Energetic Materials – Synthesis and Development of Insensitive and Green Compounds

The synthesis and development of new energetic compounds is a complex process that requires a global perspective. Performance, the key property for new product development in the past, is no longer paramount and safety and environment impact are factors that have to be taken at equal terms. From the idea to the application of new energetic materials several steps have to be followed. They are: theoretical prevision of properties, compound synthesis, formulation, engine design, qualification and finally application. In each step several assessments are required namely, performance, safety, storage, cost and environment impact. Each step is revaluated at anytime by the new knowledge acquired during the other phases of the product/process development. Therefore, is not surprising that a long time is necessary for the acceptance of new energetic materials. History is full of examples in which the path from idea to application had to be interrupted… In this work, we present an overview of our experience in the LEDAP in the development of energetic materials. The selected compound was 2,4 – dinitramine – 6 – oxy – s – triazine (DNAM), an energetic molecule that can be used in explosive formulations as well as in the propellant field. The discussion of the decision making process along the product development process is described, from a global point of view.