Method of Producing Uniformly Shaped and Sized Particles of 2,4,6-Triazido-1,3,5-triazine by Emulsion Crystallization

Generally, 2,4,6-triazido-1,3,5-triazine or cyanuric triazide (CTA) is obtained from the synthetic process as long, sharp edged crystals or fine/ agglomerated particles. These are very sensitive and not suitable for detonator filling, leading to poor performance. We report herein a method for the preparation of uniformly shaped and sized particles of CTA with a free-flowing crystalline nature suitable for detonator applications. The uniformly shaped free-flowing CTA crystals are obtained by emulsion crystallization using a non-solvent at elevated temperature. The free-flowing CTA particles prepared were characterized using spectroscopy, SEM, and particle size analysis techniques. The results show that the CTA crystals obtained by emulsion crystallization are smooth surfaced, nearly spherical grains with a free-flowing nature. Furthermore, the results show that CTA crystals have a higher bulk density (BD) compared with normal CTA crystals prepared by crash precipitation. The thermal behaviour of the CTA crystals obtained by emulsification crystallization was investigated by conducting experiments such as DSC and using an explosion temperature tester.