NEUTRON DIFFRACTION STUDY OF ALPHA-PB(N3)2
Abstract
The azide ion is one of the simple examples of a metastable or explosive molecule ion. Lead azide among the inorganic azide salts is widely used as a military and commercial primary explosive. For this reason extensive studies of the chemistry and decomposition kinetics of lead azide have been undertaken in the last fifteen years. Recently, attempts have been made to explain these results, especially the explosive behavior, in terms of solid state physical and chemical processes. A need for information of the detailed crystal structure of lead azide has prompted this investigation. The detailed structure of the azide ions in lead azide was of principal interest. Theories of the stability of the azides usually use degree of covalent bonding as the principal variable for determining the sensitivity and other explosive properties. The symmetry of the azide ion is thought to reflect the degree of covalent bonding in the solid. Therefore, detailed structural work will play a crucial role in formulating a more detailed theory.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0837109
Entities
People
- Chang S. Choi
Organizations
- Picatinny Arsenal