Characterisation of 2,4-Dinitroanisole: An Ingredient for Use in Low Sensitivity Melt Cast Formulations

摘要

In recent years TNT has fallen out of favour as an ingredient in melt-castable explosive formulations due to its demonstrated failure to meet sensitivity requirements, and alternatives with suitable chemical and physical properties have been sought. 2,4-Dinitroanisole (DNAN) is a promising alternative that prima facie appears to possess adequate properties and, by virtue of reduced sensitivity, may enable the development of a new class of low sensitivity melt-cast formulations for use in Insensitive Munitions (IM). This paper provides a baseline characterisation of DNAN and includes the determination of the sensitivity and explosive properties of a simple DNAN- based formulation (ARX-4027) analogous to Composition B. Key properties that impact upon the use of DNAN in melt-cast formulations are identified.