Thermal decomposition kinetics and explosive properties of a mixture based on cis-1,3,4,6-tetranitrooctahydroimidazo-[4,5-d]imidazole and 3-nitro-1,2, 4-triazol-5-one (BCHMX/NTO).

Abstract

A new plastic bonded explosive mixt. (PBX) based on cis-1,3,4,6-tetranitrooctahydroimidazo-[4,5-d]imidazole (BCHMX) and 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO), bonded by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) binder (44/44/12 wt.%), was prepd. and studied as an explosive for the Low Vulnerable Ammunition (LOVA) in comparison with the LOVA casted compn. NTO/TNT (50/50 wt%) and with analogous PBXs, filled by RDX (1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane), b-HMX (b-1,3,5,7- tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane), BCHMX and e-CL20 (e-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane, e- HNIW). The mentioned PBX with the pure NTO and BCHMX, have been investigated with regard to their thermal behavior and decompn. kinetics (Kissinger and modified Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS methods)) by means of the Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetry (TG) techniques. Impact and friction sensitivities in addn. to the measured detonation velocities and the calcd. detonation characteristics (EXPLO5 code) were detd. Results of the thermo-anal. study show certain instability of PDMS binder in presence of NTO over 170 °C and decompn. of NTO as a soln. in degrdn. products of this binder in temp. region typical for thermal decompn. of BCHMX. Nevertheless, the PDMS matrix shows to be a good binder for a LOVA explosive, filled by BCHMX and NTO, due to its markedly pos. effect on increasing of the resistance of this PBX against mech. stimuli and a good thermal stability.