Thermodynamics and energy properties of the lowest eutectic mixture of TNBA/MTNP

Abstract

In light of the challenges posed by the low density, diminished energy levels, and shrinkage holes in the loading arise of the current cast-cured explosive liquid vehicle, TNT, the investigation of low-melting eutectic materials as potential substitutes for TNT has emerged as a focal point of research. By employing the solvent-nonsolvent method, the lowest eutectic mixture of TNBA(2,4,6-trinitro-3-bromoanisole)/MTNP(1-methyl-3,4,5-trinitropyrazole) was synthesized, distinguished by a moderate melting point and markedly elevated energy levels as compared to TNT. Comprehensive SEM, EDS, IR, XRD, and XPS analyses were conducted on the lowest eutectic mixture, substantiating the absence of any chemical interaction between TNBA and MTNP and affirming their exceptional compatibility. Moreover, an exploration into the thermal decomposition behavior and mechanism of the lowest eutectic mixture was undertaken, its mechanical sensitivity was tested, and its detonation performance was evaluated by EXPLO-5 software. The thermal decomposition parameters of the lowest eutectic mixture closely paralleled those of the precursor materials, with the thermal decomposition kinetics model function being identified as the Jander function. The impact sensitivity of the lowest eutectic was 48.1cm and the friction sensitivity was 12%. Furthermore, the density of the lowest eutectic mixture surpassed 1.8 g·cm−3, and its detonation velocity approached 8000 m·s−1, markedly surpassing the explosive performance of TNT.