Mercuric 5-Nitrotetrazole, a Possible Replacement for Lead Azide in Australian Ordnance. Part 1. An Assessment of Preparation Methods

Abstract

The preparation of mercuric 5-nitrotetrazole (MNT) via both Cuen2(NT) 2 and NaNT.2H2O has been investigated. The former route is superior as judged by reproducibility, handleability and yield of MNT, and safety of intermediates - one batch of NaNT.2H2O exploded spontaneously, casting doubts on the stability of this material. Sensitivity data together with limited data for stab sensitivity, initiation and detonation properties are given for each batch of MNT. MNT has definite promise as a replacement for lead azide in detonators.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1983
Accession Number
ADA137898

Entities

People

  • L. D. Redman
  • R. J. Spear

Organizations

  • Defence Science and Technology Group

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Azides
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Detonations
  • Detonators
  • Explosions
  • Explosives
  • Fluids
  • Lead Azides
  • Materials
  • Munitions
  • Nitric Acid
  • Particles
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Physical Properties
  • Security
  • Standards

Readers

  • Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Munitions and Ordnance Engineering
  • Systems Analysis and Design