Analysis of Nitromethane

Abstract

Samples were taken at random from 60 barrels of nitromethane which were stored at Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona and sent to Southwest Research Institute for analyses. The nitromethane content was determined for each along with contaminate analyses for nitroethane, 2-nitropropane, water, and metals. The results indicated the following: Nitromethane - 98 or greater, Nitroethane - 1.1 or less, 2-Nitropropane - 0.2 or less, Water - 0.11 or less and Metals - Trace (less than 10 ppb). These barrels have been exposed under varying degrees of environmental conditions and changes. Contamination and degradation to the nitromethane may have occurred during the storage period. An analysis is required to determine whether the material has deviated dramatically from the specifications furnished by the supplier. This analysis will determine whether the stored nitromethane is suitable for use in another application. Analytical methods include atomic absorption, mass spectroscopy, gas chromatograph and Fourier transform infrared.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA237511

Entities

People

  • William O. Seals
  • William R. Herrera

Organizations

  • Southwest Research Institute

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Absorption
  • Alcohols
  • Carbon Tetrachloride
  • Chromatography
  • Computations
  • Contamination
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Mass Spectroscopy
  • Materials
  • Nitroethane
  • Nitromethane
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Sampling
  • Spectra
  • Spectroscopy
  • Standards

Readers

  • Agricultural Chemistry/Soil Science
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Military/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technology