Recent studies on the chemical conversion of energetic materials to higher value products
The objective of our program is to develop novel, innovative solutions for the disposal of surplus energetic materials (high explosives, propellants) resulting from the demilitarization of nuclear and conventional munitions. Historically, energetic materials have been disposed of by open burning/open detonation (OB/OD) which is becoming unacceptable due to public concerns and increasingly stringent environmental regulations. The use of energetic materials as chemical feedstocks for higher value products potentially provides environmentally sound and cost-effective alternatives to OB/OD. The conversion of UDMH (unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine, 1,1-dimethylhydrazine) and Explosive D (ammonium picrate) to higher value explosives such as 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) and 1,3-diamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (DATB) illustrates our approach. TATB is a reasonably powerful high explosive whose thermal and shock stability is considerably greater than that of any other known material of comparable energy. We have developed a new synthesis of TATB that can utilize surplus UDMH (propellant) and Explosive D (high explosive) as starting materials.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 377495
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC--123429; CONF-9605192--1; ON: DE96012007
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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