High Explosive and Solid Propellant Compositions Based on a New Class of Soluble Oxidants
Abstract
A number of the oxygen-surplus experimental high explosive compounds discovered in the Bureau of Ordnance's research program in recent years, such as BTNEN, BTNEC and TNEOC, have been found to dissolve in high concentrations in several nitropolymers such as polynitropolyurethanes, polydinitropropyl acrylate and nitrocellulose. A preliminary study has been made of this phenomenon and it appears to be directly applicable to the formulation of a new class of high explosive or solid propellant compositions in which the oxidant is all or largely dissolved in the polymeric matrix. It has been found possible to prepare essentially homogeneous compositions with oxygen balances as high as the CO2 level which can be extruded or compression molded into tough, cylindrical shapes. Some of the compositions can be machined to close tolerances. Most of them have good vacuum thermal stabilities at 100 deg C for 48 hours. Impact sensitivities were in the same range as double base propellants. The addition of aluminum powder did not materially affect either the thermal stability or impact sensitivity. Calculated heats of detonation of 1400-1600 calories/g are readily achieved by formulations containing no aluminum, while with the latter added, values to 2500 cal/g are attainable. This development will continue and this report is to be considered as preliminary study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 10, 1959
- Accession Number
- AD0312613
Entities
People
- O. H. Johnson
Organizations
- Naval Ordnance Laboratory