Abstract: A process for forming granules (e.g., alpha-HMX containing granules) from at least one particulate material comprises the steps of: (a) selecting particulates (e.g., alpha-HMX particulates) having a particle size distribution; and (b) fluidizing the particulates, whereby particulates agglomerate to form granules. Optionally, the particulates can be coated with one or more second materials, such as energetic materials or fuels. If one or more of the second materials comprise polymerizable monomers, the process can optionally further comprise the step of polymerizing those monomers in situ, either before or after the granule is formed.

Abstract: A process for separating a nitramine or nitramine intermediate from water and volatile organic compounds comprises the steps of: (a) feeding a liquid stream comprising a liquid nitramine or nitramine intermediate, water, and at least one volatile organic compound, into the upper half of a stripper column; (b) feeding a gas stream having a temperature of at least about 120° C. into the lower half of the stripper column, whereby the gas stream and the liquid stream come into countercurrent contact in the stripper column; (c) withdrawing a nitramine or nitramine intermediate stream from the bottom of the stripper column; and (d) withdrawing a waste stream comprising gas and one or more of water vapor, water, formaldehyde, and acetic acid, from the top of the column.

Abstract: A process for preparing an HMX product comprises the steps of: (a) providing a granule that comprises a plurality of alpha-HMX particles and which has internal void spaces; and (b) sorbing at least one second material into the void spaces in the granule. The second material can be sorbed into the granules by using a vacuum to draw a gas phase comprising the second material into the granule. Alternatively, the second material can be sorbed into the granules by dissolving or dispersing the second material in a liquid solvent, contacting the solvent with the granules, and evaporating the solvent, whereby the second material is sorbed into the granules. Various second materials can be used, such as energetic materials and fuels.

Abstract: A process for making a 1,3,5,7-tetraalkanoyl-1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane comprises the steps of: (a) reacting a compound having the formula wherein R is straight chain or branched alkyl having 1-5 carbon atoms, with an alkanoic acid anhydride having the formula (RCO)2O, where R is as defined above, thereby producing a compound having the formula: wherein R is as defined above; and (b) reacting the compound having the formula (II) with the alkanoic acid anhydride in the presence of water and a catalytic amount of at least one transition metal oxide, thereby producing a compound having the formula where R is as defined above.

Abstract: A process for making alpha-HMX comprises the steps of: (a) combining phosphorus pentoxide and nitric acid at a temperature of about 0-25° C., forming a reaction mixture; and (b) adding a compound having the formula: wherein R is straight chain or branched alkyl having 1-5 carbon atoms, to the reaction mixture, whereby a product comprising alpha-HMX is produced.

Abstract: 1,3,5-TRINITROHEXAHYDRO-1,3,5-TRIAZINE (RDX) is prepared in a new simplif and efficient manner which provides near quantitative yield. Our process is based upon the nitration of 3,7-DIACETYL 1,3,5,7 TETRAAZA[3.3.1.]BICYCLONONANE (DAPT).

Abstract: Formed from trifunctional units (M) having attached, to one of the two terminal carbon atoms of an alkylene hydrocarbon diradical, the functional group A', and having attached, to the other terminal carbon atom, a different functional group B' reactive with A' to form a linkage AB; and having attached, to a third carbon of the skeleton of unit (M), the functional group A" (preferably the same as A') reactive with B' whereby a macromolecule is built up of successive layers of units (M). The process involves successive stages in the first of which, the functional groups A' are blocked and group B is blocked with a "source" unit (S); then groups A' are liberated to form Compound I. In the second stage, Compound II is formed from the starting material (such as lysine) by first blocking groups A', then converting group B' to a form reactive with A'.

Abstract: Formed from trifunctional units (M) having attached, to one of the two terminal carbon atoms of an alkylene hydrocarbon diradical, the functional group A', and having attached, to the other terminal carbon atom, a different functional group B' reactive A' to form a linkage AB; and having attached, to a third carbon of the skeleton of unit (M), the functional group A" (preferably the same as A') reactive with B' whereby a macromolecule is built up of successive layers of units (M). The process involves successive stages in the first of which, the functional groups A' are blocked and group B is blocked with a "source" unit (S); then groups A' are liberated to form Compound I. In the second stage, Compound II is formed from the starting material (such as lysine) by first blocking groups A', then converting group B' to a form reactive with A'.

Abstract: Formed from trifunctional units (M) having attached, to one of two terminal carbon atoms of an alkylene hydrocarbon diradical, the functional group A', and having attached, to the other terminal carbon atom, a different functional group B' reactive with A' to form a linkage AB; and having attached, to a third carbon of the skeleton of unit (M), the functional group A" (preferably the same as A') reactive with B' whereby a macromolecule is built up of successive layers of units (M). The process involves successive stages in the first of which, the functional groups A' are blocked and group B is blocked with a "source" unit (S); then groups A' are liberated to form Compound I. In the second stage, Compound II is formed from the starting material (such as lysine) by first blocking groups A', then converting group B' to a form reactive with A'.