Optimal Parameters and Characteristics of Melt‐Cast Carrier Explosive 2,4‐Dinitroanisole Synthesized Using Anisole as Raw Material

ABSTRACT Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is the most widely used melt‐cast carrier explosive. However, TNT has disadvantages such as high toxicity, high pollution in the preparation process, and poor mechanical properties. With the development of insensitive munitions, 2,4‐dinitroanisole (DNAN) is currently being widely studied and applied to replace TNT. This study mainly explored the optimal parameters and characteristics of DNAN synthesized using anisole as a raw material through a solvent‐free nitration process. The Taguchi experimental design method was used to determine the optimal synthesis parameters to maximize the yield of DNAN. The synthesized product was identified by scanning electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectrometer, elemental analyzer, and simultaneous thermogravimetry‐differential scanning calorimetry, and its sensitivity was measured using BAM fallhammer, friction sensitivity tester, and small‐scale electrostatic spark sensitivity tester. The Taguchi analysis results indicated that the optimal synthesis parameters were as follows: the volume ratio of anisole to HNO 3 was 1:1.20, the volume ratio of HNO 3 to Pr 2 O (propionic anhydride) in the nitrating agent was 1:3.0, the nitration temperature was 30°C, and the reaction time was 16 h. In this way, the maximum yield of crude DNAN could reach 90.4%, and the maximum yield after purification could reach 81.1%. The scale‐up experiments also gave similar results, confirming that the batch process can be used for the preparation of DNAN. The decomposition activation energies of synthesized DNAN calculated by the Kissinger and Ozawa methods were 135.12 and 138.15 kJ/mol, respectively. In addition, the impact sensitivity, friction sensitivity, and electrostatic spark sensitivity were 50.9 J, >360 N, and 1.12 J, respectively.