Study of TATP: Mass Loss and Friction Sensitivity During Ageing*)

Triacetone triperoxide (3,3,6,6,9,9-hexamethyl-1,2,4,5,7,8-hexoxonane; TATP) is one of the most frequently used improvised explosives, often misused worldwide. In our previous studies, we had observed that the kind of acid used to catalyse its formation has a significant influence on TATP’s properties. TATP was prepared using five different acids that are often used in improvised conditions. All of the samples were subjected to natural ageing in both open and closed vials at laboratory temperature. During ageing, TATP sublimes and decomposes. The changes in crystal size and shape after ageing were documented by optical microscopy. The mass loss was monitored about every third day during ageing. Samples prepared using sulphuric and perchloric acids lose weight more quickly than the others due to chemical decomposition. The friction sensitivity was determined for all samples before and after ageing. Neither the type of acid used nor the influence of closing the vials had any significant influence on the friction sensitivity after ageing. The friction sensitivity of all tested samples of TATP was about the same − between that of lead azide and that of mercury fulminate.