Effect of Phase Change in Solid-Solid Reactions

Abstract

As a result of differential thermal analysis, thermoconductimetric analysis and burning rate studies on potassium chlorate, sulfur, sodium bicarbonate and their mixtures, the effect of phase transitions on reactivity was evaluated. The evaluation led to a postulated mechanism for the sulfur-potassium chlorate reaction in which the thermal decomposition of pure potassium chlorate is considered unimportant. A relatively new tool (thermoconductimetric analysis) for measuring effect of temperature on solid state reactivity was developed and applied with satisfactory results. It was determined that the reactivity of solid potassium chlorate can be enhanced greatly by doping the crystalline material, changing crystal habit and coating the crystals. A supersensitive potassium chlorate (doped with copper chlorate) was prepared which, when mixed with sulfur, detonated on standing at room temperature.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 31, 1966
Accession Number
AD0477759

Entities

People

  • Donald V. Lewis
  • Joseph H. Mclain

Organizations

  • Washington College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Burning Rate
  • Chemical Reaction Properties
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Combustion
  • Crystal Structure
  • Decomposition
  • Differential Thermal Analysis
  • Explosives
  • Heat Energy
  • Ignition
  • Materials Science
  • Phase Transformations
  • Thermodynamics
  • Transition Temperature
  • Transitions

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Rocket Propulsion.
  • Surface Engineering/Surface Coating Technology.