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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

A compatible encapsulant for explosives. [Hexanitrostilbene and hexanitroazobenzene]

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5247191
Many epoxy resin encapsulants are amine cured; unfortunately, amine cured systems have long-term compatibility problems with certain explosives, i.e., HNS (hexanitrostilbene) and HNAB (hexanitroazobenzene). In response to this problem, an epoxy/anhydride encapsulant was developed that does not rely on amine catalysts. A new catalyst, an organochromium complex, was employed which was found to be compatible with the above explosives. This catalyst provided good cures at temperatures as low as 80)degrees)C; normally epoxy/anhydride systems require curing at temperatures well above 100)degrees)C. Our epoxy/anhydride formulation exhibits low exotherms, long pot life, and can be compounded with glass microballoons to attenuate shock and lower the encapsulant's coefficient of thermal expansion. This paper documents the formulation, physical property characterization, processing, and compatibility studies. 6 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs.
Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
5247191
Report Number(s):
SAND-87-2087C; CONF-880690-1; ON: DE88007212
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English