Analysis of Impurities in Composition B by Thin Layer Chromatography

Abstract

A thin layer chromatographic procedure was developed to identify alpha-TNT associated impurities in Composition B. The method involved reducing RDX and alpha-TNT levels in the solubilized Composition B sample before two- dimensional chromatographic developing. Impurities were identified after applying ethylenediamine reagent. Color development, fluorescence quenching, and R sub f values were compared to those established for a variety of impurities known to be present in Military Grade alpha-TNT. Six fragments from a Composition B warhead (which did not premature but was taken from the same lot as those suspected of premature functioning) and a control sample of Composition B obtained from the Holston Army Ammunition Plant were analyzed and compared. The analyses revealed the presence of m-nitrotoluene impurity in only the fragment samples suspected of premature initiation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA056313

Entities

People

  • M. Gilford
  • T. H. Chen

Organizations

  • United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Absorption Spectra
  • Ammunition
  • Chromatography
  • Cyclic Hydrocarbons
  • Cyclohexanes
  • Ethylenediamine
  • Fluorescence
  • Identification
  • Materials
  • Nitrotoluenes
  • Quenching
  • Spectra
  • Thin Layer Chromatography
  • Tnt
  • Two Dimensional
  • Visible Spectra
  • Weapons

Readers

  • Agricultural Chemistry/Soil Science
  • Rocket Propulsion.