Material Safety Data Sheet – Indium-Bismuth Alloy

Identification

Product Name: Indium-Bismuth Alloy
Chemical Family: Metal alloy
Synonyms: Indium/Bismuth eutectic, Bi-In Alloy
Recommended Uses: Low-melting applications, electronics, thermal interface
Supplier Detail: [Manufacturer information with address and emergency contact number]
CAS Number: Indium (7440-74-6), Bismuth (7440-69-9)

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200
Health Hazards: Prolonged exposure can cause mild irritation in eyes and on skin; ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal irritation; Inhalation of dust/fumes may cause respiratory discomfort
Environmental Effects: May cause long lasting effects in aquatic environments
Signal Word: None required
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or fumes; wash hands thoroughly after handling; minimize environmental release
GHS Label Elements: No pictogram required

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Indium, Bismuth
Indium Content: 30-75% by weight
Bismuth Content: 25-70% by weight
Impurities: Less than 1% other trace elements (including lead, tin, silver)
Physical Form: Solid alloy (ingots, bars, granules, or powder)

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse carefully with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with soap and water. If irritation develops or persists, consult physician.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep at rest in a comfortable position. Seek medical attention if symptoms like coughing, headache, or shortness of breath occur.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink plenty of water if conscious. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Get medical help for large amounts swallowed.
Main Symptoms: No acute symptoms in normal handling; dust or fumes may irritate eyes, skin, or respiratory tract; ingestion can lead to discomfort in gastrointestinal tract

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry sand, earth, or type D fire extinguisher for metal fires; do not use water or foam directly on molten metal
Hazardous Combustion Products: Indium and bismuth oxides, metal fumes
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Fire may produce irritating or toxic fumes; powder form may present dust cloud risks
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective clothing required to avoid metal fume exposure

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing fumes and dust; wear appropriate protective equipment. Evacuate unprotected personnel.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage from entering drains or waterways.
Cleanup Methods: Shovel up material, collect in suitable containers for recycling or disposal; for powder, use HEPA-filtered vacuum; avoid creating dust
Disposal: Dispose spills in line with local, regional, and federal regulations; consult waste disposal expert for larger quantities

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Use in well-ventilated area. Prevent dust and fume generation. Wash hands after handling.
Special Storage Requirements: Store in original tightly sealed containers. Keep in dry, cool, and well-ventilated area. Keep away from strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents.
Incompatible Materials: Acids, strong oxidizing agents

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Indium: ACGIH TLV 0.1 mg/m³ (as metal dust and fume); Bismuth: No established US exposure limit
Engineering Controls: Provide adequate local exhaust ventilation at points of dust or fume generation.
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear gloves resistant to chemicals and metals. Use goggles or face shield for eye protection. Use approved respirator for metal dust/fume if ventilation is inadequate.
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink or smoke in work area. Wash hands before breaks or after handling. Remove contaminated clothing before leaving work area.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Metallic solid with silver-white to gray coloration
Odor: None
Melting Point: Varies by grade, typically between 60°C and 120°C (140–248°F)
Boiling Point: Indium: 2080°C, Bismuth: 1560°C
Vapor Pressure: Not significant at room temperature
Density: Approximately 7 – 9.8 g/cm³ depending on composition
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Solubility (Other): Insoluble in most organic solvents
pH: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not applicable
Flammability: Non-flammable in solid form
Partition coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Reactivity: Not reactive under normal conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, exposure to acid or oxidizers, formation of dust clouds
Incompatible Materials: Halogens, acids, strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Indium oxide, bismuth oxide, metal fumes during high temperatures

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Indium and bismuth alloys show low acute toxicity but inhalation of fume may irritate lungs
Skin/Eye Irritation: Possible mild irritation on prolonged exposure
Inhalation Risks: Inhalation of dust or fume may cause transient cough, discomfort or respiratory irritation
Ingestion Risks: Low toxicity if ingested in small amounts; large amounts can lead to nausea, abdominal pain
Chronic Effects: Chronic exposure to metal dust or fume may affect lungs; high exposure to indium compounds linked to interstitial lung disease in rare cases
Carcinogenicity: Neither indium nor bismuth classified as human carcinogens by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Mutagenicity: No evidence found for mutagenic effects
Reproductive Toxicity: No known reproductive hazards associated with typical handling

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: May be harmful to aquatic organisms if released in large quantities; long-term aquatic effects possible
Persistence/Degradability: Indium and bismuth metals are not biodegradable; persist in environment
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low expected for alloy; elemental forms show limited bioaccumulation
Mobility in Soil: Metals tend to bind with soil particles; not expected to move quickly through environment
Other Adverse Effects: Avoid uncontrolled release to environment; consult local regulations

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Collect and reclaim alloy material if possible; otherwise, dispose as hazardous or special waste according to local, state, and federal laws
Unused Product: Recycle alloy whenever possible
Contaminated Packaging: Dispose as hazardous material; follow applicable regulations
Precautions: Prevent release to environment; avoid dust creation; contact certified disposal contractor for best practice guidance

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous material for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Indium-bismuth alloy, non-hazardous
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous good
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Ensure packaging prevents breaking or dust formation; follow standard protocols for safe handling
Environmental Hazards: No significant hazard under standard transport conditions

Regulatory Information

US TSCA Inventory: Both indium and bismuth listed
SARA 313: Indium and bismuth not subject to reporting
California Proposition 65: No components listed
Canadian WHMIS Classification: Not classified as controlled product
REACH (EU): Substance registration may be required
Other Regulations: Check national and regional safety, health and environmental regulations for alloy components before use or disposal