A new and powerful explosive is developed

A research team from the Los Alamos National Laboratory in the USA has developed a new compound with very interesting unique properties: it is solid at room temperature, high-energy as an explosive and can be easily shaped into the desired shape

Since the discovery of nitroglycerin in 1846, the family of compounds containing the nitrate ester group has been known to possess explosive properties. A whole series of other nitrate esters of this type were used immediately after the discovery as a source of explosives and high-energy fuels.

A research team, led by David E. Chavez from Los Alamos National Laboratory in the USA, has now developed a new tetra-nitrate ester. The new compound has very interesting unique properties: it is solid at room temperature, high-energy as an explosive and can be easily shaped into the desired shape.

Nitrate esters are organic compounds of nitric (nitric) acid capable of containing enormous explosive power. However, being liquids makes their treatment complex and dangerous. By mixing with other components, Alfred Noble succeeded in making dynamite - a nitroglycerin-based explosive that is safer and much easier to handle. The only solid nitrate ester that was used as an explosive before it was nitropenta (nitropenta PETN pentaerythritol tetranitrate, penthrite, is one of the most powerful explosives known to man. The explosion speed of PETN at a density of 1.7 grams per cubic meter is about 8,400 meters per second. The material was first created by German chemists Tullens Wiegand. It was patented by the German government in 1912, and was used in World War I). Due to its high melting point (140 degrees Celsius) the nitropenta must be compressed into the desired shape.

The researcher and his colleagues have now succeeded in producing a more successful nitrate ester - thanks to its melting temperature (85 degrees Celsius) which is very low relative to its decomposition temperature (141 degrees Celsius), it can be melted and poured into molds, a much easier and more convenient process for the production of explosives.

The new compound contains four groups of nitrate esters (–ONO2) and two nitrate groups (–NO2) linked to six carbon atoms. The crystals of this compound demonstrate the highest density found to date for nitrate esters. Computer calculations predict that the new material will have an explosive power no less than that of the explosive octogen (HMX) - currently one of the most powerful common explosives. The sensitivity of the new material to shocks, friction and sparks is equal to that of Nitropenta.

"Thanks to its surprising properties, the new material opens up a unique opportunity for the production of cast components for explosives," says the lead researcher. "In addition, it could also be used as a high-energy softener for other explosives and as an oxidizer." The researchers also plan to use their new synthetic route to develop additional explosives.

to the notice of the researchers