Dissolution kinetics of high explosive compounds (TNT, RDX, HMX)

The production and usage of high explosive compounds such as TNT, RDX, and HMX have resulted in their release in the environment. These compounds pose potential harm because of their reactivity and effects on health. Agencies that use high explosive compounds are working to better understand the physical and chemical properties surrounding these explosive compounds to include their fate and transport, effects on health, and remediation alternatives.; Though dissolution is a primary method making explosive compounds available for other processes, research on this topic has been limited. The objective of this study was to describe the dissolution rate and solubility of TNT, RDX, and HMX individually and as components in the explosive formulations octol, Composition B, and LX-14. Modifying a batch reactor dissolution methodology used by the pharmaceutical industry, experiments were conducted where concentration was measured as a function of temperature, solid surface area, and mixing rate. Solubility of explosive compounds was measured as a function of temperature. Sample analysis was performed using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection.; Results show that increases in temperature, explosive surface area, and mixing rate caused increases in the explosive compound's dissolution rate. Of the three explosive compounds, TNT had the fastest dissolution rate followed by HMX and then RDX. Dissolution rates were essentially the same for explosive compounds determined separately and in individual compound mixtures. Dissolution rates of explosive compounds in explosive formulations were not comparable to those of individual compounds. TNT had the largest solubility followed by RDX and then HMX. Solubilities of these explosive compounds remained essentially the same under all measurement conditions.; Correlation equations describing dissolution rates and solubilities for the three explosive compounds and three explosive formulations studied were developed. These equations can be used to estimate solid explosive compound persistence on and flux loading from contaminated sites. These equations can also be integrated into models predicting risk and evaluating remediation alternatives.