New Ionic Salts for Green Insensitive Munitions Materials

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), ATK Thiokol (ATK), and Toxikon (Tox) propose to study new energetic ingredients as substitutes for RDX. The compounds will have similar performance to that of RDX. The innovative ingredients will be synthesized and analyzed for purity. Reaction yields will be optimized. The heat of formation, density, melt temperature, and decomposition temperature, will be obtained. Results from impact, friction, and ESD sensitivity tests will ensure that their handling, storage, and use are safe. The compounds will have nearly zero vapor pressure. In-vivo mammalian and in-vitro mutagenic toxicity tests will be performed. Multiple thermochemical codes will be used to predict detonation and combustion properties of formulations comprising the new ingredients. One of the most promising compounds will be produced at a kilogram scale. Explosive and propellant formulations will be produced and tested using the new energetic ingredient.