The longstanding challenge of the nanocrystallization of 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX)

Abstract

Research efforts for realizing safer and higher performance energetic materials are continuing unabated all over the globe. While the thermites – pyrotechnic compositions of an oxide and a metal – have been finely tailored thanks to progress in other sectors, organic high explosives are still stagnating. The most symptomatic example is the longstanding challenge of the nanocrystallization of 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). Recent advances in crystallization processes and milling technology mark the beginning of a new area which will hopefully lead the pyroelectric industry to finally embrace nanotechnology. This work reviews the previous and current techniques used to crystallize RDX at a submicrometer scale or smaller. Several key points are highlighted then discussed, such as the smallest particle size and its morphology, and the scale-up capacity and the versatility of the process.

Engineering the Morphology and Particle Size of High Energetic Compounds Using Drop-by-Drop and Drop-to-Drop Solvent–Antisolvent Interaction Methods

“…The supercritical processing methods have so far achieved only limited success in commercial application. 71 The DTD method stands out because of its ability to prepare monodispersed particles with a spherical morphology.…”

“…A comparison of the various methods that are reported in the literature for the preparation of SM particles of RDX is given in Table T1 (the Supporting Information). The supercritical processing methods have so far achieved only limited success in commercial application . The DTD method stands out because of its ability to prepare monodispersed particles with a spherical morphology.…”

Nanocrystallisation of Ammonium DiNitramide (ADN) by Spray Flash Evaporation (SFE)

“…The Spray Flash Evaporation (SFE) process has been developed and patented in the NS3E laboratory at ISL [23,24]. The process was previously described in details by Risse et al [10,11] and Pessina et Spitzer [12,25]. It consists in spraying a pressurized low boiling solvent containing the product to be crystallized through a heated hollow cone nozzle, in a vacuum chamber.…”

Tuning the Oxygen Balance of Energetic Composites: Crystallization of ADN/Secondary Explosives Mixtures by Spray Flash Evaporation

“…Several top down or bottom up size reduction processes have been developed with their own specific advantages and disadvantages [6]. Few examples regarding energetic materials are based on top down processes.…”