"Novel and Optimized Syntheses of High-Nitrogen Materials" 

Michael Thoenen, MSE PhD Candidate 

Advisor: Professor Davin Piercey

WebEx Link

ABSTRACT

Energetic and high-nitrogen materials play a crucial role in both civilian and defense applications ranging from the fuel that powers our cars and planes to fireworks, flares, and demolition charges. New high-nitrogen materials seek to improve performance, safety, and/or cost of synthesis of materials used in these applications. The syntheses of existing materials can be improved by removing heavy metals, using cheaper reagents, eliminating organic solvents, reducing reaction steps, and/or improving yields. This defense will cover some new high-nitrogen materials synthesized via the nitrilimine intermediate as well as an extensive study into the limitations of the generation of nitrilimines from 2,5-substituted tetrazoles. Also covered is the improved synthesis of a high-nitrogen material precursor.