Synthesis of energetic materials involves mature technologies. However, large amounts of strong acids and hazardous solvents are often required. Significant quantities of waste are produced and, in many cases, require special disposal methods. SERDP and ESTCP are exploring novel methods to reduce or eliminate the wastes associated with the synthesis of energetic materials.
Synthetic biology offers the possibility for providing relevant quantities of material on an as needed basis, utilizing sustainable materials and eliminating hazardous solvents. Production of developmental quantities of materials that can be used directly or transformed into compounds of interest. While this effort is clearly at the developmental stage, the path to transition is close at hand. Several options exist for a scaled up synthesis of target molecules. Learn More...
Reduction or elimination of hazardous solvents from the application of coatings systems or from the removal of coating systems is a DoD priority. Minimization or elimination of hazardous solvents used during the synthesis and formulation of energetic materials is also a goal of sustainable energetics efforts.
Chemical synthesis is undergoing a revolution whereby reagents are combined in a flow cell at the appropriate concentrations, temperature conditions and residence time in order to maximize the yield of the desired product. Waste generation can be minimized and, in the case of EM, large quantities are not generated all at once. Scale up can involve adding additional flow modules. Learn More...
