Explosive Characteristics of Tetrazene and MTX-1

The explosive tetrazene (1-amino-1(tetrazol-5-yl-diazenyl)guanidine monohydrate) has been actively used in initiating compositions since the beginning of the 20th century, but it has low thermal and hydrolytic stability. As an alternative to tetrazene, it was proposed to use 2-(tetrazol-5-yl-diazenyl)guanidine (MTX-1), which is its more thermally stable derivative. However, a decision on the application of a particular explosive is made primarily based on its explosive properties; for tetrazene and MTX-1, these properties are not well known. The objectives of this study were to determine the detonation velocity and heat of explosion of MTX-1 in comparison with tetrazene and explain the results obtained. Calorimetric measurements were carried out in a modified steel bomb. Samples of MTX-1 and tetrazene ( $$\approx$$ 1 g) were exploded in helium to determine the heat of explosion and the volume of gases. Experimental data on the critical detonation diameter of both substances were obtained. The detonation velocities of MTX-1 and tetrazene were determined by an electromagnetic method.