Poly(aluminum chloride) shell-desensitized cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine explosive core

The high-energy explosive material 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane, also known as cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine or RDX, is highly impact sensitive, and coatings that produce insensitive composites are of significant interest for multiple applications. Inspired by the use of poly aluminum chloride (PAC) to remove natural organic matter in water, in this study, the hydrolysis and self-polymerization of PAC were used to form an insensitive coating on the crystal surface of RDX. A composite material with good crystal morphology, uniform particle size distribution, and low sensitivity was successfully prepared. The coating layer was observed significant for when 5 wt% PAC was used. Thermodynamic analysis showed good compatibility between RDX and PAC, and the thermal stability of the composite material is similar to that of raw RDX. The crystal morphology was significantly improved due to the reduction of crystal cracks during the preparation process, and the polymer coating around the energy crystals displayed good deactivation characteristics. With the addition of 5 wt% PAC, the sensitivity of the composite particles was significantly reduced. This work proves a successful application of PAC in energetic materials and provides a possible method for desensitizing energetic crystals.

Automated summary

The study successfully reduced the sensitivity of high-energy explosive material RDX using a PAC coating to form insensitive composite materials. This method provides a possible way to decrease the sensitivity of energetic crystals.