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Title: Polymeric coatings effect on surface activity and mechanical behavior of high explosives

Journal Article · · Ind. Eng. Chem., Prod. Res. Dev.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/i360075a010· OSTI ID:7066030

There is a continuing effort at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to formulate new plastic-bonded explosives (PBX) with enhanced energy and improved safety characteristics. We have found that these parameters depend mainly upon the polymer or plastic chosen as binder. Typically, these materials have 5 to 10 vol % polymer and the explosive may be treated as a solid coated with a polymeric film. In an effort to determine which properties of a polymer are advantageous here, we have examined in depth three polymers (Kel-F 800, Phenoxy PKHJ, and Kraton G 1650) and an insensitive explosive (1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB)). We determined mechanical and rheological properties, surface characteristics, and acid-base behavior of the pure materials and composites (PBX). It was found that extensibility, glass transition temperature, and Lewis acidity surface wettability of the components of a PBX are governing factors in safety characteristics. 7 tables.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA
OSTI ID:
7066030
Journal Information:
Ind. Eng. Chem., Prod. Res. Dev.; (United States), Vol. 19:3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English