Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (Hexogen, common symbol RDX), the chemical name is cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, also known as cyclone explosive. The chemical formula is C3H6N6O6. It can cause combustion and explosion when exposed to open flame, high temperature, vibration, impact and friction. It is a high explosive with extremely powerful explosive power, 1.5 times more powerful than TNT.
RDX was originally intended for use in medicine. Later, due to its huge power (stronger than nitroglycerin and 158% of TNT), it was developed for explosive purposes. When the density is 1.7g/cm3, the detonation velocity reaches 8350m/s, making it easy to detonate. Excellent all-around explosive power. Also used as rat poison.
In 1899, Germany first described the manufacturing method of RDX in a published patent. At the time, it was not proposed as an explosive but rather as a medical drug. A later published patent proposed its use in making smokeless propellants.
The chemical properties of RDX are relatively stable. When heated at 110°C for 152 hours, the chemical stability remains unchanged. It does not decompose when stored for a long time at 50℃. It does not change when exposed to dilute acid and alkali. It decomposes when exposed to concentrated sulfuric acid. It can cause combustion and explosion when exposed to open flame, high temperature, vibration, impact and friction. It is an extremely powerful high explosive, 1.5 times more powerful than TNT.
Precautions for handling cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine: closed operation, local exhaust. Operators must undergo special training and strictly abide by operating procedures. It is recommended that operators wear self-priming filter dust masks, chemical safety glasses, anti-toxic substance penetration overalls, and latex gloves. Keep away from fire and heat sources. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the workplace. Use explosion-proof ventilation systems and equipment. Avoid dust generation. Avoid contact with acids and alkalis. When handling, load and unload with care to prevent damage to packaging and containers. Vibration, impact and friction are prohibited. Equipped with corresponding varieties and quantities of fire-fighting equipment and leakage emergency treatment equipment.
Precautions for storage of Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine: Store in a cool, dry and ventilated warehouse dedicated to explosives. Keep away from fire and heat sources. The storage temperature does not exceed 32°C and the relative humidity does not exceed 80%. If it contains water as a stabilizer, the storage temperature should not be lower than 1℃ and the relative humidity should be less than 80%. Keep container tightly sealed. They should be stored separately from acids, alkalis, and food chemicals, and avoid mixed storage. Equipped with the appropriate variety and quantity of fire equipment. Suitable materials should be available in the storage area to contain spills. Vibration, impact and friction are prohibited. Store in a dedicated explosives warehouse, away from fire and heat sources, and isolated from various detonating equipment, black powder and other chemical hazards.
