Studies on Physico-Mechanical and Explosive Characteristics of RDX/HMX-Based Castable Plastic-Bonded Explosives

  • J. S. Gharia High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
  • R. K. Sinha High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
  • V. V. Trads High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
  • Vinay Prakash High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
  • V. K. Phadke High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Keywords: Composite material, Plastic bonded explosive, Conventional cast explosives, Plasticizer ratios, Polybutadiene based castable

Abstract

Conventional cast explosives (RDX/TNT) have major drawbacks of poor mechanical properties,shrinkages and higher sensitivity .These properties can be improved by applying plastic bindersystems. The plastic-bonded explosive (PBX) is a composite material in which solid explosive particles are dispersed in a polymer matrix. The present paper describes the development of anitramine/hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB)-based castable PBX. The PBXs were processed as per standard procedures. Bimodal/trimodal particle size system was selected to reach asolid loading of 88 wt per cent. High solid loading was made possible through proper combination ofcoarse/fine ratio of solid ingredients, which was based on a number of tap density experiments.Processability of the binder system was studied by using various wetting agents as well as by selectingbinder/plasticizer ratios. Mechanical properties of the PBXs were enhanced by different crosslinkingagents. The explosive properties ofPBXs including detonation velocity , processability and sensitivityto different types of stimuli, were studied. The results show that PBXs can be manufactured withdetonation properties better than those of composition B/octol with the added advantages of superiorthermal and sensitivity characteristics.

Author Biographies

J. S. Gharia, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Mr J, Gharia obtained his MSc in Organic Chemistry .He has undergone an advanced course on warhead technology at MBB, Germany. He worked as Dy Controller of Explosives in the Department of Civil Engineering, Calcutta. He joined DRDO at the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune, in 1975. His areas of research include civil and military explosives. Heis the recipient of DRDO Cash Award for the development of Prithvi and Pinaka warheads and forHMX production.
R. K. Sinha, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Mr RK Sinha joined DRDO at the High Energ/Materials Research Laboratory, Pune. His areas ofresearch include bonded explosive compositions, explosive detection and marking. He is a memberof the High Energy Materials Society of India.
V. V. Trads, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Mr VV Tadas joined DRDO at the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune. His areas ofresearch include high explosives and castable plastic-bonded exposives.
Vinay Prakash, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Mr. Vinay Prakash joined DRDO at the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune in1985. His areas of research include production of dense NC and plastic-bonded explosives.Presently, he is v/orking as AWM under I.O.F.S.
V. K. Phadke, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune
Dr (Mrs) VK Phadke obtained her PhD in Chemistry. She joined DRDO at the High EnergyMaterials Research Laboratory , Pune. Presently she is working in the development of castableplastic-bonded explosives.

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Published
2010-01-04
How to Cite
Gharia, J., Sinha, R., Trads, V., Prakash, V., & Phadke, V. (2010). Studies on Physico-Mechanical and Explosive Characteristics of RDX/HMX-Based Castable Plastic-Bonded Explosives. Defence Science Journal, 48(1), 125-130. https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.48.3877
Section
Materials Science & Metallurgy

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