Material Safety Data Sheet: Cobalt-Molybdenum Alloy

Identification

Product Name: Cobalt-Molybdenum Alloy
Chemical Formula: Co-Mo
Synonyms: CoMo, Cobalt-Moly Blend
Recommended Use: High-temperature applications, alloy manufacturing, wear-resistant components
Manufacturer: Provided by supplier
Emergency Contact: Emergency number per regulatory requirement

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation), Skin sensitizer, Carcinogenicity
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled, May cause an allergic skin reaction, Suspected of causing cancer
Symbol: Health hazard, exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using material, Use personal protective equipment as required

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Cobalt (Co): 60–80%
Molybdenum (Mo): 20–40%
Impurities: Iron, Nickel, Copper < 1%
CAS Number Cobalt: 7440-48-4
CAS Number Molybdenum: 7439-98-7

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, monitor for respiratory distress, seek medical advice for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for fifteen minutes, seek medical attention for redness or discomfort
Ingestion: Seek immediate medical attention; do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel; rinse mouth with water

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry powder, sand, foam; avoid water for large quantities due to potential hydrogen gas release
Special Hazards Arising: Metal dust may present risk of explosive dust clouds; cobalt fumes at high temperatures can be toxic
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing
Firefighting Instructions: Control runoff, use caution to avoid disturbing dust, isolate hazard area

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate personnel from area, ventilate area, use personal protective equipment
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains or waterways, notify authorities if contamination occurs
Methods for Containment: Use non-sparking tools, avoid dust formation, sweep or vacuum up
Cleaning Up: Collect in sealed containers, label for hazardous waste, decontaminate affected area after cleanup

Handling and Storage

Handling: Wear protective clothing, minimize dust generation, use local exhaust ventilation, avoid contact with eyes and skin
Storage: Store in dry, well-ventilated area, keep containers tightly closed, avoid moisture exposure, separate from acids and oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizers, halogens
Specific Storage Concerns: Segregate from food and drink, restrict access to trained personnel

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL): Cobalt: OSHA PEL 0.1 mg/m³; Molybdenum (insoluble compounds): OSHA PEL 15 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation
Personal Protection: Chemical resistant gloves, safety goggles, NIOSH-approved respirators for dust, work clothing to prevent skin exposure
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands before breaks and after work, do not eat or smoke in work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Gray to silvery, metallic solid, powder or lump
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 1200–1350°C (alloy-dependent)
Boiling Point: Not established
Density: 8.2–8.9 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
pH Value: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable in solid form
Partition Coefficient n-octanol/water: Not applicable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at room temperature; forms oxides at elevated temperatures
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Dust-air mixtures may be explosive, reacts with strong acids producing toxic gases
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid moisture, excessive heat, ignition sources, and contact with incompatible materials
Incompatible Materials: Acids, oxidizing agents, halogens
Decomposition Products: Cobalt and molybdenum oxides, hydrogen gas if exposed to acids

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Harmful by inhalation or ingestion; exposure limits based on studies of cobalt and molybdenum
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure may lead to lung problems including asthma, interstitial lung disease, and potentially cancer
Carcinogenicity: Cobalt classified as possible human carcinogen (IARC 2B)
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Sensitization: May cause skin sensitization, allergic reactions with repeated exposure
Other Effects: Molybdenum can cause joint, liver, or kidney effects in high doses

Ecological Information

Environmental Fate: Insoluble fractions have low mobility in soil, persistence in aquatic environments possible
Toxicity to Aquatic Organisms: Cobalt ions may be toxic to fish and invertebrates at relatively low concentrations
Bioaccumulation: Potential for accumulation in aquatic and terrestrial organisms
Other Hazards: Alloy particles can impact sediment-dwelling organisms; careful waste management necessary to limit runoff

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Recover and recycle metal where feasible, otherwise dispose of through authorized hazardous waste disposal service
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose of as hazardous waste, ensure no residues remain
Local Legislation: Follow local, regional, and national regulations for disposal; avoid landfill when recyclable recovery is viable
Special Considerations: Prevent leaching into soil and water, document all disposals for regulatory compliance

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods under transport regulations in solid form
Proper Shipping Name: Cobalt Alloy, Molybdenum Alloy, Metal
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated for land, sea, or air in solid form
Packing Group: Not specified
Environmental Hazards: Avoid release to the environment as powder during transit

Regulatory Information

Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Subject to regulation under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200
Cobalt: Listed on TSCA, SARA Title III Sections 302, 313
Molybdenum: Listed on TSCA
WHMIS Classification: D2A (Cobalt)
California Proposition 65: Contains Cobalt, known to the State of California to cause cancer
RoHS, REACH: Exemptions may apply; consult current standards
Labeling Requirements: Appropriate hazard identification and precautionary statements required under GHS