Dissolution Kinetics of High Explosive Compounds (TNT, RDX, HMX)
Abstract
The production and usage of high explosive compounds such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-l,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), and octahydro-I,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,S,7-tetrazocine (HMX) have resulted in their release in the environment. These compounds pose potential harm because of their reactivity and effects on health. Agencies that use high explosive compounds are working to better understand the physical and chemical properties surrounding these explosive compounds to include their fate and transport, effects on health, and remediation alternatives. Though dissolution is a primary method making explosive compounds available for other processes, research on this topic has been limited. The objective of this study was to describe the dissolution rate and solubility of TNT, RDX, and HMX individually and as components in the explosive formulations octol, Composition B, and LX-14. Moditying a batch reactor dissolution methodology used by the pharmaceutical industry, experiments were conducted where concentration was measured as a function of temperature, solid surface area, and mixing rate. Solubility of explosive compounds was measured as a %function of temperature. Sample analysis was performed using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA407663
Entities
People
- Jason C. Lynch
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center