Monopropellants impact sensitivity

Measurement of Impact Sensitivity of Liquid Explosives and Monopropellants... 

A significant conclusion from the data on the importance of compression ratio in initiating explosion of nitroglycerin is that processing or handling liquid explosives and monopropellants under reduced pressure may introduce a hazard by sensitizing the liquid to weak impacts. 

This hquid acetylenic endothermic compound j estimated as 230-270 kj/mol, 2 kJ/g) may be decomposed by mild shock, and when heated under confinement, it decomposes with explosive violence and may detonate. Addition of 20-30 wt% of toluene makes the bromide insensitive in laboratory impact and confinement tests [1] More recently, it was classed as extremely shock-sensitive [2]. It can be ignited by impact derived from the liquid-hammer elfect of accidental pressurisation of the aerated liquid, and will then undergo sustained (monopropellant) burning decomposition. Propargyl bromide, added dropwise to bromine, exploded as it neared the halogen [3]. The chloro analogue is similar, but less readily ignited [4]. 

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