Explosive Properties and Thermal Stability of Urea‐Hydrogen Peroxide Adduct

Abstract

The adduct of urea and hydrogen peroxide (UHP) is industrially produced material on a large scale. Although UHP is widely used as a bleaching and oxidizing agent, its properties as energetic material are generally overlooked. In this work we report comprehensive characterization of UHP explosive and thermal properties. We found that UHP is a compound with a negative value of standard enthalpy of formation (−565.1 kJ mol−1). It is not sensitive to impact and friction. However, we demonstrated that UHP (ρ=0.93 g cm−3; packed into a steel pipe with inner diameter of 206 mm) detonates with experimental velocity of detonation (VOD) of 3780 m s−1. Moreover, for UHP with maximal theoretical density (ρ=1.43 g cm−3), the calculated VOD reaches 5219 m s−1. Based on our findings, we recommend that present regulations regarding the handling, storage and transportation of the UHP should be revised, especially in cases, where UHP is kept on a large scale, under confinement and at places where the temperature can reach above 60 °C.

Imidazolium-urea low transition temperature mixtures for the UHP-promoted oxidation of boron compounds

“…No attempt has been made, in this reaction, to use the urea-hydroperoxide (UHP), which is a more stable and safer to handle oxidant. Thermal decomposition of UHP releases H 2 O 2 above 75 °C [30], although it has been proved to occur at lower temperatures (45 °C) by activation with fluorinated solvents [45].…”

“…This oxidation reaction has been studied extensively [26], with most procedures targeting synthesis under metal-free using aqueous H 2 O 2 as oxidizer [27][28][29], however, there are serious safety concerns regarding the use of this reagent, especially for strongly exothermic reactions. Thus, we explored the possibility of using ureahydrogen peroxide adduct (UHP), which is much safer to handle [30]. In combination with the imidazolium salt [(mcm)mimCl] it slowly forms a LTTM at room temperature, which would gradually release H 2 O 2 into the reaction medium, providing a more regulated and sustainable oxidation procedure.…”

Detonation performance of urea‐hydrogen peroxide (UHP)**

“…I G U R E 8 5 kg UHP (0.85 g/cm 3 ) -10 m standoff (5 shots).F I G U R E 9 TNT equivalences for UHP airblast parameters at 0.85 g/cm3 (line with average values as a visual guide).T A B L E 4Underwater Firings -Small and large scale -mass (M), depth (D), range (R), peak overpressure (P max ), first pulsation period (t b ), equivalent shock (E s, equ ) and bubble (E b, equ ) energies.…”

From liquid to solid-state, solvent-free oxidative ammonolysis of lignins – an easy, alternative approach to generate “N-lignins”

“…This compound is used as a mild disinfectant in daily life. UHP starts to decompose at 60 °C, 43 forming urea (which is further decomposed to ammonia and CO 2 ) and H 2 O 2 , followed by the release of O 2 at higher temperatures through the decay of H 2 O 2 .…”