Phenomena during crystal growth of lead azide in agar-agar gel

Abstract

Lead azides can spontaneously explode during the crystallization process in aqueous solutions at room temperature. Manipulating this material is highly dangerous and requires special security measures. Here is described a particular technique for crystal growth in gels which minimizes the explosion magnitude, allowing for direct and constant observation throughout the crystal developing process. The geometrical characteristics of the experimental dispositive and those of the means of transport account for this behaviour. Experimental results thus obtained are contrasted against the main hypothesis suggested so far to explain these phenomena.