THERMAL INVESTIGATION OF THE CRYSTALLIZATION NUCLEANT FORMED BETWEEN 2,4,6-TRINITROTOLUENE, (TNT) AND 2,2',4,4',6,6'-HEXANITROSTILBENE (HNS)

Hexanitrostilbene (HNS), is added to trinitrotoluene (TNT), in order t o improve the grain structure of cast munitions. The formation and com position of the nucleant material has been investigated by thermal met hods using mixtures of HNS and TNT, with composition in the range 0.5% , the normal casting level, to 50% w/w HNS to TNT. These were cycled b etween ambient and upper temperatures in the range 160 to 235 degrees C. Endotherms in the DSC traces, due to nucleant decomposition, have b een observed in situ without the need for separation and purification. DSC enthalpy measurements, before and after thermal decomposition, we re used to determine the composition of separated nucleant. Nucleant r egeneration after decomposition, was investigated by thermal methods. Nucleant could not be recrystallised from solvents. Results have been interpreted on the basis of the formation of a solid solution of TNT i n HNS, rather than a complex of formula TNT2HNS.