(501h) Synthesis and Characterization of a Biocidal Co-Crystal

Agent defeat weapons are a modern method for neutralizing biological weapons while minimizing the exposure of friendly personnel. Formulations for agent defeat weapons are often composed of physical mixtures of high iodine containing oxidizers and fuels. This work explores scalable co-crystallization of AP and Ca(IO₃)₂ on a LabRAM. The formation of a co-crystal was assessed through a combination of powder x-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, and adoption of a new crystal morphology. The thermal, impact, friction, and electrostatic sensitivity was evaluated. The combustion performance and iodine release were compared to a physical mixture using 25 wt% THV bound formulations with a fuel/oxidizer content of 11.45 wt% B₄C and 88.55 wt% AP/Ca(IO₃)₂. Co-crystallization resulted in a molecular intimacy between AP and Ca(IO₃)₂ that exhibits improved combustion and iodine release, in an atmospheric environment, when compared to a physical mixture.