Alternative Processes for HMX Manufacture

Abstract

Three new procedures were developed for preparing HMX from hexamine, one involving TAT as the intermediate; the others, DADN and DANNO. The DADN process was studied in some detail; the other two were not developed beyond the exploratory stage. Overall yield (hexamine to HMX) in the DADN process is about 13% higher than that of the conventional Bachmann process, and the acetic anhydride requirement is considerably lower. The first two steps were demonstrated in continuous pilot plant operation, yielding about 14 lb/hour of DADN in simple equipment. Application of the inert carrier concept (ICP) did not show promise. A cost study indicated that the DADN process offered no advantage over the Bachmann, mainly because two additional acids (sulfuric and polyphosphoric) are used.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1979
Accession Number
ADA083793

Entities

People

  • John Leccacorvi
  • Maurice Warman
  • Richard Hutchinson
  • Rocco Motto
  • Victor I. Siele

Organizations

  • United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acetic Acid
  • Ammonium Nitrate
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Cost Analysis
  • Cost Estimates
  • Economic Analysis
  • Energetic Materials
  • Materials
  • Materials Science
  • Mixing
  • Nitrogen Oxides
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Pilot Plants
  • Pilot Studies
  • Rocket Oxidizers

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Combustion science or combustion engineering.
  • Geochemistry