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Solid-phase thermal decomposition of 2,4-dinitroimidazole (2,4-DNI)

Book ·
OSTI ID:248230
;  [1];  [2]
  1. Sandia National Labs., Livermore, CA (United States). Combustion Research Facility
  2. Army ARDEC, Dover, NJ (United States). Energetic Materials Division

The solid-phase thermal decomposition of the insensitive energetic aromatic heterocycle 2,4-dinitroimidazole (2,4-DNI: mp 265--274 C) is studied utilizing simultaneous thermogravimetric modulated beam mass spectrometry (STMBMS) between 200 and 247 C. The pyrolysis products have been identified using perdeuterated and {sup 15}N-labeled isotopomers. The products consist of low molecular-weight gases and a thermally stable solid residue. The major gaseous products are NO, CO{sub 2}, CO, N{sub 2}, HNCO and H{sub 2}O. Minor gaseous products are HCN, C{sub 2}N{sub 2}, NO{sub 2}, C{sub 3}H{sub 4}N{sub 2}, C{sub 3}H{sub 3}N{sub 3}O and NH{sub 3}. The elemental formula of the residue is C{sub 2}HN{sub 2}O and FTIR analysis suggests that it is polyurea- and polycarbamate-like in nature. The rates of formation of the gaseous products and their respective quantities have been determined for a typical isothermal decomposition experiment at 235 C. The temporal behaviors of the gas formation rates indicate that the overall decomposition is characterized by a sequence of four events: (1) an early decomposition period induced by impurities and H{sub 2}O, (2) an induction period where CO{sub 2} and NO are the primary products formed at relatively constant rates, (3) an autoacceleratory period that peaks when the sample is depleted and (4) a final period in which the residue decomposes. Arrhenius parameters for the induction period are E{sub a} = 46.9 {+-} 0.7 kcal/mol and Log(A) = 16.3 {+-} 0.3. Decomposition pathways that are consistent with the data are presented.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratory
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
248230
Report Number(s):
CONF-951155--; ISBN 1-55899-321-5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English