UV-induced photodecomposition of 2, 2′, 4, 4′, 6, 6′-hexanitrostillbene (HNS)

HNS (2, 2′, 4, 4′, 6, 6′-hexanitrostillbene) is a heat-resistant photosensitive explosive widely used in the booster charge. Investigation of the photodecomposition mechanism may provide important information for controlling and enhancing the detonation performance, also for the lifetime prediction. The UV-induced photodecomposition of HNS has been subjected to experimental studies. The UV-Vis spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra (EPR) demonstrate the formation of NO2 free radicals and nitroso derivatives of HNS upon UV irradiation, which proves well known facts that C-NO2 breaking and removal of oxygen from the nitro group take part in the photodecomposition of HNS.