development of Flow Chemistry for the Safer Synthesis of Explosives

The Department of Natural Resources Canada has a requirement for development of Flow Chemistry for the Safer Synthesis of Explosives, for safe, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable production of explosive materials. This includes synthesizing at least three priority explosives, triacetone triperoxide (TATP), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) and cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine (HMX),with importance on scalable, cost-effective, and safe production via flow chemistry. The work will involve the following:

• Assess the current state of research and development in explosive synthesis using flow chemistry, including a comprehensive analysis of relevant scientific literature and patent filings. Identify/propose three prioritized target molecules based on bibliometric and patent gap analysis to identify opportunities for innovation and strategic development.
• Develop flow-compatible synthetic processes—potentially patentable—to produce three targeted explosives
• Design, build, and optimize an advanced flow chemistry reactor for safe economical synthesis of one of the three priority explosives
• Assess and demonstrate what is the appropriate process analytical technology (PAT), such as infrared, raman, DSC, for real-time monitoring and control of these extremely acidic, caustic and/or oxidizing reactions.
• Enable remote operations and scalable production within a small lab footprint.
• Train Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) technical personnel and support future national expertise.
• Pursuit of Government of Canada owned intellectual property, with potential for patent filings on novel synthetic pathways