Studies on compatibility of energetic materials by thermal methods

Maria Alice Carvalho Mazzeu*
Instituto de Aeronáutica e Espaço
São José dos Campos – Brazil
malice@iae.cta.br

Elizabeth da Costa Mattos
Instituto de Aeronáutica e Espaço
São José dos Campos – Brazil
beth@iae.cta.br

Koshun Iha
Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica
São José dos Campos – Brazil
koshun@ita.br

*author for correspondence

Abstract:

The chemical compatibility of explosives, pyrotechnics and propellants with those materials is studied to evaluate potential hazards when in contact with other materials during production, storage and handling. Compatibility can be studied by several thermal methods as DSC (differential scanning calorimetry), TG (Thermogravimetry), VST (Vacuum stability test) and others. The test methods and well defined criteria are the most important elements when a compatibility study is being accomplished. In this paper, the compatibility of two very important high explosives used in ammunition, RDX (Cyclo-1,3,5-trimethylene-2,4,6-trinitramine) and HMX (Cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine) was studied with the materials: fluoroelastomer (Viton) and powdered aluminum (Al), using DSC and VST methods. The criteria to judge the compatibility between materials is based on a standardization agreement (STANAG 4147, 2001), and the final conclusion is that explosives and this materials are compatible, but in DSC it was observed that the peak of decomposition temperature of the admixture of RDX with Al decreased in 3ºC and another peak appeared after the decomposition peak.

Keywords:

Compatibility, Energetic materials, Differential scanning calorimetry, Vacuum stability test.