Substance profile
Aluminium powder (pyrophoric)
Aluminium powder (pyrophoric) is a tin-white, malleable, ductile metal, with somewhat bluish tint and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Aluminium powder (pyrophoric) is
Aluminium powder (pyrophoric) is a tin-white, malleable, ductile metal, with somewhat bluish tint and is odorless. It boils at 2327 °C, melts at 660 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H250 | Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air. |
| H261 | In contact with water releases flammable gases. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P222, P231, P280, P370, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Aluminium powder (pyrophoric) properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 2327 °C (4220.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 2327 °C (4221 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 2327 °C (4221 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 660 °C (1220 °F) | HSDB | |
| Density | 2.7 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in HCl, H2SO4, hot water, and alkalies. | HSDB | |
| Insoluble in water. | HSDB | ||
| Insoluble | NIOSH | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0 mmHg | approx | NIOSH |
| Autoignition temperature | 400 °C (752 °F) | powder | ICSC |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Forms explosive mixtures in a dust cloud in air. Bulk dust when damp with water may heat spontaneously. Hazard greater as fineness increases. | HSDB | |
| ...Violently explosive when they come into contact with water. | Aluminum alkyls | HSDB | |
| Combustible Solid, finely divided dust is easily ignited; may cause explosions. | NIOSH |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Aluminium powder (pyrophoric)
Storage conditions
Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from acids, alkalies, halogenated compounds, oxidizers, combustible materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
A mixture of aluminum powder and ammonium nitrate can be used as an explosive. A number of explosions in which ammonium nitrate and aluminum are mixed with carbon, hydrocarbons, with or without oxidizing agents, have occurred.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Aluminium powder… in the storage compatibility matrix →