Formation and characterization of core-shell CL-20/TNT composite prepared by spray-drying technique

The core-shell 2,4,6,8,10,12-Hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane/2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (CL-20/TNT) composite was prepared by spray-drying method in which sensitive high energy explosive (CL-20) was coated with insensitive explosive (TNT). The structure and properties of different formulations of CL-20/TNT composite and CL-20/TNT mixture were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Laser particle size analyzer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), impact sensitivity test and detonation performance. The results of SEM, TEM, XPS and XRD show that ϵ-CL-20 particles are coated by TNT. When the ratio of CL-20/TNT is 75/25, core-shell structure is well formed, and thickness of the shell is about 20–30 nm. And the analysis of heat and impact show that with the increase of TNT content, the TNT coating on the core-shell composite material can not only catalyze the thermal decomposition of core material (CL-20), but also greatly reduce the impact sensitivity. Compared with the CL-20/TNT mixture (75/25) at the same ratio, the characteristic drop height of core-shell CL-20/TNT composite (75/25) increased by 47.6% and the TNT coating can accelerate the nuclear decomposition in the CL-20/TNT composites. Therefore, the preparation of the core-shell composites can be regarded as a unique means, by which the composites are characterized by controllable decomposition rate, high energy and excellent mechanical sensitivity and could be applied to propellants and other fields.     

Sandwich structure for enhancing the interface reaction of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane and nanoporous carbon scaffolds film to improve the thermal decomposition performance

Improving the thermal decomposition performance of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) by appropriate methods is helpful to promote the combustion performance of CL-20-based solid propellants. In this study, we synthesized a sandwich structure of CL-20 and nanoporous carbon scaffolds film (NCS) and emphatically studied the thermal decomposition performance of the composite structure. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were used to measure the thermal decomposition process of the composite structure. The kinetic parameters of thermal decomposition were calculated by the thermal dynamic analysis software AKTS. These results showed that the thermal decomposition performance of the sandwich structure of CL-20 and NCS was better than CL-20. Among the tested samples, NCS with a pore size of 15 nm had the best catalytic activity for the thermal decomposition of CL-20. Moreover, the thermal decomposition curve of the composite structure at the heating rate of 1 K/min was deconvoluted by mathematical method to study the thermal decomposition process. And a possible catalytic mechanism was proposed. The excellent thermal decomposition performance is due to the sandwich structure enhances the interface reaction of CL-20 and NCS. This work may promote the extensive use of CL-20 in the field of solid rocket propellant.     

Investigation on the foaming behaviors of NC-based gun propellants

To prepare the porous NC-based (nitrocellulose-based) gun propellants, the batch foaming process of using supercritical CO₂ as the physical blowing agent is used. The solubilities of CO₂ in the single-base propellants and TEGDN (trimethyleneglycol dinitrate) propellants are measured by the gravimetric method, and SEM (scanning electron microscope) is used to observe the morphology of foamed propellants. The result shows that a large amount of CO₂ could be dissolved in NC-based propellants. The experimental results also reveal that the energetic plasticizer TEGDN exerts an important influence on the pore structure. The triaxial tensile failure mechanism for solid-state nucleation is used to explain the nucleation of NC-based propellants in the solid state. Since some specific foaming behaviors of NC-based propellants can not be explained by the failure mechanism, a solid-state nucleation mechanism which revises the triaxial tensile failure mechanism is proposed and discussed.     

Deconsolidation and combustion performance of thermally consolidated propellants deterred by multi-layers coating

Both heating and solvent-spray methods are used to consolidate the standard grains of double-base oblate sphere propellants plasticized with triethyleneglycol dinitrate (TEGDN) (TEGDN propellants) to high density propellants. The obtained consolidated propellants are deterred and coated with the slow burning multi-layer coating. The maximum compaction density of deterred and coated consolidated propellants can reach up to 1.39 g/cm³. Their mechanic, deconsolidation and combustion performances are tested by the materials test machine, interrupted burning set-up and closed vessel, respectively. The static compression strength of consolidated propellants deterred by multi-layer coating increases significantly to 18 MPa, indicating that they can be applied in most circumstances of charge service. And the samples are easy to deconsolidate in the interrupted burning test. Furthermore, the closed bomb burning curves of the samples indicate a two-stage combustion phenomenon under the condition of certain thickness of coated multi-layers. After the outer deterred multi-layer coating of consolidated samples is finished burning, the inner consolidated propellants continue to burn and breakup into aggregates and grains. The high burning progressivity can be carefully obtained by the smart control of deconsolidation process and duration of consolidated propellants. The preliminary results of consolidated propellants show that a rapid deconsolidation process at higher deconsolidation pressure is presented in the dynamic vivacity curves of closed bomb test. Higher density and higher macro progressivity of consolidated propellants can be obtained by the techniques in this paper.     

