor Pressure:                    N/E                                        Evaporation Rate:            N/A

Specific Gravity (H2O=1):          2.2 gm/cc                                  Physical States:             Solid

Solubility in Water:               Soluble

Appearance and Odor:               White powder and pieces, slight hydrochloric acid odor





IV      FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA





Flash Point: N/E or N/A (Non-flammable)                                         Explosive Limits: Lower: N/A Upper: N/A



Extinguishing Media: Use suitable extinguishing agent for surrounding materials and type of fire.

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. Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.



Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard: When heated to decomposition, it may emit toxic fumes of Cl-. At or below 200 oC, hafnium

oxychloride decomposes to HfO2 . Hafnium oxychloride will first lose water upon heating. Further heating will result in evolution of

hydrogen chloride fumes.





V       HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION



Routes of Entry: Inhalation: Yes            Ingestion: Yes         Skin absorption: Yes           Skin/Eye Contact: Yes



Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic):



       Hafnium is a poison by unspecified route. It is poorly soluble in water and thus is not absorbed efficiently by ingestion.

Many hafnium compounds are poisons



Inhalation: Acute: Severe Irritant and Corrosive. Large amounts are corrosive and may cause respiratory failure, pulmonary edema

and possible death.

Chronic: May cause lung edema and laryngeal spasm.

                                                   May cause chemical burns to the mouth, gastric irritation, abdominal pain and

Ingestion: Acute: Severe Irritant and Corrosive.

diarrhea. Moderately toxic by ingestion.

Chronic: No chronic health effects recorded.



Skin: Acute: Severe Irritant and Corrosive to moist or wet skin.

Chronic: No chronic health effects recorded.



Eye: Acute: Severe Irritant and Corrosive.

Chronic: No chronic health effects recorded.



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

Target Organs: May affect the respiratory system, skin and eyes.

Carcinogenicity: NTP? No         IARC Monographs? No             OSHA Regulated? No



Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:

Inhalation: May cause coughing, choking, respiratory discomfort, headaches and nausea.

Ingestion: No signs and symptoms of exposure recorded.

Skin: May cause redness, itching and chemical burns.

Eye: May cause redness, itching, watering and chemical burns.



EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:



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

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

immediately.

INHALATION: Remove victim to fresh air; keep warm and quiet; give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention

immediately.

INGESTION: Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.





VI      REACTIVITY DATA



Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: None



Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): None recorded.

Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts: Fumes of chlorine, hydrogen chloride, water and hafnium oxide.

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. Store in tightly sealed container. Wash thoroughly after handling.

VIII    SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION



Respiratory Protection: Wear appropriate NIOSH/MSHA approved dust-mist-vapor cartridge respirator.

Protective Clothing: Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination. Rubber, neoprene or nitrile gloves.

Eye Protection: Safety goggles.



Ventilation: Local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV. Mechanical or general exhaust not recommended.

Additional Protective Measures: Handle in an enclosed, controlled environment.





IX      SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS



Precautions to be Taken During Handling and Storage: 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.





Prepared by:     S. Dierks

Dated:           January 1998