Demilitarization of Chemical Agents by SCWO

Abstract

Since World War I, chemical agents have been a continuous threat for mankind, even during peace time. The more recently developed phosphor-organic compounds are especially toxic. The old-fashioned agents from World War I, such as Mustard gas, seem rather inoffensive compared to these agents. From a chemical viewpoint, however, chemical agents are not very stable compounds. Under ambient conditions in open air they decompose relatively quickly compared to less toxic compounds, depending on temperature and humidity. This was, in fact, the goal in developing the tactical application of these agents.