Cell structure of microcellular combustible object foamed by supercritical carbon dioxide

In order to solve the issue that the combustible objects for cased telescoped ammunition (CTA) didn't burn completely during the combustion process, the microcellular combustible objects were foamed with numerous cells in the micron order to improve the combustion performance by the supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO₂) foaming technology. As the cell structure determined the combustion properties of microcellular combustible objects, the solubility of SCCO₂ dissolved into the combustible objects was obtained from the gravimetric method, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) was applied to characterize the cell structure under various process conditions of solubility, foaming temperature and foaming time. SEM images indicate that the cell diameter of microcellular combustible objects is in the level of 1 μm and the cell density is about 10¹¹ cell⋅cm⁻³. The microcellular combustible objects fabricated by the SCCO₂ foaming technology are smooth and uniform, and the high specific surface area of cell structure can lead to the significant combustion performance of microcellular combustible object for CTA in the future.     

Formulation development and characterization of cellulose acetate nitrate based propellants for improved insensitive munitions properties

Cellulose acetate nitrate (CAN) was used as an insensitive energetic binder to improve the insensitive munitions (IM) properties of gun propellants to replace the M1 propellant used in 105 mm artillery charges. CAN contains the energetic nitro groups found in nitrocellulose (NC), but also acetyl functionalities, which lowered the polymer's sensitivity to heat and shock, and therefore improved its IM properties relative to NC. The formulation, development and small-scale characterization testing of several CAN-based propellants were done. The formulations, using insensitive energetic solid fillers and high-nitrogen modifiers in place of nitramine were completed. The small scale characterization testing, such as closed bomb testing, small scale sensitivity, thermal stability, and chemical compatibility were done. The mechanical response of the propellants under high-rate uni-axial compression at, hot, cold, and ambient temperatures were also completed. Critical diameter testing, hot fragment conductive ignition (HFCI) tests were done to evaluate the propellants' responses to thermal and shock stimuli. Utilizing the propellant chemical composition, theoretical predictions of erosivity were completed. All the small scale test results were utilized to down-select the promising CAN based formulations for large scale demonstration testing such as the ballistic performance and fragment impact testing in the 105 mm M67 artillery charge configurations. The test results completed in the small and large scale testing are discussed.     

Theoretical design of new bridge-ring insensitive high energy compounds by selected normal Diels-Alder reactions between NH2-substituted oxazoles and NO2/NF2/NHNO2-substituted ethylenes/acetylenes

In this work, NH₂-substituted oxazoles and NO₂/NF₂/NHNO₂-substituted ethylenes/acetylenes were designed and used as dienes and dienophiles, respectively, in order to develop new bridge-ring insensitive high energy compounds through the Diels-Alder reaction between them. The reaction type, reaction feasibility and performance of reaction products were investigated in detail theoretically. The results showed that dienes most possibly react with dienophiles through the HOMO-diene controlled normal Diels-Alder reaction at relatively low energy barrier. Tetranitroethylene could react with the designed dienes much more easily than other dienophiles, and was employed to further design 29 new bridge-ring energetic compounds. Due to high heat of formation, density and oxygen balance, all designed bridge-ring energetic compounds have outstanding detonation performance, 16 of them have higher energy than HMX (1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) and 2 others even possess comparative energy with the representative of high energy compounds CL-20 (2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane). The predicted average h₅₀ value of these bridge-ring energetic compounds is 83 cm, showing their low impact sensitivity. The NH₂ groups could obviously impel the proceeding of Diels-Alder reactions, but would slightly decrease the energy and sensitivity performance. In all, the new designed bridge-ring compounds have both high energy and low sensitivity, and may be produced through Diels-Alder reactions at relatively low energy barrier. This paper may be helpful for the theoretical design and experiment synthesis of new advanced insensitive high energy compounds.     

