(560hh) In Situ Analysis and Dynamic Response Surface Modeling of Energetic Material Hydrolysis

In an effort to improve the demilitarization of propellant materials and provide alternative methodologies to open burning disposal, a process involving the conservation of propellant nitrogen and subsequent assimilation into algae for production of biofuel is investigated. Optimized caustic hydrolysis of a double base propellant is presented as an efficient process to remove the nitrogen from nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine in the form of nitrites and nitrates for further downstream processing. Factors affecting the hydrolysis nitrogen yield and reaction kinetics are analyzed using a Design of Experiments methodology to develop Dynamic Response Surface Models. Reactions are executed in an EasyMax reactor utilizing in-situ FTIR, FBRM, and calorimetry to provide continuous quantification of ion concentration, particle size, and heat flow.

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is unlimited. UNCLASSIFIED