Overviews on HNS Production/Properties/Applications
Abstract
Hexanitrostilbene (HNS) has been used within the U.S. government/ industrial complex since the early 1960's. Chemical process variables leave much to be desired in terms of product purity and control of particle geometry. The explosive HNS-I, from the Shipp process, is normally fine, flat platelets which have been found to contain upwards to 6% hexanitrobibenzyl (HNBiB) or dipicrylethane (DPE) as an impurity. Attempts to remove this impurity by multiple washings has resulted in recrystallized material of a new geometry and consequently larger particle size. The large particle size is undesirable in many applications. The explosive HNS-II, first recrystallized by the Taylor- Oesterling process, is usually accomplished by extraction by dual-organic solvents. Most recently, HNS has been recrystallized from nitric acid. The thermal stability of the HNS recrystallized from nitric acid appears to be different from the HNS recrystallized from organic solvents as demonstrated in the low core load detonating cords. The chemical/explosive properties will be discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 03, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA075573
Entities
People
- E. E. Kilmer
Organizations
- Naval Ordnance Laboratory