Preparation of ammonium nitrate-based solid composite propellants supplemented with polyurethane/nitrocellulose blends binder and their thermal decomposition behavior

To improve the performance of solid composite propellants (SCPs) supplemented with ammonium nitrate (AN) as an oxidizer, the incorporation of energetic ingredients such as explosives, energetic binders or catalysts is a common effective approach. For this purpose, polyurethane (PU), a typical inert binder, was mixed with nitrocellulose (NC) as an energetic polymer. Numerous composite solid propellant compositions based on AN and NC-modified polyurethane binder with different NC ratios were prepared. The prepared formulations were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), RAMAN spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron densimetry, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A kinetic study was then performed using the iterative Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (It-KAS), Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (It-FWO), and non-linear Vyazovkin integral with compensation effect (VYA/CE) methods. The theoretical performances, such as theoretical specific impulse, adiabatic flame temperature, and ideal exhaust gaseous species, were also determined using the NASA Lewis Code, Chemical Equilibrium with Application (CEA). Spectroscopic examinations revealed the existence of NC and full polymerization of PU in the prepared propellants. According to density tests, the density of the propellant increases as the nitrocellulose component increases. According to the thermal analysis and kinetics study, the increase in NC content catalyzed the thermal decomposition of the AN-based composite solid propellants. Based on the theoretical study, increasing the amount of NC in the propellant increased the specific impulse and, as a result, the overall performance.     

Research on the influences of confining pressure and strain rate on NEPE propellant: Experimental assessment and constitutive model

In order to study the influences of confining pressure and strain rate on the mechanical properties of the Nitrate Ester Plasticized Polyether (NEPE) propellant, uniaxial tensile tests were conducted using the self-made confining pressure system and material testing machine. The stress-strain responses of the NEPE propellant under different confining pressure conditions and strain rates were obtained and analyzed. The results show that confining pressure and strain rate have a remarkably influence on the mechanical responses of the NEPE propellant. As confining pressure increases (from 0 to 5.4 MPa), the maximum tensile stress and ultimate strain increase gradually. With the coupled effects of confining pressure and strain rate, the value of the maximum tensile stress and ultimate strain at 5.4 MPa and 0.0667 s⁻¹ is 2.03 times and 2.19 times of their values under 0 MPa and 0.00333 s⁻¹, respectively. Afterwards, the influence mechanism of confining pressure on the NEPE propellant was analyzed. Finally, based on the viscoelastic theory and continuous damage theory, a nonlinear constitutive model considering confining pressure and strain rate was developed. The damage was considered to be rate-dependent and pressure-dependent. The constitutive model was validated by comparing experimental data with predictions of the constitutive model. The whole maximum stress errors of the model predictions are lower than 4% and the corresponding strain errors are lower than 7%. The results show that confining pressure can suppress the damage initiation and evolution of the NEPE propellant and the nonlinear constitutive model can describe the mechanical responses of the NEPE propellant under various confining pressure conditions and strain rates. This research can lay a theoretical foundation for analyzing the structural integrity of propellant grain accurately under working pressure loading.     

Fabrication and characterization of mussel-inspired layer-by-layer assembled CL-20-based energetic films via micro-jet printing

Three-dimensional (3D) micro-jet printing is a droplet deposition technique based on liquid-phase materials. To improve the deposition density and performance of energetic films with micro/nanoscale on an energetic chip, polydopamine (PDA) was utilized as a linker bridge to induce the in-situ self-assembly of CL-20-based energetic film via 3D micro-jet printing. The self-assembly was extensively characterized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), SEM, power-XRD, XPS, and DSC. The performance of the self-assembled film was verified by the mechanical properties and detonation properties, and a possible self-assembly mechanism in the layer-by-layer micro-jet printing process was proposed. The results indicated PDA-induced self-assembly enhanced the physical entanglement between the binders and energetic crystal, reduced the porosity from 15.87% to 11.28%, and improved the elastic modulus and the detonation performance of the CL-20-based energetic film. This work proposes a novel and promising energetic film design and fabrication strategy to enhance the interaction between the energetic composite layers in the micro-jet printing process.     

