Production of Exploding Materials for Detonators: Control of Crystal Growth of Lead and Barium 2,4,6‐trinitroresorcinate

Abstract The production of lead and barium 2,4,6‐trinitroresorcinate in a suitable form for loading by gravity in detonator production has been investigated. During the work, we discovered that the synthesis of the mentioned salts in the presence of some crystal habit additives gives such characteristics of the products. A goal of our work was to investigate the role of some crystal growth additives in the nucleation, growth, size, and shape of lead 2,4,6‐trinitroresorcinate and barium 2,4,6‐trinitroresorcinate crystals. Among several crystal growth additives mentioned in the bibliography, we chose carboxymethylcellulose (sodium salt, viscosity 3–4 Pa⋅s), polyvinyl alcohol, as well as two new ones, cationic acrylamide copolymer salt, polyelectrolyte AS‐3605 and acrylic acid–acrylamide copolymer salt, Haicat (PraestrolR 835BS). As a synthesis pattern, we chose an aqueous procedure of synthesis, using solutions of lead(II) or barium salts and magnesium 2,4,6‐trinitroresorcinate. The crystal growth additives were added to one of the solutions, depending on their nature. During the research, most of the attention was focused on crystal size and shape, on safety handling and manipulation, as well as on the yield and process performing facility. The final products were qualified by chemical (Pb and NO2 group contents) and physical (crystal shape and size, bulk density, flowability, and impact and friction sensitivity) analyses.