Material Safety Data Sheet – Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum Alloy

Identification

Product Name: Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum Alloy
Synonyms: NiCrMo Alloy, Superalloy
Recommended Use: Heat-resistant parts, chemical process equipment, aerospace components
Manufacturer: Major suppliers in advanced materials
Contact Information: Reach out via provided emergency and non-emergency telephone numbers on packaging labels or technical datasheets for material origin and technical support in case of workplace incidents involving this alloy

Hazard Identification

Physical Hazards: Fine dust may cause ignition in presence of flames or static electricity
Health Hazards: Inhalation of metal dust or fumes during grinding, welding, or thermal processing causes acute irritation to the respiratory tract and may contribute to chronic conditions with repeated exposure; skin contact with dust or hot surfaces causes irritation
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous in solid form; hazardous when dust or fumes are generated
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust and fumes, wear personal protective equipment, ensure proper ventilation
Signal Word: Warning for dust and fumes generated during secondary operations
Hazard Symbols: Respiratory hazard, skin irritation symbol

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Nickel (Ni): 50–70%
Chromium (Cr): 10–25%
Molybdenum (Mo): 2–20%
Other Trace Elements: Iron, manganese, cobalt, carbon, silicon, possible small concentrations of tungsten, copper, vanadium depending on alloy grade
CAS Numbers: Nickel 7440-02-0, Chromium 7440-47-3, Molybdenum 7439-98-7
Impurities: Typically less than one percent for individual elements such as phosphorus, sulfur, and nitrogen

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, support breathing if necessary, seek medical attention for any shortness of breath, coughing, or symptoms persisting after exposure to fumes or dust
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly using soap and water if irritation occurs from dust or fine particles; for burns from heated surfaces, immerse in cool water, cover burns with sterile dressing, avoid ointments
Eye Contact: Rinse gently using plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids open, remove contacts if possible, get medical attention if symptoms persist
Ingestion: Swallowing metallic form is uncommon; seek medical advice, do not induce vomiting; provide information regarding alloy composition to medical personnel

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry sand, class D dry powder, or special metal extinguishing agents for fires involving burning metal dust; do not use water or foam on burning dust
Specific Hazards: Alloy itself resists ignition but fine powder or dust may pose explosion risk; melting releases hazardous metal oxides
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear; avoid inhaling fumes
Firefighting Instructions: Remove material from fire zone if safe, control dust clouds with gentle ventilation, cool containers with water spray if not in direct contact with burning metal; evacuate area based on risk of smoke or explosion from dust accumulation

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Prevent dust formation, use respiratory protection and gloves, ventilate area, avoid contact with eyes or skin
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to waterways or sewers, contain spills with inert absorbent
Cleanup Methods: Carefully collect spilled material using methods minimizing dust generation (damp sweeping, vacuum with HEPA filter), place in secure container for recycling or disposal; do not use pressurized air
Notification: Comply with local and federal reporting requirements if large quantities are released, especially into public waterways or storm drains

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use local exhaust ventilation, handle using containers approved for metal alloys, practice good industrial hygiene after handling, prevent mechanical shock and dust generation by using slow, controlled movements in production and maintenance areas
Storage: Store alloy in dry, well-ventilated conditions away from incompatible oxidizers, acids, and alkalis, prevent accumulation of dust, separate from combustibles or materials that react violently with metals, label storage containers clearly, restrict access to trained personnel

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Nickel OSHA PEL 1 mg/m³, Chromium OSHA PEL 1 mg/m³, Molybdenum OSHA PEL 15 mg/m³ (total dust); NIOSH RELs and ACGIH TLVs may be stricter—follow the most protective standards
Engineering Controls: Employ local exhaust, fume hoods, and closed systems for grinding or welding
Personal Protection: Use safety glasses or face shields for eye protection, gloves to prevent skin contact, NIOSH-approved respirators for airborne dust or fumes, flame-resistant clothing for hot work
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face before breaks or eating, prohibit smoking or food in work areas

Physical and Chemical Properties

Form: Solid, wire, rod, bar, sheet, or powder
Color: Metallic silvery-gray
Odor: Odorless in solid form
Melting Point: Ranges from 1350°C to 1450°C depending on composition
Boiling Point: Above 2700°C (for major constituents)
Density: Typical range 7.9–8.7 g/cm³
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperature
Reactivity with Water: Not reactive under normal storage
Other Properties: High corrosion resistance, nonflammable in solid form, produces toxic metal oxides if heated above decomposition temperature

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Incompatible Materials: Avoid strong acids (nitric, hydrofluoric), alkalis, oxidizing agents, chlorine, fluorine, and hydrogen peroxide
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Thermal decomposition releases nickel oxide, chromium oxide, and other hazardous fumes
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures above melting point, formation of airborne dust, exposure to violent oxidizers
Polymerization: No risk of dangerous polymerization

Toxicological Information

Acute Exposure: Dust or fumes cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory system; symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and redness
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged inhalation increases risk of nickel-induced respiratory issues, lung sensitization, and allergy; chronic chromium exposure increases risk of lung cancer and kidney dysfunction; molybdenum at high doses irritates respiratory tract
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, accidental ingestion (rare in solids)
Carcinogenicity: Nickel and certain chromium compounds classified as carcinogenic to humans by IARC and NTP
Target Organs: Lungs, nasal passages, skin, kidneys
Other Effects: Symptoms worsen with poor ventilation and lack of protective equipment, nickel allergy common in sensitive individuals; no toxicity from alloy in bulk solid form

Ecological Information

Environmental Fate: Metallic alloy does not dissolve readily, but fine dusts and powders may migrate into soils and water, posing long-term risk to aquatic life
Aquatic Toxicity: Nickel ions toxic to fish and invertebrates at low concentrations, chromium and molybdenum less immediately toxic but persist in sediments
Persistence and Degradability: Does not biodegrade, remains in the environment indefinitely if not recovered or recycled
Bioaccumulation: Some metals bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms; continuous emissions increase concentrations in food chain
Mobility: Metallic form low, ions formed in acidic environments may leach into groundwater; control dusts and runoff at processing facilities

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Method: Recover and reuse alloy scrap whenever possible, send waste to licensed metal reclamation centers; do not landfill large quantities of NiCrMo powders or residues
Hazardous Waste Classification: May be regulated under hazardous waste codes if content of nickel, chromium, or molybdenum exceeds local threshold limits
Special Instructions: Comply with regional regulations—consult local environmental agencies for disposal protocols
Container Disposal: Clean empty containers to remove dust, return to supplier or send to metal recycling facilities

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport in solid form
Proper Shipping Name: Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum Alloy
Transport Hazard Class: Non-regulated for bulk solids; may become regulated if shipped as fine powder
Packing Group: Not applicable for solid metal pieces
Special Precautions: Secure containers to prevent movement; label shipments accurately, prevent release of powder or dust during shipment, comply with international regulations for air, sea, and land transport of metal powders

Regulatory Information

OSHA Status: Subject to airborne exposure limits as hazardous metals
SARA Title III: Section 313 reporting for nickel and chromium compounds
TSCA: All significant components listed on U.S. TSCA inventory
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as hazardous material where metal powders or fumes present
REACH (EU): Registration required above threshold quantities for nickel, chromium, and molybdenum; Safety Data Sheet must accompany product
Proposition 65 (California): Contains components known to cause cancer or reproductive harm
Other Regulations: Comply with global standards from GHS, IARC, NTP regarding carcinogenicity, update hazard communication programs to protect workers exposed during occupational activities involving alloy fabrication, finishing, or disposal