Demonstration of DBX-1 as an Alternative to RD-1333 Lead Azide
WP-201109
Objective
The objective of this project is to demonstrate DBX-1 as a drop-in replacement for RD-1333 lead azide that performs at least as well as RD-1333 in selected detonators and cartridge actuated devices and that is non-toxic to manufacturers and users, i.e., an environmentally benign material.
Technology Description
Copper(I) 5-nitrotetrazole (or DBX-1) has been demonstrated to be a 1:1 complex of 5-nitrotetrazole and Cu+, and the structure has been confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). Preliminary testing of this material has confirmed that DBX-1 has chemical and safety properties similar to RD-1333 lead azide and output characteristics that are equal to or greater than RD-1333. A Naval Sea Systems Command Instruction 8020.5C material qualification program has recently been completed, which indicated that DBX-1 is extremely thermally stable and the sensitivity characteristics change very little over time. DBX-1 has shown that it may have the properties to be a drop-in replacement for lead azide in a variety of applications. The material is still manufactured on a small scale but is currently in the process of being scaled up to the quantities necessary to meet Department of Defense requirements.
Benefits
Benefits of implementing DBX-1 as a lead azide alternative include environmental security, cost avoidance, and cost savings. Surveillance test efforts and other test range impacts should be lessened due to a switch to lead-free components, and the health hazards associated with manufacture and use of lead azide will be eliminated. Similarly, demilitarization and disposal cost savings should also be realized. Additionally, there is currently no qualified domestic production of lead azide, so establishing DBX-1 as a replacement could avoid the delays and costs associated with the projected obsolescence of lead azide. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2014)
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Liz Chaluisant
Naval Surface Warfare Center
Phone: 301-744-2102
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.