New Ionic Salts for Green Insensitive Munitions Materials

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), University of Idaho Chemistry Department (U. Id.), and ATK Thiokol (ATK) propose to model, synthesize, characterize, and combust new solid ingredients as green substitutes for RDX and AP. The materials contain very high nitrogen content within the chemical structure, thereby ensuring a large energy release. Predicted energy densities from these ionic salt propellant ingredients will be higher than those obtained from purely covalent compounds. Modeling software will be used to predict chemical densities, heats of formation (Hf), and explosive properties. Two of the most promising compounds will be synthesized and their densities and Hf measured. The materials will be combusted and the pressure and temperature responses recorded. Co crystals comprised of a new ionic salt and a green oxidizer will be produced and tested. Thermochemical calculations will be performed to predict gas products, adiabatic flame temperatures, and specific impulses due to decomposition/combustion. Impact and toxicology tests will be conducted and the results compared to those of RDX and AP. In Phase II, new propellant ingredients will be modeled, synthesized, characterized, and incorporated within formulations containing co-oxidizers and/or binder to meet or exceed current IM test criteria.