Studies on nickel hydrazinium nitrate (NHN) and bis-(5-nitro-2H tetrazolato-N²)tetraamino cobalt(III) perchlorate (BNCP): Potential lead-free advanced primary explosives

Abstract

Nickel hydrazinium nitrate (NHN) and bis-(5-nitro-2H tetrazolato-N²) tetraamino cobalt perchlorate (BNCP) have been synthesized and characterized. The performance evaluation of NHN in detonator tube No. 27 indicates that NHN offers a relatively safe alternative to lead styphnate as well as part replacement of lead azide. However, BNCP could be initiated only in the presence of high impulse flash donor compounds such as cobalt <i style="">tris-</i>(carbohydrazide) perchlorate(CCP)/nickel tris-(carbohydrazide) perchlorate (NCP) despite its high velocity of detonation. The results obtained in terms of extent of damage to witness plate are compared with the standard detonator No. 27 containing ASA (azide, styphynate and aluminium) composition. Also reports the studies on initiation of RDX/TNT (700/300 g) demolition charge by NHN: CE (350/500/900:550/400/0 mg) and NCP:BNCP:CE (50:300:550 mg) filled in detonator tube No. 10.