Polymethylenetetrazole: Synthesis, Characterization, and Energetic Properties.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemistry

Background:

• Tetrazole scaffolds are crucial for developing high-energy density materials (HEDMs) due to their high nitrogen content and heat of formation (HOF).
• Combining heterocycles with high HOF is a promising strategy for superior energetic materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize polymethylenetetrazole (PMT), a novel tetrazole polymer, as a potential HEDM.
• To evaluate the physical, thermal, and energetic properties of PMT.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of PMT using NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy.
• Determination of weight average molecular mass via static light scattering (SLS).
• Analysis of physical properties (density, powder XRD), sensitivity (friction FS, impact IS), and thermal behavior.

Main Results:

• Polymethylenetetrazole (PMT) was successfully synthesized and characterized.
• Physical properties, including density and molecular mass, were determined.
• PMT exhibited properties suggesting it could be an insensitive explosive.

Conclusions:

• Polymethylenetetrazole (PMT) is a promising candidate for a new generation of high-energy density materials (HEDMs).
• The polymer's characteristics indicate potential as an insensitive explosive with superior properties.