Electrical Conductivity Distribution in Detonating Benzotrifuroxane

Area of Science:

• Physical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Understanding detonation physics is crucial for energetic materials.
• Electrical conductivity provides insights into reaction zones and detonation products.
• Benzotrifuroxane (BTF) is a unique hydrogen-free high explosive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure the electrical conductivity profile behind the detonation front in BTF.
• To compare BTF conductivity with that of hydrogen-containing explosives like RDX and TATB.
• To elucidate the role of hydrogen in detonation conductivity.

Main Methods:

• High-resolution electrical conductivity measurements.
• Detonation experiments with benzotrifuroxane (BTF).
• Comparative analysis with existing data for hexogen (RDX) and triaminotrinitrobenzene (TATB).

Main Results:

• Electrical conductivity in detonating BTF was similar to RDX and TATB.
• Hydrogen's contribution to conductivity in detonation reaction zones and products is minor.
• Conductivity profiles support contact conductivity via carbon particle structures.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogen content does not significantly influence electrical conductivity in detonation products.
• Carbon particle networks play a key role in charge transport.
• Findings advance the understanding of detonation mechanisms in hydrogen-free explosives.