Preparation of Insensitive RDX by Suspension Spray Technology and Its Characterization

A new insensitive and high energy explosive based on RDX was prepared by suspension spray technology using Estane 5703 as a binder (e-RDX). Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the morphology and particle size of the samples. The composite was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Its impact sensitivity and detonation velocity were determined. For comparison, raw RDX, refined RDX (r-RDX) and solution spray dried RDX/Estane 5703 (e1-RDX) were also tested using these five methods. The SEM results showed that the e-RDX size was 1-3 μm. e1-RDX exhibited a spherical shape with some defects on the surface. The XPS results indicated that Estane 5703 can be successfully coated onto the surface of e-RDX. Compared to raw RDX, the drop height of r-RDX, e1-RDX and e-RDX was increased, being 16.5 cm, 32.9 cm and 58.4 cm, respectively. The activation energy of e-RDX is lower than that of raw RDX, but a little higher than that of e1-RDX. Compared to raw RDX, the detonation velocity of r-RDX, e1-RDX, w-RDX and e-RDX had decreased, being 110 m·s–1, 710 m·s–1, 410 m·s–1 and 210 m·s–1, respectively.