Bismuth-based energetic materials

Abstract

Energetic compounds based on bismuth salts with reduced toxicity that are obtained through the reaction of soluble bismuth salts with soluble salts of organic or inorganic energetic compounds based on azides, derivatives aromatic nitro compounds or nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds, together with the methods for their preparation and application.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to bismuth-based energetic compounds and the method of their preparation and usage.BACKGROUND ART[0002]Recent years have seen a growing pressure on manufacturers dealing with the production and processing of the materials referred to as “energetic”, i.e. explosives and pyrotechnical compounds, including the producers of ammunition, with the aim of achieving the total elimination of the utilisation of toxic materials—primarily compounds based on toxic metals—as disclosed further. These are actually cations of mostly precious metals bonded within organic and inorganic molecules that are virtually irreplaceable, because they form compounds that have served as excellent primary explosives for more than 100 years now, i.e. primary explosives constituting the principal components of ignition systems in primers for ammunition of all calibres, electric matches and detonators of various types.[0003]Ammunition manufacturers have been particul...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes the production and application of new energetic compounds based on bismuth salts that are better replacements for lead tricinate, which is a highly toxic primary explosive. Bismuth is a heavy metal that is bonded by a weak and easily cleavable bond to ensure efficient heat transfer. It has the same physical properties as lead and is ranked amongst the heaviest metals known. However, it is ranked amongst the least toxic metals and is widely used in various applications such as medicine, cosmetics, and propellants. The patent text also discusses the challenges in preparing explosive Bi salt due to its extreme tendency towards hydrolysis in water or certain polar solvents. The text describes the formation of aqua-oxo-hydro complexes of bismuth in aqueous solutions and how it can be utilized in various applications. The technical effects of the patent text are the development of new, safe, and effective alternatives to lead tricinate and the improved performance of bismuth salts in various applications.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, the periodic system offers only a very limited selection, however there is still a metal that is ranked amongst the heaviest elements known and, in accordance with the modern criteria and compared to various other metals used in ammunition production, its toxicity is considered as being amongst the lowest values measured.