NOVEL AMMONIUM OCTAMOLYBDATE COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME

摘要

A novel isomer of ammonium octamolybdate ("AOM") and method for producing the same. A new AOM isomer("X-AOM") is described which is characterized by a distinctive Raman spectral profile compared with other AOM isomers including .alpha. and .beta. - AOM. Compared to .alpha.-AOM, X-AOM of the present invention offers improved smoke suppression characteristics and greater stability and uniformity. To produce the novel isomer, ammonium dimolybdate ("ADM") (12) is combined with molybdenum trioxide ("MoO3")(34) and water (14) to yield a mixture. When mixing these materials, optimum results are achieved if at least one of the foregoing molybdenum-containing reagents is added in a gradual, non-instantaneous manner so that the selected reagent is not added to the mixture in a single large mass. This gradual delivery procedure, along with a carefully controlled prolonged heating state (e.g. in excess of 3 hours) contributes to a maximum yield of high purity. The method of the present invention facilitates the generation of X-AOM in an effective and preferential manner on production-scale levels. Thus, the present invention addresses the disadvantages of the prior art by being capable of producing large quantities of high purity AOM.