franklyn - 30-7-2006 at 13:03
Trimethylolethane nitric ester structurally similar to PETN
commercial use of this solid alchohol should make it easy to get.
See _
http://www.geosc.com/DOCS/TME/TME_Complete_Guide.pdf
page 34
.
quicksilver - 1-8-2006 at 07:10
On the surface it appears to be utilized in the same manner as penta in an industrial context. From a cost fator it seems to be somewhat higher thus
the move from PETN seems in doubt.
Most all the solid alcohols once nitrated don't offer the headache issue as does EDGN & NG.
PETN, MHN, ETN, etc are all vastly available in bulk at astoundingly low prices. The comparison of TME, although an appropriate one, should be offered
in light of it's availablity and cost factor. Superficially it appears to be a polyol with a lack of beta hydrogen in composition. From the standpoint
of making a coating (paint, etc) this is a boon to longevity. But when nitrated it may offer complications which are not known to me at this time to
comment on. The example of PETN and ETN comes to mind. PETN has great stability; ETN has great sensitivty. The nitration of varing solid alcohols
albiet similar in general production to a degree, differs in the final product enough to pose many questions when considering a change in a mass
produced item like det cord or compound detonators. And aside from that the basic cost factor and availability of the raw material.....superficially
it appears interesting enough to find out more.