Explosive Polymerization of 4-nitroaniline.

When a mixture of 4-nitroaniline and sulfuric acid is heated (in this case on open flame) above a temperature a fast polymerization starts. During this reaction nitrogen gas and water (as steam) is also produced what turns the produced polymer into a foam.

The reaction has been studied by NASA for its ability to form a pyrostat, which is a fire quenching substance.

9:30 pm • 21 September 2015 • 904 notes • View comments