Explosive Limits Migration

Chicago (1976) (Limited distrib) 21) K.A. Conley W J. Mikucki, Migration of Explosives and Chlorinated Pesticides in a Simulated Sanitary Landfill , CERL-TR-N-8, Army Construction Engrg... 

The migration of explosives from surface soil to the water table is governed by their physicochemical properties and the mechanisms of their interaction with the soil matrix (mainly clay, and soil organic matter). The frequent detection of TNT (S = 140 mg/L) and RDX (S = 45 mg/L) in groundwater of contaminated sites is confirmed. As for HMX, its limited solubility in water (<5 mg/L) restricts its presence close to the soil surface. No field data is yet available on CL-20. 

Binary explosives are used primarily where only limited quantities are required or when a need for explosives cannot be anticipated. Because they are not considered as explosives until mixed, they can be safely stored and transported. A liquid-liquid type, PLX, was developed for minefield clearing and is composed of nitromethane sensitized with ethylene diamine. Commercial binary explosive products include Astrolite, based on hydrazine and NH4NO3. Astrolite was offered in both aluminized and non-aluminized formulations, the former advertised as the most powerful chemical explosive available. A more widely sold binary, Kinestik, combines finely pulverized NH4NO3 and nitromethane. This combination, offered by several vendors, is the only binary explosive currently available commercially. To ensure complete migration of the liquid into the solid phase, a dye is added to the liquid. When the intact mixed explosive is examined, dye can be extracted from the solid with acetone, examined by TLC or GC-MS, and compared to the dye used by producers of the product. Identification of the NH4NO3 is straightforward and nitromethane can be identified by low-temperature GC. 

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