The Alkaline Decomposition of Cellulose Nitrate. I. Quantitative Studies<sup>1</sup>

Kenyon, W. O.; Gray, H. LeB.

doi:10.1021/ja01299a034

Cited by 13 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…Propellant residues have to date been studied less than secondary explosives. Studies have shown the susceptibility of nitrocellulose to alkaline degradation (Kenyon and Gray 1936). Kim et al (1998) have demonstrated the ability of high strength caustic solutions to render nitrocellulose biodegradable.…”

Section: Foundations Of Alkaline Hydrolysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Management of Munitions Constituents in Soil Using Alkaline Hydrolysis: A Guide for Practitioners

Johnson¹,

Felt²,

Martin³

et al. 2011

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This report summarizes the state of the practice for the effective management of munitions constituents using alkaline amendments. It includes the wide variety of laboratory results that delineate the reaction kinetics and transformation products of alkaline hydrolysis. It also describes the field demonstrations that have proven the worth of alkaline amendments on both active training ranges and former defense facilities. Alkaline hydrolysis has been extensively studied for the degradation of secondary explosives in aqueous and soil systems. Laboratory studies have determined that the end products of alkaline hydrolysis are mostly small compounds that are readily biodegradable in natural systems. A well-mixed application of hydrated lime has been shown to reduce the concentration of explosives in soil and the concentration of explosives leaving soil lysimeters as both leachate and runoff. Field studies have proven the technology at both active training ranges and formerly used facilities. The total of the work performed to date has demonstrated alkaline hydrolysis to be a safe, effective, and cost-efficient method of managing or treating munitions constituents in soil. It has gained regulatory acceptance for soil remediation activities, and is a valuable technique for Army environmental practitioners.

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Section: Foundations Of Alkaline Hydrolysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Management of Munitions Constituents in Soil Using Alkaline Hydrolysis: A Guide for Practitioners

Johnson¹,

Felt²,

Martin³

et al. 2011

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“…A nitrocellulose dispersion (5 percent) containing five percent sodium hydroxide un-*. derwent complete decomposition at 60 C in 0.23 minutes (Kenyon, 1936).…”

Section: I?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of Novel Decontamination and Inerting Techniques for Explosives Contaminated Facilities. Phase 1. Identification and Evaluation of Novel Decontamination Concepts. Volume 1

Benecke¹,

Zamejc²,

Nixon³

et al. 1983

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“…Because of both stockpile rebuilding and weapon retirement activities, a large amount of surplus explosive needs to be destroyed. Alkaline hydrolysis is an alternative to the traditional method of explosive destruction, open burn/open detonation (OB/OD). − Alkaline hydrolysis destroys high explosives by degrading nitramine explosives, such as HMX, into organic and inorganic salts, soluble organic compounds, and benign nitrogen gases (nitrous oxide (N 2 O), nitrogen (N 2 ), and ammonia (NH 3 )). The process operates at relatively low temperatures compared to incineration, is easy to implement and control, and is conducted in a closed system.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Safe Operating Temperatures for Pressurized Alkaline Hydrolysis of HMX-Based Explosives

Bishop

Harradine

Flesner

et al. 2000

Ind. Eng. Chem. Res.

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Alkaline hydrolysis is used to convert high explosives to nonenergetic, aqueous compounds. Base hydrolysis of high explosives is exothermic (∆H RXN ) 2.3 kJ/g), and thermal runaway of the reaction is a possibility at elevated temperatures (>120 °C) where the rate of reaction is large. Thermal runaway could result in an accidental detonation of the energetic material being treated, so safe operating parameters for base hydrolysis need to be determined. To measure the safe operating temperature, base hydrolysis was performed at temperatures ramped from 20 to 300 °C. The results show that PBX 9501 molding powder detonates at a 185 °C bulk temperature in 1.5 M NaOH with a 4.5 °C/min linear temperature ramp and no agitation. The reaction of pressed PBX 9501 with 0.75, 1.5, and 3.0 M NaOH and water and both pressed and nonpressed PBX 9404 with 0.75, 1.5 M, and 3.0 M NaOH and water did not produce a detonation with a 4.5 °C/min linear temperature ramp. A previously developed reaction rate model was used to show that thermal runaway should occur when the base hydrolysis reaction rate reached a maximum at a bulk temperature between 185 and 225 °C.

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The Alkaline Decomposition of Cellulose Nitrate. I. Quantitative Studies¹

Cited by 13 publications

References 3 publications

Management of Munitions Constituents in Soil Using Alkaline Hydrolysis: A Guide for Practitioners

Management of Munitions Constituents in Soil Using Alkaline Hydrolysis: A Guide for Practitioners

Development of Novel Decontamination and Inerting Techniques for Explosives Contaminated Facilities. Phase 1. Identification and Evaluation of Novel Decontamination Concepts. Volume 1

Safe Operating Temperatures for Pressurized Alkaline Hydrolysis of HMX-Based Explosives

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The Alkaline Decomposition of Cellulose Nitrate. I. Quantitative Studies1

Cited by 13 publications

References 3 publications

Management of Munitions Constituents in Soil Using Alkaline Hydrolysis: A Guide for Practitioners

Management of Munitions Constituents in Soil Using Alkaline Hydrolysis: A Guide for Practitioners

Development of Novel Decontamination and Inerting Techniques for Explosives Contaminated Facilities. Phase 1. Identification and Evaluation of Novel Decontamination Concepts. Volume 1

Safe Operating Temperatures for Pressurized Alkaline Hydrolysis of HMX-Based Explosives

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The Alkaline Decomposition of Cellulose Nitrate. I. Quantitative Studies¹