Hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene

Explosiveness

Description of key information

Applying the internationally recognised UN Recommendation criteria, FP-100 is not to be classified as explosive material and no experimental determination according to the EC test guideline A.14 has to be performed. Thus it can be concluded beyond a reasonable doubt, that FP-100 is not a potential explosive and does not have a potential for rapid energy release. Nevertheless, this judgement is in respect to classification; it does not necessarily mean that any processing hazards can be discounted.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Explosiveness:

non explosive

Additional information

The explosive properties of FP-100 were estimated based on the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (Manual of Tests and Criteria, Annex 6, Orange Book, 3 edition, 1999) where a set of criteria is compiled to identify materials being potential explosives.

 

1. Reactive Groups: The appraisal of the molecular structure indicates no risk of rapid decomposition. FP-100 does not contain any of the structural features mentioned in the UN Recommendations. The occurrence of other chemical groups associated with explosive properties as described in the literature1 was also considered. No such groups were present.

 

2. Oxygen Balance: Although an oxygen balance calculation (GB > -200) indicates further consideration of the endpoint was necessary, it is not thought fully appropriate for the evaluation of the explosive properties of this substance as it does not adequately take into account the structural subunits containing nitrogen and phosphorous.

 

3. Calorimetric Tests: The exothermic decomposition energy was determined using Differential Scanning Calorimetry in a closed, gold plated high pressure vessel (DSC). The calorimetric test is of special importance for the evaluation of compounds containing chemical groups associated with explosive properties (see item 1). The decomposition energy (Δ H_Decdetermined between room temperature and 500°C) was found to be about 10 J/g thus being far below the UN limit of 500 J/g. The onset point of the exothermic peak was at about 315°C.

Justification for classification or non-classification

Justification for the classification is described in the section above.