Maximizing redox frustration in hybrid organic/inorganic energetic materials to pursue new realms of energy density
Abstract
Presented is a proposal for basic research in the synthetic exploration of redox-frustrated, nitrogen-rich molecules as new energetic materials with increased energy density. Many interrelated parameters contribute to the applications and performances of varied classes of energetic materials, including detonation velocity, detonation pressure, friction sensitivity, and thermal stability, specific impulse, specific energy, and energy density. The optimization ofcertain parameters at the expense of others may lead to specific application of these materials as primary explosives, secondary explosives, propellant fuels or hybrid fuels, high brisance weapons-grade explosives, or low brisance explosives for construction applications. While optimization of each of these parameters is important, the current proposal specifically focuseson new means to increase volumetric energy density, for which there exists multi-order gap between chemical explosives and thermonuclear devices. Materials that would bridge this gap, termed ~disruptive energetics~ remain to be discovered. We propose to explore the inclusion of energetic atoms less common in energetic materials as a means to increase thermal energyrelease upon explosion/detonation. These atoms will introduce increased ~redox frustration~(atoms in high, unstable oxidation states linked covalently to atoms in low, unstable oxidation states) at a level beyond that found in state of the art nitro-organics. This will be achieved by introducing high-oxidation state p-bock oxyanions species (perhalogenate) and high oxidation state metals (Mn5-7+) as oxidizer atoms, (partially) replacing the less oxidizing nitro groups. INaddition, we will explore the inclusion of reducing transition metal ions such as divalent group 4 ions (Ti2+, Zr2+, Hf2+) as reducing atoms, analogous to metal fuels, but which may be incorporated homogeneously on a per-atom basis. Specifically, two tasks are proposed, with a third requested for consideration as an option: Incorporation of these inorganic components into N-rich energetic materials should give increased energy density due to the higher exothermicityof decomposition. Specifically, two aims are proposed with a third task requested for consideration as an option:Task 1: Redox frustrated CHNO-based fuels linked to perhalogenate oxidizers through air-stable metal ions.Task 2. Inclusion of fuel metals into clusters.Task 3 (option). Synthesis and energetic testing of perchloryl organics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 07, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912087
Entities
People
- Michael J. Zdilla
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Temple University
- United States Navy