Researchers from Purdue University and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Army Research Laboratory have developed two explosive materials to use in lieu of lead-based explosives that leach toxins into the atmosphere.

To avoid the release of lead into the atmosphere following the firing of a gun or the ignition of other explosives, the researchers developed lead-free materials to ignite powder within gun cartridges.

The team developed lead-less alternatives including explosive material composed of silver salts and another explosive material composed of a combination of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen.

Following a series of tests, the silver salts, according to researchers, performed as well as lead-based explosive materials. However, when ignited, the silver salts explosive material still leached lower levels of toxins into the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the non-metal explosive material — the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen mix — also performed well without the release of toxins.

According to the joint research teams, the lead-free explosive material alternatives will potentially protect the environment and soldiers.

The research appears in Chemistry — A European Journal.