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Problem definition study on techniques and methodologies for evaluating the chemical and toxicological properties of combustion products of gun systems, Volume 1: Final report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5130094

Gun exhaust is a complex mixture of both organic and inorganic chemical species. Similar to other mixtures, it has both vapor and particulate phases. This report contains information concerning the chemical characterization of gun exhaust and offers recommendations for its chemical and toxicological investigation. Propellent compositions used in munitions are all nitrocellulose based but are categorized by the inclusion of the other major ingredients (i.e., single-based propellants contain nitrocellulose only, double-base propellants contain nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin, and triple-base propellants contain nitrocellulose, nitroguanidine, and nitroglycerin). The principal decomposition products present in gun exhaust are carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dixiode, water, and nitrogen (approximately 99% by volume). A number of minor products have been reported to be present in gun exhaust including nitrogen oxides, ammonia, inorganic particulates (e.g., lead and copper), and polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (of unknown origin). 233 refs., 19 figs., 19 tabs.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
5130094
Report Number(s):
ORNL-6334-Vol.1; ON: DE88008883
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English