White Phosphor Technology by American Technologies Network
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is discovered by Hamburg alchemist Henning Brand in 1669. Like other alchemists, Brand tried to find the elixir of life or philosophers’ stone, but has received a glowing substance.
Later Phosphorus was obtained by another German chemic – Johann Kunkel.
Regardless of Brand and Kunkel Phosphor was obtained by Robert Boyle, who described it in his article, dated on 14 October 1680 and published in 1963.
The improved method of receiving of Phosphorus was published in 1743 by Andreas Marggraf.
There is also evidence that even Arab alchemists knew how to get Phosphorus in XII Century.
In 1669 Henning Brand, by the heating a mixture of white sand and evaporated urine, got a substance glowing in the darkness, that was named “a cold fire” at first. Its second name “Phosphorus” comes from Greek words “φῶς” – light and “φέρω” – carry. In ancient Greek mythology name Phosphorus was a name of a Morning Star Guard.
Physical properties
Elemental Phosphorus in ordinary conditions represents several stable allotropic modifications; the question of Phosphorus allotropy is difficult and not resolved still. Usually there are four modifications of a simple substance – white, red, black and metallic Phosphorus. Sometimes they are called main allotropic modifications, it is meant that other modifications are a variety of four signed modifications. In ordinary conditions there are only three allotropic modifications of Phosphorus, and in conditions of ultra high pressure there is also metallic form. All modifications are different by color, density and other physical characteristics; it is noticed a trend to sharp decrease of chemical activity while transferring from white to metallic Phosphorus and increase of metallic properties.
White Phosphorus
White Phosphorus is a white substance (sometimes with yellow shade) with the melting point of 44, 1 °С. In appearance it looks like purified wax or paraffin, is easily cut with a knife and is deformed from a small effort.
White Phosphorus has a molecular structure – the formula is P4. Cast in an inert atmosphere in the form of sticks (bars), it is stored in the absence of air under a layer of purified water or in a special inert atmosphere. It is readily soluble in organic solvents. The solubility of white phosphorus in carbon bisulfide is used for the industrial cleaning of it of additions. The density of White Phosphorus among all its modifications is the smallest and is about 1823 kg/m³. White Phosphorus melts at 44, 1 °C. In vaporized condition the phosphorus molecules dissociation takes place.
Chemically White Phosphorus is extremely active. For example, it is slowly oxidized by atmospheric oxygen even at room temperature and begins to glow (pale-green glow). Such glowing is so called chemiluminescence’s (sometimes wrongly phosphorescence).
White Phosphorus is not only chemically active, but also is very poisonous (causes bones and bone marrow damage, jaws necrosis). The fatal dose of White Phosphorus for an adult male is 0, 05-0, 1 g.
Phosphorus Usage
Phosphorus is an important nutrient element and at the same time is widely used in industry. Red Phosphorus is used in matchmaking. It is applied on the side surface of a matchbox together with finely ground glass and clue.
While rubbing a match, which contains potassium chlorate and sulfur, the inflammation begins
The first Phosphorus property used by people was its combustibility. The combustibility of Phosphorus is very high and depends on allotropic modification.
White (yellow) Phosphorus is the most chemically active, toxic and combustible and it is used very often (in incendiary bomb).
Also White Phosphor Technology (WPT) is used in night vision systems producing – it was discovered that such technology allows users to see clear white and black image instead a well known green and white. It includes a typical resolution of 68 lp/mm and Signal-to-Noise Ratio of 25. Devices using WPT are widely presented by ATN Corp. (America Technologies Network Corporation) – an American company that is producing night vision systems and thermal optics. Devices using WPT were tested by National Tactical Officer’s Association (NTOA) and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The technology based on White Phosphorus usage provides users accurate information about contrast, shadows and shapes. The intensifier tubes that use White Phosphor Technology are better then the intensifier tubes based on Gallium Arsenide.
Red Phosphorus is the main modification produced and consumed by industry.
It is used in matchmaking, explosives and fuel production.
In agriculture phosphoric acid is used for phosphorus phosphate fertilizer obtaining – super phosphate, precipitate and other.
Also phosphates are widely used as water softener and corrosion protection.
Phosphates’ ability to form a robust three-dimensional polymer network is used for producing phosphate and aluminophosphate ligaments.