Title : Waterproofing materials for ammonium nitrate
Abstract:
This study explores the possibility of overcoming the problem of hygroscopicity of ammonium nitrate by coating the particles with selected waterproofing materials .Gravimetric analysis of the samples of ammonium nitrate coated with eight different waterproofing materials , vis-à-vis ,uncoated ammonium nitrate were conducted at different relative humidity and exposure time. The results indicate that mineral jelly is the promising waterproofing material for ammonium nitrate among the materials tested ,viz. calcium stearate, dioctyl phthalate, kaoline, diethylphthalate, dinitrotoluene,shellac varnish and bees wax. Attempts were made to confirm the waterproofing ability of mineral jelly to ammonium nitrate using differential thermal analysis and x-ray diffraction patterns as an experimental tool. Suitability of mineral jelly as an additive for the gun propellant was also assessed on the basis of theoretical calculations using ‘THERM’ program.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- A suitable, easy and convenient method for waterproofing of ammonium nitrate
- It will establish a low cost, easily available and eco-friendly oxidizer to propulsion community
- This research will serve as an alternative pathway to the production of phase stabilized ammonium nitrat
- This method of production of ammonium nitrate coated with mineral jelly will overcome the problem of formation of caking. Caking of ammonium nitrate is highly undesirable phenomenon as far as the use of ammonium nitrate in solid propellant is concerned. This is because it affects the structural integrity, energetic and ballistic regularity of the propellant. Thus it will provide a practical solution to the application of ammonium nitrate for future gun propellants.
- Ammonium nitrate can be evolved as an eco-friendly oxidized for the application of future high energy materials
