Critical Temperature Determinations for the Lead-Free Primary Explosives DBX-1 and KDNP

Abstract

A decade long project to develop new, lead-free primary explosives has resulted in two materials that can replace lead azide and lead styphnate. The first compound is a detonating material, known as DBX-1 [copper(I) 5-nitrotetrazolate], with properties that will allow it to function as a drop in replacement for RD-1333 lead azide in the majority of applications. The second compound is a deflagrating material, known as KDNP [4,6-dinitro-7-hydroxybenzofuroxan, potassium salt], which can functionally replace lead styphnate in most applications. During the course of the development and qualifications, the self heating properties in the form of critical temperature determinations were performed for these materials. In order to allow direct comparison of the new materials with lead azide and lead styphnate, a critical temperature determination for these standard materials was also performed under the same conditions. The new materials compare favorably with the legacy materials.