Material Safety Data Sheet: Tungsten Carbide

Identification

Product Name: Tungsten Carbide
Chemical Formula: WC
Synonyms: Cemented Carbide, Sintered Tungsten Carbide, Hardmetal
Manufacturer: [Supply the company’s information]
Recommended Use: Cutting tools, mining, abrasion-resistant components, industrial wear parts
Emergency Contact: [Provide manufacturer emergency contact]
UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transportation
REACH Registration: Registered according to relevant regulations

Hazard Identification

Classification: Not classified as hazardous but dust and fumes carry health risks
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Hazard Statements: Chronic inhalation may cause lung fibrosis or “hard metal disease”; may cause skin and eye irritation; powder form presents fire and dust explosion risks
Signal Word: Warning
Symbol: Exclamation Mark (in presence of dust)
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, fumes; wash thoroughly after handling; use only with adequate ventilation; wear suitable protective gear

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical: Tungsten Carbide
CAS Number: 12070-12-1
Content: 80-97% (may include varying amounts based on formulation)
Binder (Cobalt): 3-20%, CAS Number: 7440-48-4
Other Elements (as impurities or alloying additions): Nickel, Tantalum, Titanium, Chromium, Vanadium — individually often less than 2%
Hazardous Additives: Cobalt binder has specific toxicity concerns and can be a sensitizer

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek medical attention for persistent symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing; pulmonary function testing may be advised
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and plenty of water; remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse; if skin irritation or rash develops, get medical attention
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids apart to ensure thorough irrigation; check for continued eye discomfort or blurred vision, obtain medical evaluation as necessary
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water if person is alert, do not induce vomiting; seek medical help for large amounts or persistent gastrointestinal upset
Notes for Physicians: Long-term lung surveillance may be necessary for heavy occupational exposure, especially where dust or fumes are generated

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, sand, or special powder for metal fires; avoid water on powder or dust
Hazards from Fire: Tungsten carbide powder can ignite, especially if contaminated with oil or oxidizers; cobalt in dust may increase combustibility
Hazardous Decomposition Products: May generate metal oxides, tungsten oxides, or toxic fumes if exposed to extreme heat or flames
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full turnout gear; evacuate area if uncontrolled fire/dust explosion risk
Fire Prevention: Keep material away from sources of ignition and incompatible materials including strong oxidizers

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, avoid dust generation, wear respiratory protection, gloves, eye protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release of fine powders to drains, soil, surface water; contain spill to avoid environmental contamination
Cleanup Methods: Carefully collect using a HEPA-filter vacuum or wet methods to limit airborne dust; gently sweep solid pieces; avoid dry sweeping if possible
Waste Disposal: Place waste in suitable, labeled containers for proper disposal according to regulations

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in locations with local exhaust ventilation; minimize dust generation; avoid breathing dust or fumes; do not eat, drink, or smoke during use
Storage: Store in a well-ventilated area, away from food, strong acids, and oxidizers; keep container tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption and contamination
Special Precautions: Keep powder away from open flames and sparks due to dust explosion risk; maintain good housekeeping

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Tungsten (as insoluble compounds): OSHA PEL 5 mg/m³ TWA; Cobalt: ACGIH TLV 0.02 mg/m³ TWA
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, or dust collection systems
Personal Protection: Wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles, chemically resistant gloves, long-sleeved clothing; use NIOSH-approved respirators in dusty or enclosed spaces
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after handling; do not eat or drink in work areas; provide eye wash stations and emergency showers
Monitoring: Regular air monitoring in workplaces and biological monitoring for cobalt exposures

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Grey-black powder or solid, dense metal pieces
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Approximately 2870°C (5198°F)
Boiling Point: Not applicable due to decomposition
Density: Around 15.6 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water; highly resistant to most acids
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Other Properties: Brittle in solid form; excellent thermal and electrical conductivity; forms sharp fragments if broken

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under ordinary conditions;
Reactivity: May react violently with strong oxidizing agents such as fluorine, chlorine trifluoride, or hydrogen peroxide
Hazardous Decomposition: High temperature decomposition produces tungsten and cobalt oxides, possible toxic metal fumes
Incompatibility: Avoid contact with nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, strong bases, and halogen oxidizers
Polymerization: Does not occur
Special Risks: Powder presents dust explosion hazard, especially with oil or organic contamination

Toxicological Information

Acute Effects: Dust and fumes cause irritation to eyes, skin, mucous membranes; inhalation may trigger cough or shortness of breath; ingestion is unlikely in industrial settings but may cause mild toxicity
Chronic Effects: Risk of hard metal lung disease, especially when inhaling cobalt-containing dust; possible skin sensitization from cobalt or nickel; prolonged exposure may lead to lung fibrosis
Carcinogenicity: Cobalt has IARC Group 2B classification (possibly carcinogenic to humans) due to some studies showing respiratory cancers in exposed workers
Mutagenicity: Limited data but possible concern from cobalt compounds
Reproductive Effects: Some animal studies have shown effects for cobalt
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Pre-existing lung, skin, or kidney problems may worsen after exposure

Ecological Information

Persistence and Degradability: Tungsten carbide is extremely stable in the environment, does not break down easily
Bioaccumulation Potential: Limited; elements may bioaccumulate over time with high exposure
Aquatic Toxicity: Very low solubility; minimal acute harm, but long-term effects in aquatic organisms exposed to fine particles not fully characterized; cobalt binder may be more toxic to aquatic life
Soil Mobility: Largely immobile as solid, but dust or dissolved metals can travel with water runoff
Other Ecological Information: Avoid uncontrolled release to environment

Disposal Considerations

Waste Methods: Collect and contain residue, used material, and sweepings for disposal at permitted hazardous waste facility; do not dispose in regular trash or by incineration
Disposal Containers: Use sealed, properly labeled containers to prevent release of dust
Recycling: Many tungsten carbide products can be recycled for metal recovery, reducing environmental impact
Country-Specific Regulations: Consult local and national hazardous waste regulations for specific procedures and required paperwork
Precautions: Avoid generating dust during disposal operations; protect handlers with personal preventive equipment

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods by IATA, DOT, ADR, IMDG for solid forms
Shipping Name: Tungsten Carbide (non-hazardous in bulk shape, hazardous if powder with sufficient dust risk)
Hazard Class: Generally not regulated, but refer to local rules when shipping large quantities of powder or dust
Packing Group: None required under most standards
Transport Precautions: Prevent package damage and limit dust; use secure, strong containers for powders; label appropriately if binder or contaminants introduce special risks

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Subject to Hazard Communication Standard for workplaces; cobalt recognized as hazardous material
EU Classification: Cobalt binder classified for acute toxicity, sensitization, and carcinogenic properties
REACH/RoHS: Subject to registration and possible restrictions based on use and incorporation
TSCA: Listed in the US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory
SARA Title III: Tungsten and cobalt content must be reported if thresholds exceeded
California Proposition 65: Cobalt and some alloys may require warning labels for cancer risk
WHMIS (Canada): Tungsten carbide with cobalt binder defined as hazardous workplace product; workplace labeling mandated