Energetic Materials Laboratory
Department of Chemistry
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India
Dr. Srinivas Dharavath
Assistant Professor
Our research group design and synthesize various nitrogen-rich azoles, fused and strained rings containing small molecules which are highly dense, thermally stable, and insensitive towards mechanical stimuli for 'Green' and 'Environmentally friendly' high energy materials (HEM) applications. So far, we have synthesized various poly-nitrogen containing small energetic molecules and salts from commercially available cheap starting materials as HEMs in a simple and straightforward manner. Few synthesized molecules are a better replacement for the existing benchmark energetic materials that meet the requirements of present and future civil, defense, and space applications.
Recent Articles
Exploring Green Pyrotechnic Formulations and Primary Explosives with 1,3,4-Oxadiazole-Based Micro and Submicron Energetic Coordination Polymers
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Alkali and alkaline-earth metal incorporated 5,5′-dinitramino-3,3′-azo-1,3,4-oxadiazole (H2DNAO) based Energetic Coordination Polymers (ECPs), namely dipotassium 5,5′-dinitramino-3,3′-azo-1,3,4-oxadiazole(K2DNAO), dicesium 5,5′-dinitramino-3,3′-azo-1,3,4-oxadiazole(Cs2DNAO) and barium 5,5′-dinitramino-3,3′-azo-1,3,4-oxadiazole(BaDNAO) were synthesized for the first time. Synthesized ECPs were thoroughly characterized using infrared spectroscopy (IR), elemental analysis (EA), thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-Visible spectroscopy. All ECPs were also confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique (SC-XRD). The micro-ECPs exhibit excellent densities (1.98-2.80 g cm-3), insensitivities (IS:25->40 J; FS:240->360 N), and good thermal stabilities (Td:182-212 ºC). K2DNAO and Cs2DNAO show good detonation performance (VOD:7460-7893 m s-1; DP:27.5-30.6 GPa), respectively. To further investigate sub-micron-energetics, three sub-micron ECPs were prepared from their micro counterparts using ultrasonication method, demonstrating significant improvement in thermal stability (Td:194-221 ºC) but are highly sensitivity (IS:2-15J; FS:40-360N). Burning tests of two experimental formulations using micro K2DNAO and Cs2DNAO demonstrate their potential in green pyrotechnic applications. Interestingly, the submicron-counterparts show remarkable initiating capability. Considering their ease of synthesis, and safety profile, these materials can be effectively transported in their microform and can be rapidly converted into submicron-form on demand, making them suitable for pyrotechnic applications.
Highly Promising Primary Explosive: A Metal-Free, Fluoro-Substituted Azo-Triazole with Unmatched Safety, and Performance
A primary explosive is a perfect chemical compound for starting ignition in military and commercial uses. Over the past century, the quest for lead-free, environmentally friendly primary explosives has been a significant challenge and long-standing goal. Here, an innovative organic primary explosive, (E)-1,2-bis(3-azido-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)diazene (4), has been designed and synthesized through a straightforward three-step reaction from commercially available reagents. Importantly, this compound integrated two trifluoromethyl and azido groups into the N,N’-azo-1,2,4-triazole backbone to enhance performance and safety. With this combination, it meets stringent criteria for safer, environmentally friendly primary explosives: being metal, perchlorate-free, possessing high density, excellent priming ability, unique sensitivities to non-explosive stimuli. It shows robust environmental resistance, good thermal stability, and effective detonation performance and also can be effectively initiated with laser. Moreover, in the detonation test, compound 4 successfully detonated 500 mg of PETN with an ultralow minimum primer charge (MPC) of 40 mg, similar to traditional primary explosive LA (MPC: 40 mg) and outperforming organic metal free primary explosives ICM-103 (MPC: 60 mg) and DDNP (MPC: 70 mg). The high detonation power, combined with its straightforward synthesis, cost-effectiveness, and ease in making large scale, makes it a superior alternative to currently used primary explosives like lead azide (LA) and diazodinitrophenol (DDNP).