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Title: LX-10 and LX-17 moisture content and release

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6486085

The results of four studies related to the moisture content, uptake, and release by two plastic-bonded explosives are reported. Formulations designated LX-10 and LX-17 were studied and are 95% HMX + 5% Viton A and 92.5% TATB + 7.5% Kel-F 800, respectively. Moisture content profiles for LX-17 following accelerated aging studies were obtained by analyzing dry machinings of pressed billets. These data are compared to the total hydrogen produced by materials test units containing pressed LX-17. Moisture released by pressed billets in closed containers was measured indirectly by measuring the amount of H/sub 2/ produced, as released water reacted with uranium to produce UO/sub 2/ and H/sub 2/. The LX-10 and LX-17 billets were subjected to temperature variations involving thermocycling between -54/sup 0/C and 74/sup 0/C and isothermal aging for periods of 3 to 14 months. Two LX-17 billets were soaked in water for 16 hours, air dried, and re-tested for moisture. These experiments indicate that moisture is very slowly taken up and released by pressed, plastic-bonded explosives in diffusion-controlled processes. The processes are slow enough that several hours of wet machining the parts will not result in a significant moisture content increase. Experimental design data are presented.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
6486085
Report Number(s):
UCRL-53533; ON: DE84016579
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English