Pyrolysis/Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry of Energetic Materials.
Abstract
The armaments industry generates approximately 1600 tons per year of hazardous waste containing explosives and propellants. By far, the most common disposal method for this hazardous waste is open burning/open detonation (OB/OD). Unfortunately, OB/OD has the potential to create environmental problems due to uncontrolled emission of by-products. Incineration is currently the most mature and well-characterized alternative disposal technology. In the event that OB/OD is curtailed or even eliminated, studies examining incineration as a back-up treatment technology could have an immediate impact on mission readiness, especially if the focus of the work is on characterization and reduction of emissions. The objective of this work was to examine the pyrolysis of energetic materials and to study the by-products produced during thermal decomposition in the absence of oxygen. Pyrolytic by-products from RDX, TNT, and PETN were examined. Samples were prepared and analyzed, results were studied and compared with work done in previous studies, and recommendations for further research were made.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA352038
Entities
People
- Donald M. Cropek
- Jean M. Day
- Patricia A. Kemme