Abstract: A method to convert surplus nitroarene explosives (picric acid, ammonium picrate,) into TATB is described. The process comprises three major steps: conversion of picric acid/ammonium picrate into picramide; conversion of picramide to TATB through vicarious nucleophilic substitution (VNS) of hydrogen chemistry; and purification of TATB.

Abstract: A method to convert surplus nitroarene explosives into trinitrophloroglucinol and triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB) is described. Picric acid is directly aminated to diaminopicric acid, which is converted to trinitrophloroglucinol and triaminotrinitrobenzene.

Abstract: A method for removing actinide contaminants (uranium and thorium) from the spent salt of a molten salt oxidation (MSO) reactor is described. Spent salt is removed from the reactor and analyzed to determine the contaminants present and the carbonate concentration. The salt is dissolved in water, and one or more reagents are added to precipitate the thorium as thorium oxide and/or the uranium as either uranium oxide or as a diuranate salt. The precipitated materials are filtered, dried and packaged for disposal as radioactive waste. About 90% of the thorium and/or uranium present is removed by filtration. After filtration, salt solutions having a carbonate concentration >20% can be dried and returned to the reactor for re-use. Salt solutions containing a carbonate concentration <20% require further clean-up using an ion exchange column, which yields salt solutions that contain less than 0.1 ppm of thorium or uranium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing metal contaminants from the spent salt of a molten salt oxidation (MSO) reactor is described. Spent salt is removed from the reactor and analyzed to determine the contaminants present and the carbonate concentration. The salt is dissolved in water, and one or more reagents may be added to precipitate the metal oxide and/or the metal as either metal oxide, metal hydroxide, or as a salt. The precipitated materials are filtered, dried and packaged for disposal as waste or can be immobilized as ceramic pellets. More than about 90% of the metals and mineral residues (ashes) present are removed by filtration. After filtration, salt solutions having a carbonate concentration >20% can be spray-dried and returned to the reactor for re-use. Salt solutions containing a carbonate concentration <20% require further clean-up using an ion exchange column, which yields salt solutions that contain less than 1.0 ppm of contaminants.

Abstract: A method for plating palladium on Group IV-B and V-B metals, particularly niobium, vanadium, zirconium, titanium and tantalum as pure metals and as alloys is described. The method provides the metal to be plated with a roughened exposed surface to be plated which has been electrolytically hydrided and then the surface is plated using electroless or electrolytic plating. Hydride is removed from the plated surface, usually by heating. This also removes other surface impurities and aids the coat adhesion. The resulting palladium plated metal articles are usful for hydrogen extraction.