The measurement of bound and free moisture in organic materials by microwave methods. [Explosives TATB and LX-17]

Conference · Thu Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:6358894

Pyper, J W; Buettner, H M; Cerjan, C J; Hallam, J S; King, R J

Bound and free moisture can be classified by energetic, structural, or operational schemes. We discuss these schemes and consider four methods (dynamic dielectric thermal analysis, microwave attenuation analysis, near-infrared reflectance analysis (NIRA) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy) that have been suggested for distinguishing between bound and free moisture in organic materials. This report describes the microwave attenuation method. The theoretical basis for using microwaves for this purpose is developed. We show that microwave measurements can be used to measure the moisture in triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB) using a microwave network analyzer down to 0.04% H/sub 2/O. The design of the apparatus necessary to extend these measurements to lower moisture content limits is mentioned. As part of this study, we measured the dielectric properties of TATB for the first time. We found that the dielectric constant epsilon' for TATB was 4.00 +- 0.01.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6358894
• Report Number(s): UCRL-91588; CONF-850441-4; ON: DE87008745
• Resource Relation: Conference: Moisture and humidity symposium, Washington, DC, USA, 15 Apr 1985; Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
MOISTURE
MEASURING METHODS
TATB
MICROWAVE RADIATION
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EXPLOSIVES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATIONS
450100* - Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense- Chemical Explosions & Explosives