A Novel Explosive Initiator Material Utilizing Fullerenes

Novel explosive initiator materials are proposed based on fullerenes containing energetic molecules. The proposed innovative multi-layer structure safely stores highly reactive fuel utilizing fullarene chemistry, isolated by a novel metal layer from an oxidant containing fullerene. The final structure will be a unique fullerene-fuel-oxidant composite that can initiate a rapid chemical reaction (detonation) by removal of the separating layer via an electrical discharge. In Phase I, we will identify various energetic elements that can be safely incorporated into fullerenes. Furthermore, we will fabricate a multi-layer structure, which will consist of an oxidant/thin metal isolation layer/fuel/thick film packaging layer. We will initiate the fuel/oxidant reaction via rupturing thin metal isolation layer by applying voltage across the isolation layer. We will determine the transient time of detonation and the peak stress generated using a high speed photographic technique and x-cut quartz crystals, respectively. In Phase II, we will optimize the configuration of the multi-layer structure for the effective detonation of insensitive high explosives. Parameters to be optimized will be thickness, width and resistivity of the separation layer, and choice of reaction coupling and amount of the reactants to ensure safe and effective detonation of insensitive high explosives.