Energetic Ionic Liquids as TNT Replacements
Abstract
The US munitions community is searching for advanced replacements for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) for use in melt castable explosives. The identification of such a replacement is constrained by many requirements such as: (1) The replacement must afford identical (preferably improved) performance over TNT; (2) The melting point of the replacement should fall into a temperature regime that is useful for cast operations; (3) The replacement must possess safety/sensitivity properties that are as good or better than TNT; (4) The replacement must have sufficient thermal stability to undergo casting at elevated temperature; and (5) Adequate compatibility must exist between the replacement and other compounds present in the explosive composition. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has recently investigated the feasibility of replacing TNT with an ionic liquid (m.p.<100 degrees C) for use in melt castable explosives. The approach focuses on synthesizing triazolium-based salts that have the appropriate physical and safety properties, thermal stability, and theoretical performance to potentially replace TNT. Individual salts selected from several families of energetic triazolium salts recently synthesized at AFRL possess high densities, relatively high heats of formation, and pass accepted thermal stability tests. The results and suitability of the explosive salts' physical properties, processing, hazards, compatibility, and ultimately their performance are presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA446256
Entities
People
- A. Brand
- G. Drake
- G. Warmoth
- I. M. Ismail
- L. Hudgens
- T. W. Hawkins
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory