Desensitization of Explosive Materials

The objective of our work is to determine the generality of an observation that substitution of fluorine for hydrogen in an explosive material leads to desensitization. Substitution of the -CH2- group in FEFO, (FC(NO2) 2CH2O)2CH2, with a -CF2- group to give DFF, (FC(NO2)2CH2O)2CF2, reduces the sensitivity to impact and low velocity detonation (LVD). In addition to having reduced sensitivity, DFF has higher density and lower melting point than FEFO. To generalize the hypothesis that the substitution of fluorine for hydrogen will desensitize an explosive, formals analogous to FEFO and DFF are being prepared and their sensitivity characteristics determined. This research will continue on fluorine analogs of explosive nitrate esters, heterocyclics and other classes.