R. Meyer J. Köhler A. Homburg Explosives

153 Guanidine Nitrate
Guanidine Nitrate
Guanidinnitrat; nitrate de guanidine
colorless crystals
empirical formula: CH6N4O3
molecular weight: 122.1
energy of formation: –726.1 kcal/kg = –3038 kJ/kg
enthalpy of formation: –757.7 kcal/kg = –3170.1 kJ/kg
oxygen balance: –26.2%
nitrogen content: 45.89%
volume of explosion gases: 1083 l/kg
heat of explosion
(H2O liq.): 587 kcal/kg = 2455 kJ/kg
(H2O gas): 447 kcal/kg = 1871 kJ/kg
specific energy: 72.6 mt/kg = 712 kJ/kg
melting point: 215 °C = 419°F
heat of fusion: 48 kcal/kg = 203 kJ/kg
lead block test: 240 cm3 /10 g
deflagration point: decomposition at 270 °C = 518°F
impact sensitivity: up to 5 kp m = 50 N m no reaction
friction sensitivity:
up to 36 kp = 353 N pistil load no reaction
critical diameter of steel sleeve test: 2.5 mm
Guanidine nitrate is soluble in alcohol and water. It is the precursor
compound in the synthesis of W Nitroguanidine. It is prepared by
fusing dicyanodiamide with ammonium nitrate.
Guanidine nitrate is employed in formulating fusible mixtures containing
ammonium nitrate and other nitrates; such mixtures were extensively
used during the war as substitutes for explosives, for which
the raw materials were in short supply. However, a highbrisance explosive
such as Hexogen or another explosive must usually be added
to the mixtures. It was also proposed that guanidine nitrate be incorporated
in W Double Base Propellants and gas generating propellants.