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CYCLOTOL
1. GENERAL PROPERTIES
1.1 Chemical and Physical Description. Cyclotol is the generic term for mix-
tures of TNT and RDX. In the United States, the term is used for mixtures of 75
wt% RDX and 25 wt% TNT (Type I) or 70 wt% RDX and 30 wt% TNT (Type II),
also called Cyclotol 75/25 and Cyclotol 70/30. Neither mixture contains a desen-
sitizer. To improve the flow of the molten form, a bimodal distribution of RDX
crystals generally is used.
1.2 Common Use. Cyclotol is generally used as an explosive fill in military ap-
plications that require slightly more energy than Comp B can provide.
1.3 T0xicity.l Cyclotol toxicity is like that of RDX and TNT.
Workers who inhaled RDX dust for several months have become unconscious and
have suffered loss of reflexes. The suggested maximum permissible airborne con-
centration of RDX is 1.5 mg/ms.
Inhaled TNT vapor or dust may irritate mucous membranes and cause sneezing,
coughing, and sore throat. TNT may produce toxic hepatitis and aplastic anemia,
and it yellows the exposed skin, hair, and nails of workers. Dermatitis, erythema,
papules, and itchy eczema can be severe. Ingestion of 1-2 g of TNT is estimated to
be an acute fatal dose to humans. The suggested maximum permissible airborne
dust concentration is 0.5 mglm”.
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