Detection of autocatalytic decomposition behavior of energetic materials using APTAC

Characterization of autocatalytic decomposition reactions is important for the safe handling and storage of energetic materials. Isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has been widely used to detect autocatalytic decomposition of energetic materials. However, isothermal DSC tests are time consuming and the choice of experimental temperature is crucial. This paper shows that an automatic pressure tracking calorimeter (APTAC) can be a reliable and efficient screening tool for the identification of autocatalytic decomposition behavior of energetic materials. Hydroxylamine nitrate (HAN) is an important member of the hydroxylamine family. High concentrations of HAN are used as liquid propellants, and low concentrations of HAN are used primarily in the nuclear industry for decontamination of equipment. Because of its instability and autocatalytic decomposition behavior, HAN has been involved in several incidents.     

Submicro methods for the analysis of organic compounds : The determination of hydroxyl groups

Various procedures were examined for the determination of organic hydroxyl groups. Conventional acetylation methods could not be used on the submicro scale, but the spectrophotometric method based on esterification with 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl chloride followed by extraction of the ester and colour development with alkaline acetone proved reasonably satisfactory for aliphatic alcohols. Acidic hydroxyl groups e.g. in phenolic compounds, were titrated accurately with 0.01 M tetrabutylammonium hydroxide in benzene-methanol solution in a pyridine medium ; visual end-points or potentiometricend-points with glass-silver or glass-in-stream platinum electrode pairs were used depending on the strength of the acidic group. Some differentiating titrations were possible. A general submicro bromination method for phenols was not feasible.     

Titrimetric determination of thiocyanate and thiosulphate ions by oxidation with iodine in alkaline solution

Thiocyanate (2.7-90 mug) and thiosulphate (4.5-90 mug) ions are oxidized by iodine in alkaline media to sulphate ions. After acidification, the excess of iodine is extracted into chloroform, and the iodide ions formed in the redox reaction subjected to an amplification reaction. Either a titrimetric or a spectrophotometric finish may be used. Each thiocyanate and thiosulphate ion results in the ultimate production of 19 and 24 iodine molecules, respectively.     

Molecular emission cavity analysis—a new flame analytical technique: Part V. The determination of some sulphur anions

An investigation of the MECA behaviour of sulphate, sulphite, metabisulphite, peroxodisulphate, thiocyanate, thiosulphate and sulphide ions, has shown that ng amounts of these anions may be determined in samples of a few μl. Metal ion interferences in the determination of sulphate and sulphite are removed by addition of phosphoric acid.     

The gas chromatography, thermal analysis and mass spectrometry of fluorinated lead β-diketonates Determination of traces of lead by the integrated ion-current technique

Preparative details for perfluoroalkanoylpivalylmethanes and their lead chelates are given. Thermal analysis, gas chromatography and mass spectral studies all indicate high thermal stability, but strong column interaction makes successful quantitative gas chromatography difficult. The integrated ion-current technique is applied to determine lead heptafluorobutanoylpivalylmethanate in the range 10^-9–10^-7 g of lead, but a lower detection limit of ca. 10^-14 g is indicated.     

Molecular emission cavity analysis : Part VII. The determination of cadmium

Cadmium salts give an intense cadmium atomic emission in the MECA cavity in a hydrogen-nitrogen-air flame. When a carbon or stainless steel cavity is used, 10–120 ng of cadmium in 5-μl samples can be determined. In the presence of sulphuric acid, anionic interferences are removed. Of the cations, only Fe(III), Cr(III), Mg and Sn(II) interfere seriously.