Studies on yield improvement of High Melting Explosive (HMX)

摘要

In India,octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazocine,commonly known as HMX (High Melting Explosive),is manufactured by the modified Bachmann combination method using continuous nitrolysis of hexamine in a cascade of four stirred tank reactors.In this laboratory,the technology was established more than three decades ago with an overall yield of about 40%.However,as the reported yield of HMX is around 55%,it was considered essential to systematically study the Bachmann reaction system to improve the yield.As such a detailed study on quantities/ratios of raw materials and process conditions was carried out to improve the yield.Optimized ratios of raw materials,use of nitric acid having strength >99%,proper control of temperature and optimal nitration and residence time gave an yield of 60-65%.