Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Bismuth-Aluminum Alloy

Identification

Product Name: Bismuth-Aluminum Alloy
Synonyms: Bi-Al Alloy
Chemical Family: Metal alloy
Recommended Use: Metallurgical applications, electronics, research
Manufacturer: Supplier information available on request
Contact Number: Emergency assistance accessible through company’s provided line
CAS Numbers: Bismuth: 7440-69-9, Aluminum: 7429-90-5
Product Code: Company assigned material ID provided with shipment

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous according to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
Physical Hazards: Metallic dust or powder may create explosion risk in air; melted alloy at high temperatures risks burns
Immediate Symptoms: Dust or fumes inhales can irritate lungs, eyes, and skin; contact with molten metal results in severe thermal injury
Chronic Exposure Risks: Prolonged exposure may cause respiratory irritation; no evidence of significant systemic toxicity from alloy form
Label Elements: No pictograms required, signal word “Warning”, general precautionary statements for particulates and molten material
Environmental Hazards: Alloy spills may pose localized impact on soil and water

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Bismuth: 40% to 70% by weight, CAS 7440-69-9
Aluminum: 30% to 60% by weight, CAS 7429-90-5
Other Elements: Trace amounts of impurities possible (copper, lead below measurable thresholds)
Alloy Nature: Solid metallic blend, no chemical reaction under normal conditions

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move into fresh air, seek medical attention if cough or difficulty breathing persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, gently wash with plenty of water and soap; if molten alloy has contacted skin, do not attempt to remove solidified metal, cool area with water, obtain immediate medical attention
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with water for at least fifteen minutes, lifting eyelids; obtain medical evaluation if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid inducing vomiting, seek prompt medical advice
General Advice: Treat symptoms, provide supportive care as indicated

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishers: Use dry chemical class D extinguishers for fires involving metallic powders; water may intensify risk if alloy is molten
Specific Hazards: Molten metal presents severe thermal hazard; metallic dusts may create explosive mixture in confined spaces
Protective Equipment: Firefighters need full protective gear, including heat-resistant gloves, face shield, and positive pressure breathing apparatus
Combustion Products: Fumes may include metallic oxides (bismuth oxide, aluminum oxide), irritating or toxic if inhaled

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Remove ignition sources, wear protective clothing, avoid inhalation of dust or fumes
Environmental Precautions: Prevent run-off to drains or waterways, use physical barriers if necessary
Containment: Collect using methods that minimize dust generation; spilled molten alloy should be allowed to solidify before mechanical pickup
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or scoop solid pieces for recycling; for dust, vacuum with HEPA filters, do not use dry sweeping

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Avoid generating dust or inhaling fumes, handle only with proper ventilation and personal protection
Precautions: Keep away from sources of ignition and incompatible materials such as strong acids and bases
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat or smoke near the work area
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed, properly labeled containers, in a cool and dry area separated from oxidizers and moisture-sensitive substances
Special Handling Advice: Minimize contact with molten material, use dedicated tools and equipment

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Bismuth (no established OSHA PEL), Aluminum (OSHA PEL 15 mg/m³ total dust; 5 mg/m³ respirable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation or process enclosures to control dust and fume exposures
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses, chemical resistant gloves, flame-resistant work clothing, and approved respirators for dust or fume exposure
Special Considerations: Provide eyewash stations and safety showers near processing equipment

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Silvery-gray metallic solid, may show slight yellow or blue tint
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Typically between 230°C and 600°C, varying by composition
Boiling Point: Not applicable for solid alloy; constituent metals: Bismuth 1564°C, Aluminum 2467°C
Density: 3.5–9.7 g/cm³ depending on ratio
Solubility: Insoluble in water, low solubility in most solvents
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Flash Point: Not applicable
Physical State: Solid at room temperature, molten above melting point
pH: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: May react with acids to form hydrogen gas; incompatible with halogenated compounds, oxidizers, and strong bases
Decomposition Products: Heating produces metallic oxides as fume
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, high humidity, exposure to strong acids or oxidizers

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low hazard from intact solid: dust, fumes, or ingestion carries possible mild toxicity; bismuth compounds have low systemic toxicity, aluminum dust may cause lung irritation
Skin/Eye Effects: May cause irritation from particulate or molten contact
Chronic Toxicity: Prolonged inhalation of dust or fume can produce irritation; no evidence for carcinogenicity from alloy form
Sensitization: No data indicating sensitization from normal use
Target Organs: Primarily respiratory system in case of dust/fume exposure

Ecological Information

Persistence and Degradability: Metallic alloy remains persistent in soil; does not degrade rapidly
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low for bismuth, moderate for aluminum under certain aquatic conditions
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Elevated concentrations of bismuth and aluminum ions are toxic to some aquatic organisms; risk increases if alloy corrodes
Environmental Precautions: Prevent uncontrolled release, follow local guidelines for disposal to minimize soil and water impact

Disposal Considerations

Waste Management Method: Recycle or reclaim alloy when feasible, otherwise dispose as hazardous waste per local regulations
Disposal Containers: Clearly label and store waste in leak-proof, compatible containers
Special Instructions: Do not release to storm drains, waterways, or soil; ensure collection by licensed hazardous waste contractor
Regulatory Standards: Comply with federal, state, and local requirements; landfill or incineration only if electronic recycling is unavailable

Transport Information

UN Number: Non-regulated for transport in solid form
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as hazardous for land, sea, or air transport
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions for Users: Secure packaging to avoid accidental release or contact with moisture; transport intact to prevent dust generation
Proper Shipping Name: Metal alloy, n.o.s. (Bismuth-Aluminum Alloy)

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Not classified as hazardous under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200
TSCA Inventory: Both bismuth and aluminum are listed
SARA Title III: Not a reportable substance under Sections 302, 304, 313
California Proposition 65: Alloy does not contain listed chemicals at hazardous levels
International Inventories: Ingredients registered in Canada (DSL), Europe (EINECS), and other international databases