Preparation and property of CL-20/BAMO-THF energetic nanocomposites

A sol-gel freezing-drying method was utilized to prepare energetic nanocomposites based on 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12-hexanitro-2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) with 3, 3-Bis (azidomethyl) oxetane-tetrahydrofuran copolymer (BAMO-THF) as energetic gel matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential thermal analyser (DTA) were utilized to characterize the structure and property of the resultant energetic nanocomposites. Compared with raw CL-20, the average particle sizes of CL-20 in CL-20/BAMO-THF energetic nanocomposites were decreased to nano scale and the morphologies of CL-20 were also changed from prismatic to spherical. FT-IR detection revealed that CL-20 particles were recrystallized in BAMO-THF gel matrix during the freezing-drying process. The thermal decomposition behaviors of the energetic nanocomposites were investigated as well. The thermolysis process of CL-20/BAMO-THF nanocomposites was enhanced and the activation energy was lower compared with that of raw CL-20, indicating that CL-20/BAMO-THF nanocomposites showed high thermolysis activity. The impact sensitivity tests indicated that CL-20/BAMO-THF energetic nanocomposites presented low sensitivity performance.     

Hyperspectral imaging and remote trace detection of cis-1,3,4,6-tetranitrooctahydroimidazo-[4,5 d] imidazole (BCHMX) compared with traditional explosives using laser induced fluorescence

cis-1,3,4,6-Tetranitrooctahydroimidazo-[4,5 d] imidazole (BCHMX) is an advanced energetic compound that expected to spread worldwide in the near future. Since, no approved remote detection methods were reported in current literature for this material, we performed hyper-spectral imaging and laser induced fluorescence (LIF) to a BCHMX sample under low laser fluence for determining the optimum laser wavelength used in any future BCHMX-LIF based remote detection systems. For this purpose, an experimental setup consisted of a sun spectrum lamp and hyper-spectral camera was built to illuminate and image white powder samples of BCHMX in comparison with the traditional explosives, HMX (1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane), RDX (1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane), PETN (2,2-Bis[(nitroxy)methyl]propane-1,3-diyldinitrate). The imaging reveals strong BCHMX sample absorption contrast among other samples at wavelength ranging from 400 to 410 nm. When light source was replaced by a 405 nm laser diode illuminator, a strong BCHMX sample LIF at the spectral range from 425 to 700 nm was observed under low laser fluence condition of 0.1 mJ/cm². Finally, we demonstrated successfully the ability of the 405 nm LIF and the hyperspectral imaging technique to detect finger print traces of BCHMX on white cellulose fabric from a distance of 15 m and a detection limit of 1 μg/cm².     

Direct ink writing of 3D-Honeycombed CL-20 structures with low critical size

3D-Honeycombed CL-20 structures with low critical size of detonation have been fabricated successfully for intelligent weapon systems using a micro-flow direct ink writing (DIW) technology. The CL-20-based explosive ink for DIW technology was prepared by a two-component adhesive system with waterborne polyurethane (WPU) and ethyl cellulose (EC). Not only the preparation of the explosive ink but also the principle of DIW process have been investigated systematically. The explosive ink displayed strong shear-thinning behavior that permitted layer-by-layer deposition from a fine nozzle onto a substrate to produce complex shapes. The EC content was varied to alter the pore structure distribution and rheological behavior of ink samples after curing. The deposited explosive composite materials are of a honeycombed structure with high porosity, and the pore size distribution increases with the increase of EC content. No phase change was observed during the preparation process. Both WPU and EC show good compatibility with CL-20 particles. Apparently high activation energy was realized in the CL-20-based composite ink compared with that of the refined CL-20 due to the presence of non-energetic but stable WPU. The detonation performance of the composite materials can be precisely controlled by an adjustment in the content of binders. The 3D honeycombed CL-20 structures, which are fabricated by DIW technology, have a very small critical detonation size of less than 69 μm, as demonstrated by wedge shaped charge test. The ink can be used to create 3D structures with complex geometries not possible with traditional manufacturing techniques, which presents a bright future for the development of intelligent weapon systems.     

