Objective: 

This project will investigate the use of benign and nonharmful nanoparticle metastable intermolecular composite (MIC) materials for medium caliber electric primers used in 20-mm ammunition. Specific objectives include (1) demonstrate a MIC formulation that is consistent in performance and can be produced on a large scale necessary for military primer applications; (2) provide safety data showing that lead-free electric primer (LFEP) processing and handling sensitivity is comparable to the current configuration; (3) ensure that primer performance requirements such as very consistent and fast action times can be met under environmental conditions consistent with the current standard; and (4) work with military and industry organizations to develop a plan for transition and implementation of the LFEP.

Technology Description: 

The current 20-mm electric primer configuration, the M52A3B1, is the baseline for performance and form for the LFEP. The focal design of the LFEP, which was developed under SERDP project WP-1331, consists of a simple substitution of MIC materials for the normal lead styphnate/barium nitrate mixture as a drop-in configuration that will minimize impact on current industry practices for straightforward cost-effective implementation. The energetic material of the primer formulation consists of commercially procured MIC materials and is based on a mixture of nanoparticle aluminum and molybdenum (moly)-trioxide. The composition also includes the addition of a small percentage of acetylene black to obtain the appropriate electrical properties that would allow the primer to be initiated through resistive ohmic heating and 3,6-bis(1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-amino)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (BTATZ) for gas generation. A small percentage of fluorocarbon-based polymer called Kel-F® has been added to the composition to reduce the sensitivity of the composition. Initial safety data suggests both electrostatic discharge and friction sensitivity of the composition are comparable to the lead styphnate/barium nitrate mixture in the M52 primer. The formulation and pressing processes have undergone several iterations to mitigate risks associated with the sensitivity of the material. During scale-up, the use of remote operations will be addressed for larger mixes. The primer wet loading procedures will be optimized during scale-up in correlation with industry practices. By the conclusion of the project, LFEP should be ready to transition to industry for production and the military for qualification.

Expected Benefits:  

Successfully introducing lead-free primer into the Department of Defense’s (DoD) ordnance inventory will reduce health hazards and lead to cost savings on numerous fronts. Use of LFEP will reduce the magnitude of required pollution control measures and cleanup that are currently required within the present manufacturing process and certain applications. The other beneficial cost factor is related to the reduced health risks and health measures associated with the manufacture and use of nonlead primers. Demilitarization of MIC-based primers can be easily achieved by a low-cost base hydrolysis process, further reducing the overall life-cycle cost to DoD. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2010)

Principal Investigator:
  

Mr. Eric Gogley
Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division
Code 474200D, MS 1109
1 Administration Circle
China Lake, CA 93555
Telephone: (760) 939-7664
E-mail: eric.gogley@navy.mil