![]() In 1940, a shipment of radium concentrate, en route from Portugal to Germany, was confiscated in the London docks. Thorium Ltd – 1940 to 1950Īt the start of the Second World War, radium was urgently needed to make luminous paint. ![]() Further links with the Second World War came with the acquisition of Pollards Wood, with its associations with SOE and MI5. When production started at Chilcote House, it was part of the war effort. GE Healthcare is the largest employer in the Amersham area. The site, owned by GE Healthcare since 2004, has grown from producing radium compound for luminous paint with very few staff in 1940 to a major organisation with a huge range of products for medical, industrial and domestic use, selling in global markets. John acknowledges much help from Conor McKechnie (Communications Director, Life Sciences), Roger Pickett (R&D 1975-2011) and Matthew Morrison (R&D).Ģ015 marks the 75th anniversary of the start of radiochemical production at Chilcote House, White Lion Road, Amersham. This article was written by John Clutterbuck and the images are courtesy of GE Healthcare. ![]() US scientists develop ammonium nitrate-fuel oil mixtures (ANFO) as industrial explosives.The story of Amersham International / GE Healthcare growth from producing radium compounds in WW2 to creating global healthcare products Dunn (1860–1936) invents ammonium picrate explosive (Dunnite).īritish scientists invent amatol (TNT+ammonium nitrate). Henning discovers cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX or cyclonite). German chemist Bernhard Tollens (1841–1918) discovers pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). German chemist Hermann Sprengel shows that picric acid can be used as an explosive.Īlfred Nobel invents blasting gelatin (nitroglycerine mixed with nitrocellulose).įrench chemist Eugène Turpin discovers ammonium picrate (Mélinite).Īlfred Nobel invents a propellant from nitroglycerine and nitrocellulose (Ballistite).īritish scientists Frederick Abel (1826–1902) and James Dewar invent a propellant (Cordite) similar to Ballistite. Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel (1833–96) invents a detonating cap based on mercury fulminate.Īlfred Nobel invents dynamite by mixing nitroglycerine and kieselguhr. Wilbrand discovers trinitrotoluene (TNT). Italian chemist Ascania Sobrero (1812–88) discovers nitroglycerine. German chemist Christian Schönbein (1799–1868) nitrates cotton, making nitrocellulose. Scottish cleric Alexander Forsyth (1767–1843) discovers mercury fulminate.įrench chemist Henri Braconnot (1781–1855) nitrates starch, making a highly flammable compound (crude nitrocellulose).įrench chemist Théophile Pelouze (1807–67) nitrates paper, making crude nitrocellulose. German alchemist Berthold Schwarz claims to have reinvented gunpowder.įrench chemist Pierre Woulfe discovers picric acid (originally used as a yellow dye). See also Chronology.Įnglish monk Roger Bacon (1220–92) describes the preparation of gunpowder. Cyclonite (RDX) is a military high explosive mixed with oils and waxes, it forms a plastic explosive (such as Semtex). Other high-power explosives include pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) and ammonium nitride/fuel oil mixture (ANFO). Examples of this type include dynamite, nitroglycerine, and trinitrotoluene (TNT) they are exploded using a detonator. High explosives decompose very rapidly to produce an uncontrollable blast. Examples include gunpowder and various smokeless propellants, such as cordite. Low explosives burn comparatively slowly when ignited, and are employed as propellants in firearms and guns they are also used in blasting. A compound or mixture that, when ignited or detonated, undergoes a rapid violent chemical reaction that produces large amounts of gas and heat, accompanied by light, sound and a high-pressure shock wave.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |