Crystallization Processes for Energetic Materials

Control over crystallization operations of energetic materials plays a key role in obtaining ingredients with desirable crystal characteristics for formulations. At Indian Head Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, with the aid of sophisticated laboratory equipment, greater control and understanding of crystallization processes is being obtained. This equipment is being used across several projects aimed at quickly and safely fielding new energetic materials or modified forms of more mature explosives. The different technologies allow for in-situ particle size analysis of crystals in solution, real time images of these crystals, and infrared reflectance spectroscopy and subsequent concentration measurements of materials in solution.