Cyclonite is a powerful explosive also known by the trade name RDX. Its spelling may seem confusing, but it follows the standard English pronunciation rules. The first part, "cycle," is pronounced as /ˈsaɪkl/, rhyming with "Michael." The second part, "nite," is pronounced as /naɪt/, sounding like "night." Together, "cyclonite" should be pronounced as /ˈsaɪkləˌnaɪt/. This explosive is commonly used by military and industrial organizations due to its stability and high detonation velocity.
Cyclonite, also known by its chemical name hexogen or RDX (Research Department Explosive), is a highly powerful and explosive compound that belongs to the class of nitramines. This crystalline substance is derived from nitric acid and hexamethylene tetramine, which undergo a process of nitration to produce cyclonite.
Cyclonite is characterized by its exceptional stability and high detonation velocity, making it suitable for various industrial, military, and scientific applications. It is commonly used as a primary explosive, meaning it is sensitive to initiation by a small amount of energy, and is often employed in the manufacture of detonating cords, booster charges, and propellants. Additionally, cyclonite is frequently incorporated into plastic-bonded explosives (PBX), where it provides immense explosive power while maintaining stability.
The compound is typically white or colorless, and its molecular formula is C3H6N6O6. Cyclonite possesses a high density, low sensitivity to impact and friction, and is considered relatively stable compared to other explosives. However, it can still detonate under certain conditions such as high temperatures or strong shockwaves.
Due to its immense explosive potential, cyclonite is tightly regulated and controlled by various national and international authorities. This is to ensure that it is used safely and responsibly, primarily for military purposes or specialized industrial applications.
The word "cyclonite" is derived from the combination of two words: "cyclone" and the suffix "-ite".
"Cyclone" refers to a weather phenomenon involving a system of winds rotating inward and upward in a spiral manner. It is likely that "cyclonite" is derived from this term due to its explosive and energetic nature, reflecting the power and intensity of a cyclone.
The suffix "-ite" is often used to form compound nouns denoting minerals or chemical substances. In the case of "cyclonite", it signifies that it is a compound or substance related to cyclones, indicating its explosive properties.