Inorganic explosives

Explosives. Explosives can be detected usiag either radiation- or vapor-based detection. The aim of both methods is to respond specifically to the properties of the energetic material that distinguish it from harmless material of similar composition. A summary of techniques used is given ia Table 7. These techniques are useful for detecting organic as well as inorganic explosives (see Explosives and propellants). 

Table 3.4 Physical Properties of Some Inorganic Explosives...

The electronic states of crystals are dependent on crystal structure. Some inorganic explosives (for example, lead azide) and many organic explosives (e.g., TNT and HMX) exist in several structures. The initiation characteristics for each of the polymorphs are found to be different. This may be explainable in terms of the differences in electronic states for the different crystal structures. 

The most significant transfer of technology from the Allies was the British process for making amatol , a mixture of TNT and ammonium nitrate. When, in 1917, the demand for TNT outstripped supply, the British extended their store of TNT by mixing it with the more plentiful ammonium nitrate—first in proportions of 50-50, and then, 20-80. Ordnance officers expected the United States would encounter similar shortages, and made inquiries of their own arsenals, of DuPont, and of Britain. In October 1917, two British military experts travelled to the United States, bearing stacks of confidential reports that encapsulated the British state of the art. In inorganic explosives as well, the Americans also borrowed British... 

Smokeless powders are insoluble in water and are readily distinguished from black or flash powders, Pyrodex, or most improvised low explosives which have significant solubility. With inorganic explosives, qualitative analysis for identification may require only simple chemical spot, flame, or microcrystal... 

Massis, T.M., Morenus, P.K., Huskisson, D.H., Merrill, R.M. Stability and compatibility studies with the inorganic explosive 2-(5-cyanotetrazolato)pentaamminecobalt(III) perchlorate (CP). J. Hazard. Mater. 5, 309-323 (1982)... 

Ilyushin, M.A., Tselinskii, I.V., Zhilin, A.Y., Ugiynnnov, I.A., Smirnov, A.V., Kozlov, A.S. Coordination complexes as inorganic explosives for initiation systems. Hanneng Cailiao (Energetic Materials) 12, 15-19 (2004)... 

T. M. Massis, P.K Morenus, D. H. Huskisson and R. M. Merrill, Stability and Compatability Studies With The Inorganic Explosive CR J. of Hazardous... 

CAUTION. Ethers that have been stored for long periods, particularly in partly-filled bottles, frequently contain small quantities of highly explosive peroxides. The presence of peroxides may be detected either by the per-chromic acid test of qualitative inorganic analysis (addition of an acidified solution of potassium dichromate) or by the liberation of iodine from acidified potassium iodide solution (compare Section 11,47,7). The peroxides are nonvolatile and may accumulate in the flask during the distillation of the ether the residue is explosive and may detonate, when distilled, with sufficient violence to shatter the apparatus and cause serious personal injury. If peroxides are found, they must first be removed by treatment with acidified ferrous sulphate solution (Section 11,47,7) or with sodium sulphite solution or with stannous chloride solution (Section VI, 12). The common extraction solvents diethyl ether and di-tso-propyl ether are particularly prone to the formation of peroxides. 

J. W. Patterson and R. A. Minear, State of the Art for the Inorganic Chemicals Industy Commercial Explosives, 600/2-74-009b, Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., 1975. 

The first successhil attempt to make textile fibers from plant cellulose can be traced to George Audemars (1). In 1855 he dissolved the nitrated form of cellulose in ether and alcohol and discovered that fibers were formed as the dope was drawn into the air. These soft strong nitrocellulose fibers could be woven into fabrics but had a serious drawback they were explosive, nitrated cellulose being the basis of gun-cotton (see Cellulose esters, inorganic esters). 

The sulfur nitrides have been the subject of several reviews (206—208). Although no commercial appHcations have as yet been developed for these compounds, some interest was stimulated by the discovery that polythiazyl, a polymeric sulfur nitride, (SN), with metallic luster, is electroconductive (see Inorganic highpolymers) (208,209). Other sulfur nitrides are unstable. Tetrasulfur nitride is explosive and shock-sensitive. 

Thorium is potentially hazardous. Einely divided thorium metal and hydrides can be explosive or inflammatory hazards with respect to oxygen and halogens. Einely divided Th02 and other inorganic salts also present an inhalation and irritation hazard. The use of standard precautions, skin covering, and a conventional dust respirator should be sufficient for handling thorium materials. 

---