Performances and direct writing of CL-20 based ultraviolet curing explosive ink

A new type of explosive ink formulation that can be quickly cured was prepared with unsaturated polyester as binder,styrene as active monomer,2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide as photoinitiator,and hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) as the main explosive.Then the explosive ink direct writing technology was used to charge the micro-sized energetic devices,the curing mechanism of the explosive ink was discussed,and the microstructure,safety performance and explosive transfer performance of the explosive ink molded samples were tested and analyzed.Results indicate that the composite material has a fast curing molding speed,its hardness can reach 2H within 8 min.The crystal form of CL-20 in the molded sample is still ε type.The CL-20 based W-curing explosive ink formulation has good compatibility,its apparent activation energy is increased by about 3.5 kJ/mol.The composite presents a significant reduction in impact sensitivity and its characteristic drop height can reach 39.8 cm,which is about 3 times higher than the raw material.When the line width of charge is 1.0 mm,the critical thickness of the explosion can reach 0.015 mm,and the explosion velocity is 7129 m/s when the charge density is 1.612 g/cm3.     

Recent progress on transition metal oxides and carbon-supported transition metal oxides as catalysts for thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

As a main oxidizer in solid composite propellants, ammonium perchlorate (AP) plays an important role because its thermal decomposition behavior has a direct influence on the characteristic of solid com-posite propellants. To improve the performance of solid composite propellant, it is necessary to take measures to modify the thermal decomposition behavior of AP. In recent years, transition metal oxides and carbon-supported transition metal oxides have drawn considerable attention due to their extraor-dinary catalytic activity. In this review, we highlight strategies to enhance the thermal decomposition of AP by tuning morphology, varying the types of metal ion, and coupling with carbon analogue. The enhanced catalytic performance can be ascribed to synergistic effect, increased surface area, more exposed active sites, and accelerated electron transportation and so on. The mechanism of AP decom-position mixed with catalyst has also been briefly summarized. Finally, a conclusive outlook and possible research directions are suggested to address challenges such as lacking practical application in actual formulation of solid composite propellant and batch manufacturing.     

Experimental investigation of a cook-off temperature in a hot barrel

The experimental investigations of the effect of contact time/temperature on initiating the cook-off using 7.62 mm calibre cartridge cases (CC) were conducted previously. These cartridges were filled with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) double based (DB) propellant (Bulls Eye) and were loaded in a hot chamber. The thermal explosion temperature is of great significance to both weapon designers and safety inspectors as it provides the operational limit and safe operating temperature. For CC under test, it was found that the cook-off temperatures of this propellant were encountered with the heat transfer profile of the simulated gun barrel between 151.4 °C and 153.4 °C, with a reaction occurring in less than 300 s after the round was chambered. Usefully, each experiment was found to be consistent and repeatable.     

The surface activation of boron to improve ignition and combustion characteristic

Boron is a very promising and highly attractive fuel because of high calorific value. However, the practical applications in explosives and propellants of boron have been limited by long ignition delay time and low combustion efficiency. Herein, nano-Al and graphene fluoride (GF) as surface activated materials are employed to coat boron (B) particles to improve ignition and combustion performance. The reaction heat of nano-Al coated B/KNO₃ and GF coated B/KNO₃ are 1116.83 J/g and 862.69 J/g, respectively, which are higher than that of pure B/KNO₃ (823.39 J/g). The ignition delay time of B/KNO₃ could be reduced through nano-Al coating. The shortest ignition delay time is only 75 ms for B coated with nano-Al of 8 wt%, which is much shorter than that of pure B/KNO₃ (109 ms). However, the ignition delay time of B/KNO₃ coated with GF has been increased from 109 to 187 ms. B coated with GF and nano-Al shown significantly influence on the pressure output and flame structure of B/KNO₃. Furthermore, the effects of B/O ratios on the pressure output and ignition delay time have been further fully studied. For B/KNO₃ coated with nano-Al and GF, the highest pressures are 88 KPa and 59 KPa for B/O ratio of 4:6, and the minimum ignition delay time are 94 ms and 148 ms for B/O ratio of 7:3. Based on the above results, the reaction process of boron coated with GF and nano-Al has been proposed to understand combustion mechanism.     

