Abstract: A thermally stable booster explosive and process for the manufacture of the explosive. The product explosive is 2,4,7,9-tetranitro-10H-benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-b]indole (TNBFI). A reactant/solvent such as n-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) or dimethyl formamide (DMF) is made slightly basic. The solution is heated to reduce the water content. The solution is cooled and hexanitrostilbene is added. The solution is heated to a predetermined temperature for a specific time period, cooled, and the product is collected by filtration.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 16, 2005
Date of Patent:
March 20, 2007
Assignee:
BWXT Pantex LLC
Inventors:
William T. Quinlin, Raymond Thorpe, James M. Lightfoot