Solubility determination of TNT and wax and their fractionation from an explosive material using a supercritical fluid

Journal Article · Wed Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1999 · Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/je9901280· OSTI ID:20003908

Ashraf-Khorassani, M; Taylor, L T

The solubilities of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and wax have been measured in supercritical carbon dioxide (Co{sub 2}) at three pressures and temperatures under static conditions. The concentrations of each component were determined off-line via ultraviolet (TNT) and evaporative light scattering (wax) detection. The solubility of TNT was an order of magnitude higher than that of wax. Gas chromatographic assay of the wax extract revealed that only the lower molecular weight components dissolved. Fractionation of the TNT and wax from an explosive material referred to as Composition B was attempted by making incremental increases in CO{sub 2} density. Composition B contains 59.5% cyclotrimethylene triamine (RDX), 39.5% TNT, and 1% wax. While TNT and Wax could be easily isolated from nitramine TDX, attempts to separate TNT from wax were not totally successful. More specifically, the initial fractions contained the lower molecular weight wax components in addition to major amounts of TNT. Since the percentage of TNT was approximately 50 times the amount of wax, later fractions were 100% TNT although most of the TNT was removed at the lower densities.

• Research Organization: Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA (US)
• OSTI ID: 20003908
• Journal Information: Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data, Journal Name: Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 44; ISSN JCEAAX; ISSN 0021-9568
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
CARBON DIOXIDE
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
FRACTIONATION
SOLUBILITY
SUPERCRITICAL GAS EXTRACTION
TNT
WASTE PROCESSING
WAXES