Judicious Use of Metal Ion Components in New Energetic Materials as Linkers Between Redox-Frustrated
Abstract
The development of next-generation weapons and propulsion technology will require enhanced high-energy-density materials (HEDM), whi,ch would be significantly augmented by increases in energy density to give increased lethality and longer range, providing game chan,ging tactical advantages for the United States. In addition to longer range, higher lethality weapons, novel hybrid organic/inorgani,c HEDM could result in the discovery of weapons and propulsion systems with novel switchable sensitivity and unique ballistic proper,ties. The current state of the art in high-brisance explosives are the nitramines, which we propose has been successful due to what,we have termed "redox-frustration" since, for example, in RDX an oxidizing nitrogen (oxidation number +4) is situated next to a redu,cing nitrogen (oxidation number -2), when both are most stable in the 0-oxidation state in N2. We have been working on increasing th,e degree of redox frustration in new hybrid organic/inorganic HEDM (Hy-HEDM) by the use of non-CHNO atoms which can provide stronger, oxidants (like hypervalent halide) and stronger reductant fuels (like low-valent metals) in addition to light-atom CHNO components,to give materials with increased energy of decomposition. In this proposal we present our preliminary results, new discoveries, and,new plans to adapt these materials. 1) We propose to develop improved Hy-HEDM with main-group oxide-based oxidizer groups that have,improved air-sensitivity, and CHNO ligands with improved oxygen balance and reduction potential. We will continue our exploration of, covalent attachment of perchlorate oxidizer, but also expand our studies to periodate, iodate, and nitrate. 2) We will explore the,inclusion of novel fuel atoms (such as titanium) in Hy-HEDMs. We present preliminary results suggesting Ti2+ provides substantial re,ducing power and heat to decomposition reactions, and we propose the exploration of nitrogen-rich Ti2+ cage clusters and molecules 3,) We will explore the magnetic response of molecular-magnetic cage Hy-HEDMs our group has discovered. For example, we present prelim,inary predictions from theory that the high-energy-density molecular magnets we have discovered in previous ONR funded work may be a,ble to undergo modulation of decompositional activation energy by the presence of a magnetic field. Our proposed work is organized,into the following aims:Aim 1: New, higher-energy CHNO-based fuels linked to perhalogenate oxidizers through air-stable metal ions.A,im 2. Inclusion of fuel metals into clusters.Aim 3. Studies of initiation of magnetic energetic materials in applied magnetic field.,Support of our proposal will be used to support continued record of training of the next generation of DoD scientists with relevant,skills and passion for the mission of the national defense.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212060
Entities
People
- Michael J. Zdilla
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Temple University
- United States Navy