Partially oxidized potassium intercalate of ultradispersed diamond: A cautionary note

Direct reaction of gray ultradispersed diamond (UDD) powder with molten potassium metal gives K/UDD intercalate as a black powder. Upon prolonged storage in glass vials, presumed partial oxidation of this black powder by diffused air occurs giving a partially oxidized K/UDD gray powder. Powder XRD data indicate likely formation of undetermined amounts of KO2 and stage-3 potassium graphite intercalate. Exposure of this gray powder to ambient atmosphere initiates a violent detonation (or rapid oxidation) having sufficient force to pulverize glass vial containers. It is recommended that handling of any partially oxidized carbonaceous potassium intercalate material should be conducted with extreme caution. Partially oxidized K/UDD powder appears to be stable to mild mechanical shock and could possibly be of interest as a secondary explosive activated by direct exposure to ambient atmosphere. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.