Characterization of Amatex-20K

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA026087 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Amatex 20-K is a modification of the proposed alternate fill Amatex- 20. The ammonium nitrate AN prills in Amatex-20 are replaced by prills of a solid solution of 10 potassium nitrate KN in AN. This substitution changes the temperature at which the large volume change transition of AN occurs from 32 C to 12-15 C, but does not completely eliminate the problem. The chemical and thermal stability of Amatex-20K has been given a first look survey via DTA TGA, DSC fast and slow cookoff, and isothermal decomposition techniques. With the exception of a less violent. reaction occurring at a lower temperature on fast cookoff, all of the tests suggest that the substitution of ANKN prills for the AN prills in the RDXTNT matrix is detrimental to the stability of Amatex. More work will be needed, particularly in the isothermal decomposition and slow cookoff areas, to make a sure judgment of the desirability of the substitution.

Author(s):
Anderson, Carl M. ; Pakulak, Jack M., Jr
Author Organization(s):
NAVAL WEAPONS CENTER CHINA LAKE CA
Descriptive Note:
Technical publication
Supplementary Note:
DOI: 10.21236/ADA026087
Pagination:
0036

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release, Document Partially Illegible
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited. Document Partially Illegible.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
NWC-TP-5767
Monitor Series:
NWC*
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning
Communities of Interest:
Weapons Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*THERMAL STABILITY, *EXPLOSIVES, *NITRATES, *POTASSIUM COMPOUNDS, *AMMONIUM NITRATE, STABILITY, GRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS, COOK OFF, CALORIMETRY, DIFFERENTIAL THERMAL ANALYSIS, TNT, SOLID SOLUTIONS, RDX, STORAGE, THERMAL ANALYSIS, CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Field(s)/Group(s):
Ammunition and Explosives
Keyword(s):
AMATEX 20K, POTASSIUM NITRATE
Report Date:
1976 May 01