|
|||||
|
|
Brighter‐ and Longer‐Burning Barium‐Free Illuminants for Military and Civilian Pyrotechnics |
|
| Authors: | Jesse J Sabatini James M Raab Ronald K Hann Jr Cathleen T Freeman |
| Institution: | 1. US Army RDECOM‐ARDEC, Pyrotechnics Technology and Prototyping Division, Building 3124, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806, USA;2. Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA |
| Abstract: | The development of barium‐free pyrotechnic illuminants is described. Heavy metal barium nitrate oxidizer and strontium nitrate oxidizer were replaced with sodium nitrate to adequately address environmental concerns while providing the brightest possible illuminant. The new formulations further address environmental concerns and mitigate single‐point‐of‐failure through the replacement of polyester‐based Laminac 4116/Lupersol binder system with the epoxy‐based Epon 813/Versamid 140 binder system. The new formulations were found to burn longer and brighter than the control with a low sensitivity to various ignition stimuli. |
| Keywords: | Energetic materials Pyrotechnics Illuminants Green chemistry High‐temperature chemistry |