The explosive "EAK" and mechanical chemistry
EAK [EDD/AN/KN]
Ethylenediamine dinitrite 45.7%
Ammonium nitrate 46.2
Potassium nitrate 8.1
EAK is an IMX – An Intermolecular Explosive “a recently coined
descriptor for explosives composed of separate fuel and
oxidizer materials. These materials were formerly known by the
term "Non-Ideal Explosives." Non-ideal explosives were so
named because their performance is not predicted by standard
detonation theory. They do not follow standard detonation
theory in that their decomposition to gases at high pressure is
not near instantaneous. This nomenclature found little favor
with the military and so was discontinued in favor of
"Intermolecular Explosives." This class of explosives has many
advantages. They can be made from inexpensive, abundant,
available, materials which are not necessarily based on
petroleum. They are safe in all phases of their life cycle, very
insensitive, easily processible [sic], and possess a high
compatibility with current Army meltcast ammunition loading
plants.”
Comes now the question – what is the function of the
potassium nitrate?
“The inclusion of ammonium nitrate (AN) in all these systems
requires some understanding of the AN, especially the
volumetric changes that occur through its phase
changes (Fig. 1). In the range of temperature from its melting
point to -18°C, AN has five phases. The problem area revolves
around the phase transition of III <-> IV. This transition
produces the largest volume change and creates the biggest
problem for its use in both explosives and propellants.
“Since moisture is difficult to exclude without incurring large
manufacturing costs, better methods of stabilizing AN are
required. These methods would require that phase III be locked
in to provide dimensional stability over the military service
temperature of -65°F to +165° F (-54°C to 74°C).
“Again, in the propellant industry, potassium nitrate (KN) was
found to be an excellent phase stabilizer for AN. Recent work by
H. H. Cady (ref. 6) indicated that 15 wt-% KN added to the AN
prior to prilling is the most promising technique to maintain
dimensional stability.”
ADA131641
Ethylenediamine Dinitrate and Its Eutectic Mixtures: A Historical
Review of the Literature to 1982
Los Alamos National Lab NM
Dobratz, Brigitta M.
http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA131641
MAY 1983
ADP004449
Development of the IMX (Intermolecular Explosives) Double
Direct Process
Army Ballistic Research Lab Aberdeen Proving Ground MD
Pacanowsky, E. J. ; Hillstrom, W. W. ; Vande Kieft, L. J.
http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADP004449
02 JUN 1982
ADA155737
TNT Equivalency of EAK Explosive
Final rept. Oct-Dec 1984
Computer Sciences Corp NSTL Station Mechanical Services Lab
Mars, L. ; Kukuvka, R. ; Caltagirone, J.
http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA155737
JUN 1985
ADA167224
Synthesis and Properties of Selected Energetic Organodi- and
Polyammonium Nitrate Salts
Interim technical rept. 1 Jan 1983-31 Oct 1985
Air Force Armament Lab Eglin AFB FL Energetic Materials Branch
Hildreth, Robert A. ; Fryling, James A. ; Struck, Stephen R. ;
McKenney, Robert L., Jr
http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA167224
APR 1986
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