Thermal Stability Test for Primary Explosive Stab Sensitizers: Study of the Thermal and Hydrolytic Stability of 2-Picryl-5-Nitrotetrazole

摘要

A simple screening test for determining thermal stability of primary explosives being considered as replacements for tetrazene has been developed. In this test, at 89 C, 2-picryl-5-nitrotetrazole (PNT) has a half life 4-5 times longer than tetrazene. Both materials have adequate hydrolytic stability and replacement of tetrazene by PNT in stab and percussion sensitive mixes should enhance shelf life. Thermal decomposition of tetrazene is approximately exponential while PNT exhibits autocatalysis. (Author)