title: Analysis of munitions constituents in IMX formulations by HPLC and HPLC-MS.
abstract: The use of Insensitive Munitions eXplosives (IMX) is increasing as the Army seeks to replace certain conventional munitions constituents, such as 2,4,6-trinitrotolene (TNT), for improved safety. The IMX formulations are more stable and therefore less prone to accidental detonation while designed to match the performance of legacy materials. Two formulations, IMX 101 and 104 are being investigated as a replacement for TNT in artillery rounds and composition B Army mortars, respectively. The chemical formulations of IMX-101 and 104 are comprised of four constituents;2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN), 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO), 1-nitroguanidine (NQ), and Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) which are mixed in various ratios to achieve the desired performance. The current work details the analysis of the IMX constituents by single column HPLC-UV-ESI-MS. Detection limits determined are in agreement with similar HPLC analysis of compounds, ranging from 7 to 9μg/L. Gradient mobile phases are used to allow separation of the 4 target compounds in more complex mixture of other concomitant compounds. Mass spectra are used to confirm analyte identity with chromatographic retention time.
authors: Badger Technical Services, Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA.
authors: A L
authors: AL
authors: Russell
authors: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Environmental Laboratory, 3909 Halls Ferry Rd., Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA.
authors: J M
authors: JM
authors: Seiter
authors: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Environmental Laboratory, 3909 Halls Ferry Rd., Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA.
authors: J G
authors: JG
authors: Coleman
authors: BAE Systems Ordnance Systems INC., Holston Army Ammunition Plant, 4509 West Stone Drive, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA.
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Winstead
authors: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Environmental Laboratory, 3909 Halls Ferry Rd., Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA. Electronic address: Anthony.J.Bednar@usace.army.mil.
authors: A J
authors: AJ
authors: Bednar
mesh_terms: D000097:Acetonitriles / Q000737:chemistry; D000840:Anisoles / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid / Q000379:methods*; D053834:Explosive Agents / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D006146:Guanidines / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D000432:Methanol / Q000737:chemistry; D009574:Nitro Compounds / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / Q000379:methods*; D014227:Triazines / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D014230:Triazoles / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D014269:Trifluoroacetic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: C505897:3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one; D000097:Acetonitriles; D000840:Anisoles; D053834:Explosive Agents; D006146:Guanidines; D009574:Nitro Compounds; D014227:Triazines; D014230:Triazoles; D014867:Water; C539360:2,4-dinitroanisole; D014269:Trifluoroacetic Acid; C056179:nitroguanidine; C009160:cyclonite; D000432:Methanol
keywords: HPLC; HPLC–MS; Insensitive munitions; Munitions constituents analysis