Study Properties of Tetramino Cupric Nitrate
Abstract
In order to obtain information regarding the degree of hazard involved in the use of copper or copper alloys in equipment used for the manufacture of amatol, storage tests were made at 50C. of copper foil in contact with ammonium nitrate, 80-20 and 50-50 amatols containing various percentages of moisture, in both open and closed containers. It was found that in closed containers, a sensitive, purple tetramino cupric nitrate was formed very readily in the presence of ammonium nitrate, less readily in the presence of 80-20 amatol and to little or no extent with 50-50 amatol. In open containers under the same storage conditions, there was no formation of the sensitive purple salt. In all cases except those in which the minimum amount of moisture was present, there was corrosion of the copper strips with the formation of blue and green basic nitrates, and it was found that at normal temperatures, these basic nitrates would react with the copper metal to form the sensitive purple salt. It is concluded that this work substantiates the requirement in specifications that no copper or copper alloys may be used in any part of the equipment which may come into contact with amatol, during its manufacture.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 28, 1943
- Accession Number
- AD0629884
Entities
People
- A. J. Phillips
Organizations
- Picatinny Arsenal