http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/files.php?pid=302583&aid=26587

Azole-based energetic salts.

Advances in science and technology of modern energetic materials: an overview.

Environmentally compatible next generation green energetic materials (GEMs).

Fireworks are probably the application of chemistry which resonates best with the general public. However, fireworks and (civil and military) pyrotechnic applications cause environmental pollution and thus have given rise to the development of new, environmentally friendly pyrotechnic compounds and formulations. Nitrogen-rich energetic materials, such as the derivatives of tetrazoles and tetrazines, are about to revolutionize traditional pyrotechnic compositions. This Review summarizes the sources of pollution in current formulations and recent efforts toward "green" pyrotechnics.

Green Pyrotechnics : A Chemists' Challenge

Recent trends in high-energy materials

This paper reviews the research and development work on CL-20, the most powerful high-energy material of today, as well as CL-20-based formulations. Methods of CL-20 synthesis and processes for obtaining a desired particle size are discussed. Particular attention is paid to optimization of conditions for obtaining the most stable high-density polymorph. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction appear to be effective means for distinguishing CL-20 polymorphs. The thermal decomposition pattern of CL-20 as well as the proposed decomposition and combustion mechanisms also form part of this manuscript. Investigations performed by various researchers show that its relatively high sensitivity needs special attention from the viewpoint of CL-20 preparation and processing of formulations based on this substance. Salient features of CL-20-based explosives and gun/rocket propellants studied are included into this review. CL-20 may be ranked as the most attractive compound for futuristic explosive and propellant formulations. The research activities performed by the authors on synthesis and characterization of CL-20 are briefly described.

Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) and CL-20-based formulations (review)

Important aspects of behaviour of organic energetic compounds: a review.

CL-20 is an attractive HEM having density (>2 g cm-3) and velocity of detonation (9400 m s-1) superior to HMX (1.9 g cm-3 and 9100 m s-1). During this study, CL-20 was synthesized to establish viability of efficient synthesis method. The compound synthesized at HEMRL was characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR and elemental analysis. Thermal studies (dynamic DSC and isothermal TG) were undertaken to determine kinetic parameters and understand the decomposition patterns. An attempt is made to explain the mechanism of decomposition of CL-20 on the basis of the data obtained by the authors and findings of other researchers. The activation energy values obtained during this work by adopting various approaches are close to the values reported for N-NO2 bond cleavage suggesting that it is global rate determining process rather than the collapse of cage structure. Mass spectra also provides evidences in this regard. Monitoring of decomposition products at high temperature supports these findings and brings out that NO2 initiates secondary decomposition processes because of entrapment in cage structure.

Studies on cl-20: the most powerful high energy material

Energetic plasticizers have been used in the propellant industry for improving mechanical properties of propellant formulations and to boost energy. In modern energetic propellant composition, conventional plasticizers are being gradually replaced by energetic plasticizers having nitro, nitroamino, azido and other energetic groups or combination of energetic groups in the same molecule. The present article covers the recent advances in the field of energetic plasticizers with special reference to their applications in gun and rocket propellants. The paper also covers future scope for R&D work in this area.

Energetic plasticizers for gun & rocket propellants

This paper reviews physico chemical, thermal, mechanical and ballistic characteristics of glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) and GAP based solid propellants. GAP offers propellant system with superior ballistics and high performance. Its potential as an energetic additive is attributed to the highly exothermic scission of -N3 bond structure accompanied by the release of energy of the order of 685 kJ/mole. Inclusion of GAP in propellant compositions leads to an improvement in their mechanical properties.

Haridwar Singh

Papers

Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) and CL-20-based formulations (review)

Important aspects of behaviour of organic energetic compounds: a review.

Studies on cl-20: the most powerful high energy material

Energetic plasticizers for gun & rocket propellants

Glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) − An energetic component of advanced solid rocket propellants − A review