Influence of propagation direction on operation performance of rotating detonation combustor with turbine guide vane

Due to the pressure gain combustion characteristics, the rotating detonation combustor (RDC) can enhance thermodynamic cycle efficiency. Therefore, the performance of gas-turbine engine can be further improved with this combustion technology. In the present study, the RDC operation performance with a turbine guide vane (TGV) is experimentally investigated. Hydrogen and air are used as propellants while hydrogen and air mass flow rate are about 16.1 g/s and 500 g/s and the equivalence ratio is about 1.0. A pre-detonator is used to ignite the mixture. High-frequency dynamic pressure transducers and silicon pressure sensors are employed to measure pressure oscillations and static pressure in the combustion chamber. The experimental results show that the steady propagation of rotating detonation wave (RDW) is observed in the combustion chamber and the mean propagation velocity is above 1650 m/s, reaching over 84% of theoretical Chapman-Jouguet detonation velocity. Clockwise and counterclockwise propagation directions of RDW are obtained. For clockwise propagation direction, the static pressure is about 15% higher in the combustor compared with counterclockwise propagation direction, but the RDW dominant frequency is lower. When the oblique shock wave propagates across the TGV, the pressure oscillations reduces significantly. In addition, as the detonation products flow through the TGV, the static pressure drops up to 32% and 43% for clockwise and counterclockwise propagation process respectively.     

Effect of energy content of the nitraminic plastic bonded explosives on their performance and sensitivity characteristics

Information about the forty nine nitraminic plastic bonded explosives (PBXs) and different nitramines were collected. Fillers of these PBXs are nitramines 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane (RDX) and β-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5-tetrazocane (β-HMX), cis-1,3,4,6-tetranitro-octahydroimidazo-[4,5-d]imidazole (bicyclo-HMX, BCHMX) and ε-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (ε-HNIW, CL-20) which are bonded by polyfluoro-elastomers, polydimethyl-siloxane, poly-glycidyl azide, polyisobutylene, polystyrene-butadiene, poly-acrylonitrile-butadiene and hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene in addition to a melt cast compositions based on 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. For thirty two of these PBXs the relationships are specified and analyzed between heats of their combustion and relative explosive strengths; by means of these relationships it might be possible to estimate, which groupings in the macromolecule of binder could be liable to their primary fission in the PBXs initiation. Similarly, for forty two of these explosives, the relationships are described and analyzed between their enthalpies of formation and impact sensitivities; here is especially attention paid to PBXs filled by BCHMX. Specific rate constants from Vacuum Stability Test (VST) of four nitramines and twenty PBXs are introduced into relationships with their enthalpies of formation. Regarding to all the mentioned cases, increasing of energy content of the studied explosives leads to increase of the relative explosive strength or initiation reactivity, respectively. Exception with the opposite trend, the outputs of VST are for BCHMX, where in PBXs are matrices with the esteric plasticizers or the energetic poly-glycidyl azide. Admixture of RDX or HMX, respectively, into the BCHX PBXs gives ternary PBXs whose thermal stability, in the sense of applied VST, is higher comparing to the original binary explosives.     

Study of nano-nitramine explosives: preparation,sensitivity and application

Nano-nitramine explosives (RDX, HMX, CL-20) are produced on a bi-directional grinding mill. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations show that the prepared particles are semi-spherical, and the narrow size distributions are characterized using the laser particle size analyzer. Compared with the micron-sized samples, the nano-products show obvious decrease in friction and impact sensitivities. In the case of shock sensitivities, nano-products have lower values by 59.9% (RDX), 56.4% (HMX), and 58.1% (CL-20), respectively. When nano-RDX and nano-HMX are used in plastic bonded explosives (PBX) as alternative materials of micron-sized particles, their shock sensitivities are significantly decreased by 24.5% (RDX) and 22.9% (HMX), and their detonation velocities are increased by about 1.7%. Therefore, it is expected to promote the application of nano-nitramine explosives in PBXs and composite modified double-based propellants (CMDBs) so that some of their properties would be improved.