Solid-state photodecomposition of energetic nitramines (RDX and HMX). Summary report
A study was undertaken to investigate the solid-state photodecomposition of the energetic nitramines RDX and HMX using direct sunlight and medium-pressure mercury lamp irradiation. The rate of RDX photolysis is faster than the rate of HMX photolysis at high concentrations (>2 wt%) and about the same for concentrations below 2 wt%. Both RDX and HMX photodecompose in KBr at an exponential rate that depends on concentration, path length, wavelength, and intensity of light. Moreover, preliminary data show that the rate may be also dependent on particle size. The only solid products characterized in the photodecomposition reactions were the inorganic salts potassium nitrate (KNO3) and potassium nitrite (KNO2), and the organic formamides such as methyl formamide and formamide. The desert environment offers a unique opportunity to exploit solar energy in an effort to reclaim explosive-contaminated lands and to remediate chemically-contaminated sludge. The preliminary results reported in this publication indicate that solid-state photodecomposition of energetic nitramines is a potentially cost effective and efficient method for remediating contaminated desert environments.
- Research Organization:
- Naval Air Warfare Center, China Lake, CA (United States). Weapons Div.
- OSTI ID:
- 377401
- Report Number(s):
- AD-A--310064/1/XAB; NAWCWPNS-TP--8271
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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