Material Safety Data Sheet: Molybdenum-Copper Alloy

Identification

Product Name: Molybdenum-Copper Alloy
Chemical Family: Metal Alloy
Synonyms: MoCu, Copper-Moly Alloy
Manufacturer: Refer to supplier details on invoice or packaging
Recommended Uses: Electronics, heat sinks, vacuum electronics, thermal management components
CAS Numbers: Molybdenum 7439-98-7, Copper 7440-50-8
Contact Information: Emergency phone numbers usually listed on packaging and Safety Officer details provided during procurement
Emergency Overview: Metallic appearance, odorless, can form dust during machining or handling that requires caution

Hazard Identification

Physical Hazards: Dust from alloy machining can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; solid form poses minimal hazard
Health Hazards: Inhaled dust may cause coughing or shortness of breath; prolonged exposure to dust could impact lung function
Environmental Hazards: Dust entering water bodies may harm aquatic life over time; limited immediate risks in solid bulk state
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous in solid form; dust classified as hazardous if inhaled above threshold
Signal Word: Warning, related to potential dust risks
Hazard Statements: May cause mechanical irritation; inhalation of dust could aggravate respiratory conditions
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust; wash hands thoroughly after handling

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Component 1: Molybdenum (Mo), concentration typically 60-90%, CAS Number 7439-98-7
Component 2: Copper (Cu), concentration typically 10-40%, CAS Number 7440-50-8
Additives / Impurities: Minimal trace elements possible (iron, nickel, silicon) depending on manufacturing process; not intentionally added
Purity: Dependent on grade; usually high-purity for electronics applications

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; seek medical attention if breathing issues persist
Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly with mild soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical advice if irritation continues
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with clean water for at least fifteen minutes; medical attention recommended if irritation is uncomfortable or persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; medical attention is advised if symptoms appear
Notes for Medical Providers: Treat symptoms; monitor for respiratory irritation or sensitization

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing agent appropriate for surrounding materials; dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide preferred for lab fires
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Avoid water spray for fine or powdered form as it may spread dust
Specific Hazards: Fine or powdered material can ignite under high heat or spark, generating toxic fumes (copper oxides, molybdenum oxides)
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear to avoid inhaling fumes in a fire
Special Procedures: Remove combustible materials from fire area; control smoke and dust with ventilation
Decomposition Products: Metal oxides and fumes may be hazardous to respiratory tract

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear personal protective equipment; avoid dust inhalation or direct skin contact
Spill Cleanup Methods: Use damp cloth or HEPA vacuum for fine dust; avoid sweeping dry dust to reduce airborne particles
Containment: Prevent powder from entering drains or water sources; secure materials in proper waste container
Environmental Precautions: Collect spilled material quickly to prevent environmental contamination; report large spills to authorities
Disposal: See Disposal Considerations section

Handling and Storage

Handling: Minimize generation of dust through careful machining and processing; use exhaust ventilation in machinery areas; do not eat, drink, or smoke while working with material
Storage Conditions: Store in sealed, labeled containers; keep in a dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances (strong acids, oxidizers)
Special Storage Needs: Prevent moisture accumulation; secure materials to prevent accidental release
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and exposed skin after handling; avoid touching eyes and face before cleaning up

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Molybdenum: ACGIH TLV 10 mg/m³ (inhalable, TWA); Copper dust and mists: OSHA PEL 1 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation for dust-producing operations; process enclosure recommended for fine powders
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved dust respirators recommended where dust is generated or airborne concentrations surpass exposure limits
Protective Gloves: Chemical-resistant gloves, nitrile or similar, to prevent skin contact
Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields or goggles during processing
Other Protective Measures: Protective clothing to reduce skin exposure; wash work clothes regularly

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Dense, metallic solid, usually gray with a copper tint
Odor: Odorless in solid form
Melting Point: Range varies by alloy, typically between 1000–2600°C
Boiling Point: Not defined due to alloy form; copper boils at 2562°C, molybdenum at 5560°C
Density: Ranges from 9.5 to 10.5 g/cm³ depending on composition
Solubility: Insoluble in water; not readily soluble in weak acids or bases
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Other Properties: Stable under normal conditions; highly conductive to heat and electricity, non-magnetic

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Alloy maintains integrity under ambient conditions; not reactive with air or moisture at room temperature
Potentially Hazardous Reactions: Can react with strong acids (nitric, sulfuric) to release irritating gases; finely divided powder may ignite or explode with oxidizers
Materials to Avoid: Strong oxidizing agents, mineral acids, ammonia, halogens
Decomposition Products: Incomplete burning forms metal oxides and fumes
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, ignition sources for powder, strong acid and oxidizer contact

Toxicological Information

Acute Exposure: Inhalation of dust can irritate respiratory system; skin contact may cause mild irritation
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged exposure to metal dust may contribute to respiratory problems or sensitization; copper dust may cause metal fume fever in rare cases
Ingestion: Not likely in industrial use; minor toxicity upon swallowing; medical evaluation recommended if symptoms appear
Carcinogenicity: No known cancer risk for alloy as whole; IARC and NTP have not classified molybdenum or copper as carcinogenic
Medical Surveillance: Workers in manufacturing or machining environments benefit from periodic health checks for respiratory and dermal health

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: Copper ions can damage aquatic organisms at elevated levels; bulk solid releases minimal ionic content
Persistence/Degradability: Alloy does not degrade or dissolve in natural environments; breaks down only under strong chemical processing
Bioaccumulation: Copper can accumulate in aquatic environments; unlikely from intact alloy but possible from dust runoff
Mobility in Soil: Fine particles may move through soil to water bodies; large chunks stay on surface until collected
Additional Concerns: Recycle waste metal where practical to reduce environmental footprint

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect metal scrap and dust for recycling whenever feasible
Disposal Regulations: Dispose of collected waste in compliance with local, regional, and national regulations
Landfill Restrictions: Metal dust and fine powder should not enter municipal trash or regular landfill; dedicated hazardous waste facilities required for significant volumes
Precautions: Avoid incineration; never flush powder or scrap into surface or groundwater

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport as hazardous material in solid metallic state
Transport Classification: Not classified as dangerous under DOT, IMDG, or IATA guidelines when shipped as solid bars or pieces
Special Precautions: Fine powder may require labeling as a dust; transport in closed, secure containers to avoid spills or dust release
Packing Instructions: Use durable, sealed containers; affix labels according to content and form
Emergency Response: In the event of spillage during transport, handle as described in accidental release section

Regulatory Information

Workplace Regulations: OSHA requires adherence to exposure limits for dust in workplace; safety training on metal dust handling expected
Inventory Status: Ingredients listed by TSCA, EINECS, DSL, and other chemical inventories
Labeling Requirements: Containers require clear, durable labels indicating contents and hazard warnings where applicable
Community Right-to-Know: Tier II reporting may apply if stored in large quantities
RoHS/WEEE/REACH: Alloys typically meet RoHS exemption for critical electrical/electronic components; check with supplier for declaration on SVHCs
Additional Legal Obligations: Waste disposal and reporting requirements set by local and national authorities apply; users responsible for up-to-date compliance