Characterization and Performance Evaluation of Aluminized Polymer Bonded Explosives Formulations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54388/jkues.v3i2.244Keywords:
Aluminized Polymer Bonded Explosives, RDX, Sulfur Vulcanization System, Impact Sensitivity, AL Powder, Fuel Metal, Ignition TemperatureAbstract
This study presents the preparation and evaluation of Aluminized Polymer Bonded Explosives (ABXs) formulations comprising RDX (Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine), AL powder, and Isoprene Rubber (IR). The formulations were carefully prepared in a laboratory setting, with efficient mixing observed at 70°C and subsequent curing at 80°C for five days. Analysis of scanning electron microscope images revealed well-coated crystals, while density measurements indicated a direct correlation between AL powder content and density. Impact sensitivity testing demonstrated decreased sensitivity with higher AL powder percentages and reduced RDX content. The formulated ABXs exhibited favorable attributes, including ease of production, reduced sensitivity to impact and friction, appropriate sensitivity to heat, and commendable performance coupled with enhanced safety and long-term thermal stability. Hence, the findings suggest promising applications for ABXs formulations in ammunition projectiles and rocket warheads, Explosive Reactive Armor, and under water weapons.
References
Radwan, M. Explosive characteristics of aluminized plastic bonded explosives based on octogen and polyurethane binder. Energetic materials- Ignition, combustion and detonation, Karlsruhe, Germany, 2001: 44-1.
Zhen, F., X. Zhou, M. Zou, L. Meng, R. Yang, L. Wang, F. Huang, and J. Li. Investigation of the agglomeration reduction mechanism of the aluminized HTPB propellant containing ferric perfluorooctanoate [Fe (PFO) 3]. RSC advances, 2019. 9(33): 19031-19038.
Ga?czyk-Specjalska, K., A. Zygmunt, K. Cie?lak, T. Go?ofit, K. Ga?czyk-Specjalska, and A. Kasztankiewicz, Application and properties of aluminum in primary and secondary explosives. J Elementol 2/2017, 2017.
Kolev, S.K., T.T. Tsonev. Aluminized enhanced blast explosive based on polysiloxane binder. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 2022. 47(2): e202100195.
Keicher, T., A. Happ, A. Kretschmer, U. Sirringhaus, and R. Wild. Influence of aluminium/ammonium perchlorate on the performance of underwater explosives. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 1999. 24(3): 140-143.
Prakash, V., V. Phadke, R. Sinha, and H. Singh. Influence of aluminium on performance of HTPB-based aluminised PBXs. Defence Science Journal, 2004. 54(4): 475.
Suceska, M., Test methods for explosives. 2012: Springer Science & Business Media.
Spear, R.J., L.M. Davis, An Australian insensitive munitions policy: a working paper prepared for the Australian Ordnance Council. 1989: Department of Defence, Defence Science and Technology Organisation ….
Ersoy, N., ?.H. Kalyoncu, Ö.B. Çitil, and S. Y?lmaz. Comparison of the fatty acid compositions of six cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) genotypes selected from Anatolia. Erwerbs-obstbau, 2019. 61(1).
Adam, Q., R. Behnke, and M. Kaliske. A thermo-mechanical finite element material model for the rubber forming and vulcanization process: From unvulcanized to vulcanized rubber. International Journal of Solids and Structures, 2020. 185: 365-379.
Li, Y., J. Li, W. Li, and H. Du. A state-of-the-art review on magnetorheological elastomer devices. Smart materials and structures, 2014. 23(12): 123001.
Fabris, H., J. Sommer. Flammability of elastomeric materials. Rubber Chemistry and Technology, 1977. 50(3): 523-569.
Bagheri, V., M.H. Keshavarz, and A. Mousaviazar. The effect of active aluminum content on the detonation performance of aluminized explosives. Journal of Energetic Materials, 2023. 41(2): 144-156.
Hobbs, M.L., M.J. Kaneshige, and M.U. Anderson. Cookoff of a melt-castable explosive (compb-B). Sandia National Lab.(SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)2012.
Marrs, F.W., J.V. Davis, A.C. Burch, G.W. Brown, N. Lease, P.L. Huestis, M.J. Cawkwell, and V.W. Manner. Chemical descriptors for a large-scale study on drop-weight impact sensitivity of high explosives. Journal of chemical information and modeling, 2023. 63(3): 753-769.
Urtiew, P.A., K.S. Vandersall, C.M. Tarver, F. Garcia, and J.W. Forbes. Shock initiation experiments and modeling of composition B and C-4. Lawrence Livermore National Lab.(LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States) 1990-7931, 2006.
Ganesan, N. Germicidal Activity on Leather Fabrics by Aluminium Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Characterization. 2024.
