Application of gas-liquid film theory to base hydrolysis of HMX powder and HMX-based plastic-bonded explosives using sodium carbonate
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
- Univ. of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (United States). Dept. of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering
Sodium carbonate (Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3}) is identified as a hydrolysis reagent for decomposing HMX and HMX-based explosives to water-soluble, nonenergetic products. The reaction kinetics of Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} hydrolysis are examined, and a reaction rate model is developed. Greater than 99% of the explosive at an initial concentration of 10 wt % PBX 9404 was destroyed in less than 5 min at 150 C. The primary products from Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} hydrolysis were nitrite (NO{sub 2}), formate (HCOO{sup {minus}}), nitrate (NO{sub 3}{sup {minus}}), and acetate (CH{sub 3}COO{sup {minus}}) ions, hexamethylenetetramine, (hexamine: C{sub 6}H{sub 12}N{sub 4}), nitrogen gas (N{sub 2}), nitrous oxide (N{sub 2}O), and ammonia (NH{sub 3}). The rate of hydrolysis was characterized for HMX powder and PBX 9404 molding powder from 110 to 150 C. The rate was found to be dependent on both the chemical kinetics and the mass transfer resistance. Since the HMX particles are nonporous and external mass transfer dominates, gas-liquid film theory for fast chemical kinetics was used to model the reaction rate.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 321070
- Journal Information:
- Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, Journal Name: Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 37; ISSN IECRED; ISSN 0888-5885
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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