Prasad Menon has over 30 years of experience working with energetic materials and explosives at the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory in India. He has a M.Tech in High Energy Materials and B.Sc degrees in chemistry, physics, and math. His experience includes developing and producing explosives like dense nitrocellulose, HMX, TATB, and FOX-7. He has trained personnel and given lectures on properties and safety of energetic materials. Menon is looking for a position that offers a competitive salary commensurate with his extensive experience in the field of energetic materials research and production.

1. CURRICULUM-VITAE
Name : PRASAD MENON
Address : B/7, BRAHMANAND SOCIETY
NARANGI BAGH ROAD,
PUNE – 411001,
INDIA.
Phone : 020-26162304, 09767624223
E-Mail : prasadmenon21@gmail.com
Date of birth : 21st
NOVEMBER 1960
Passport Number : E4511884
Nationality : INDIAN
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION :
DEGREE COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY YEAR OF PASSING SUBJECT
M.Tech(High Energy
Materials)
Defence Institute of
Advanced
Technology(DIAT),
PUNE-411025
2009 High Energy Materials
CPI: 7.49
Master of
Science(M.Sc)
Pune University
INDIA
1983 Physical Chemistry
Bachelor of
Science(B.Sc)
Pune University
INDIA
1981 Chemistry(Main),
Physics, Maths
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

2. I am working in High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), which is a premier
laboratory specializing in energetic materials for the defense sector. This laboratory is an ISO
9001: 2008 Certified Laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organization
(D.R.D.O). This is the only lab of its kind, in the country dealing in the entire spectrum of High
Energy Materials (HEMs) starting from small arms, mortars, high energy solid rocket propellants
for guns , rockets and missiles to high explosives etc.
I have experience in production of explosives, having worked in Pilot Plant Division in
HEMRL, mainly in Dense Nitrocellulose plant for 15 years handling Nitroglycerine and other
materials like carbamite, gelatin, etc. I have also worked in Fine HMX, TATB and Fox-7 plants.
• Knowledge Update
I have always strived to update my knowledge to enable me to perform my
responsibilities to the satisfaction of my seniors.
I completed
- M.Tech in High Energy Materials (2 years Course) at DIAT Pune during 2007-2009.
The course consisted of 10 papers (5 papers in each semester) and a project work
for the 2nd
year.
- Project work done for M.Tech course
Studies on improvement in techniques in the manufacture of Fine
Cyclotetramethylene – Tetranitramine (HMX)
1. Development and Manufacture of Dense Nitrocellulose for propellant composition.
I was associated in the development work for the manufacture of dense nitrocellulose
from fibrous nitrocellulose. I was involved in the viscosity studies of the NC gel, optimization of
the rate of addition, temperature of the process and characterization of the final product. The
process was scaled up and the regular batch production of the explosive is carried out with all
safety precautions. The process involves gel preparation, distillation, air-bubbling, drying in
steam, quality control, packing and transport to user divisions. I was involved in all activities
during the production batches and also quality control and characterization of the final product
which was an important ingredient of composite modified double based propellant.
2. Development and manufacture of fine HMX.
HMX is one of the most powerful military explosives, manufactured on a large scale
today. It is used in the warhead of many missile systems, high energy propellants and plastic
bonded explosives. Fine HMX is of particular interest as they impart high loadability,
compacting density and enhanced performance of compositions. Particle size reduction was a
challenge due to the hazardous nature of the material. I was associated in the development of

3. fine HMX by Educator method. The process involves preparation of HMX solution in acetone
solvent and precipitating it in the presence of water. High pressure water is passed through the
convergent nozzle of the educator which creates a vacuum, thereby HMX-acetone solution is
sucked into the educator. I have been involved in studies of solubility, processing time, pressure
and filtration. An automated plant for the manufacture of fine HMX of 2 kg per hour based on
this technology has been established.
3. Process development of triamino-trinitrobenzene (TATB)
TATB is a thermally stable high explosive which is used for special applications. I have
been associated with the analysis of raw materials intermediate products, carrying out batches,
quality control etc for the manufacture of TATB. The process has been established and a new
facility has been set up at HEMRL.
4. Process development of FOX-7.
I have been involved in the process development activities for the manufacture of FOX-7
which is an insensitive explosive. Reaction parameters like reaction time, temperature were
optimized and studied. I was also involved in analysis of raw material, quality control and
characterization of the final product. I am the member of the team which is involved in scaling
up experiments and setting up of the automated plant for regular production.
5. Training, Technical coordination and Documentation.
I have experience in training personnel from the private sector for the manufacture of
Dense Nitrocellulose before handing over the plant for regular production activities. I have
delivered in-house lectures on properties, safety aspects and health hazards associated with
the manufacture of HEMs. I also have good management skills having worked in Technical
Services division. The work involves coordination for technical meetings and discussions for
various projects, correspondence with headquarters, other labs, ordnance factories, academic
institutions, etc. I am also familiar with ISO norms and documentation being the ISO
coordinator of division.
Reports
1. Manufacture of Dense Nitrocellulose.
2. Scaling up of TATB (Phase 1).
3. Operation manual for fine HMX manufacture.
4. Studies on improvement in techniques for manufacture of Fine HMX.
Addition courses / Training attended

4. 1) Basic Military Explosives course: (Duration 3 months)
Course contents
a) Propellants
b) High Explosives
c) General Explosives
d) Pyrotechnics
e) Initiators
f) Safety and others
2) Explosives and Environmental Safety Course
Course contents
a) High energy materials and general safety aspects
b) Safety in Chemical Processing
c) Occupation Hazards during handling of chemicals and explosives
d) ISO 14001-2004 Environmental Management System
e) Electrical safety in explosive areas
f) Hazard analysis
3) Management Course for Officers
Course contents
a) Basics of Project Management and Project Planning
b) Communication Skills and Public Speaking
c) Interpersonal Skills
d) Emerging concepts: Concurrent engineering, Basics of Technology
Management,
Knowledge Management, ISO 9001 Quality System and Six Sigma Approach.
Salary expected: Best in the industry