A Comparison of New TATBs, FK-800 binder and LX-17-like PBXs to Legacy Materials

Conference · Fri May 01 04:00:00 EDT 2009

OSTI ID:966908

Willey, T M; DePiero, S C; Hoffman, D M

Two newly synthesized versions of the insensitive high explosive (IHE) 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzenes (TATBs) were compared to two legacy explosives currently used by the Department of Energy. Except for thermal analysis, small scale safety tests could not distinguish between the different synthetic routes. Morphologies of new TATBs were less faceted and more spherical. The particle size distribution of one new material was similar to legacy TATBs, but the other was very fine. Densities and submicron structure of the new TATBs were also significantly different from the legacy explosives. Pressed pellets of the new explosives were less dense. New FK-800 binder was used to prepare LX-17-like plastic bonded explosives (PBXs) from new and wet aminated TATB. Some mechanical, thermal and performance characterization of the new binder and LX-17-like PBXs was done. Significant differences were found. The reason for a number of these differences is not well understood.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 966908
• Report Number(s): LLNL-CONF-412929
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
BINDERS
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
DISTRIBUTION
EXPLOSIVES
PARTICLE SIZE
PELLETS
PERFORMANCE
PLASTICS
SAFETY
TATB
THERMAL ANALYSIS