New generation explosives: Stronger, safer

German scientists have successfully developed a new generation of explosives, stronger than 'traditional' explosives , less prone to sudden explosions, and produce less toxic gas.

German scientists have built new, stronger and more environmentally friendly explosives (Photo: CDC)

In this new study of environmentally friendly explosives, scientists Thomas M. Klapötke and Carles Mir Sabate said that 'traditional' explosives widely used in military, such as TNT, RDX and HMX, contain a lot of carbon and produce many toxic gases when detonated.

'Traditional' explosives not only pollute the environment, but also are highly sensitive to physical impacts, such as strong collisions and electric sparks, so it is extremely dangerous to use. According to the team, new generation explosives must be 'greener' and safer.

To meet that requirement, Klapötke and Sabate used a new material called tetrazoles that most of its explosive energy originated from nitrogen instead of carbon. They identified two promising types of tetrazoles and from these two materials, the team created tiny bombs and detonated them in the laboratory.

Test results show that compared to conventional explosives, this new type of explosive is less sensitive to shock and emits less toxic gas when exploded.

This study will be published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry of the American Chemical Society on June 24.