Fig. 1

Army and DoE Researchers Develop TNT Replacement

June 22, 2018
Bis-oxadiazole packs more of a punch than TNT, and with less toxicity.

TNT (aka trinitrotoluene) was first prepared in 1863 by German chemist Julius Wilbrand, but its full potential as an explosive wasn’t discovered until 1891. It has been in use as a munitions explosive since 1902. But the Environmental Protection Agency lists TNT as a possible carcinogen, and exposure to it has been linked to disorders of the liver and blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control. So, the Army and the Dept. of Energy have been looking for a replacement that is less toxic than TNT, packs a bigger explosive punch, and has a low melting point, which will let it be safely heated and cast in different shapes and sizes.

They recently came up with one: bis-oxadiazole, a nitrogen-containing compound. This 24-atom molecule is packed with nitrogen, and has 1.5 times the explosive power of TNT. The full chemical name is bis(1,2,4-oxadiazole)bis(methylene)dinitrate.

Oxadiazole has a calculated detonation pressure 50% higher than that of TNT. The upper image shows its molecular formation while the lower mages shows its crystal packing viewed along the b axis. Dashed blue lines represent intramolecular interactions, whereas dashed red lines represent intermolecular contacts.

The challenge then became one of getting a high enough yield of the material out of the synthesis process. An early procedure generated only a 4% yield, far too low to be practical and affordable. After several iterations of the process, scientists boosted the yield to 44%.

Research will continue into producing the material on a kilogram scale, along with more toxicity studies.

Sponsored Recommendations

Granite Motion Systems for Precision Automation

Feb. 7, 2025
PI Granite Based Motion Systems. We provide custom Engineered Multi-Axis Precision Automation Systems, built to your specifications– quick turnaround

What is a Difference between a Gantry Positioning System and a Split-Bridge?

Feb. 7, 2025
The design of a Gantry Positioning System and Split-Bridge Positioning system are related. Learn how they differ and what to use best for your application.

Flexible Multi-axis Granite Motion System for System Integrators and Machine Builders

Feb. 7, 2025
PI’s X-417 multi-axis positioning system / multi-axis stage is a granite motion system for high speed, high precision automation. Preconfigured with a granite base and EtherCat...

Laser Beam Steering Solutions, Fast Steering Mirrors

Feb. 7, 2025
Fast Laser Beam Steering Mirror (FSM) | Piezo Steering Mirrors | Voice Coil | Tip/Tilt Mirrors, Frictionless Flexures, High-Speed Piezoelectric Drives

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!