Product Identification

Product Name

Silicon carbide

Synonyms

Carborndum
Methanidylidynesilicon

CAS

409-21-2

Formula

CSi

Molecular Weight

40.090000000000003

EINECS

206-991-8

RTECS

VW0450000

RTECS Class

Tumorigen

Merck

12,8636

Beilstein/Gmelin

13642 (G)

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Exceedingly hard, green to bluish-black, iridescent, sharp crystals

Solubility in water

Insoluble

Melting Point

2700

Density

3.23 g/cm3

Usage

Polishing glass, granite, smoothing bisque ware, in sharpening stones, abrasive, manufacture of porcelain, emery paper and wheels, shoe soles, refractory brick, furnace linings, antiskid pavements, in semiconductor technology.

Refractive Index

2.697

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Get medical aid.

Inhalation

Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration.

Skin

Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid if irritation develops or persists. Wash clothing before reuse.

Eyes

Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Store in a dry area.

Handling

Use only in a well ventilated area. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid ingestion and inhalation.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Dust is irritating to the respiratory tract. May cause lung damage. Contains crystalline silica which may lead to respiratory abnormalities and silicosis.

Skin

Dust may cause mechanical irritation.

Eyes

Dust may cause mechanical irritation.

Ingestion

May cause irritation of the digestive tract.

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear safety goggles approved for the handling of explosive materials. Skin: Wear appropriate gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to minimize contact with skin.

Respirators

Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.

Exposure Effects

Chronic inhalation of dust may lead to silicosis. May cause lung damage. May cause silicosis-disabling pulmonary fibrosis characterized by fibrotic changes and miliary nodules in the lungs, dry cough, shortness of breath, emphysema, decreased chest expansion and increased susceptibility to tuberculosis.

Exposure limit(s)

TLV: 10 mg/m3 (as TWA) (ACGIH 1992-1993) OSHA PEL: TWA 15 mg/m3 (total) TWA 5 mg/m3 (resp) NIOSH REL: TWA 10 mg/m3 (total) TWA 5 mg/m3 (resp)

Poison Class

-

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Material will not burn. Use extinguishing media appropriate to the surrounding fire. Dousing metallic fires with water may generate hydrogen gas, an extremely dangerous explosion hazard. Extinguishing media: Substance is noncombustible; use agent most appropriate to extinguish surrounding fire.

Fire Potential

Noncombustible

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Provide ventilation.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability

Stable under normal shipping and handling conditions.

Decomposition

Oxides of silicon.