Explosive performance of HMX/NTO co-crystal

A new co-crystal explosive of 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-l, 3,5,7-tetrazocane (FMX) and 3-nitro-1, 2, 4-triazol-5-one (NTO) in a molar ratio of 1: 1 has been prepared by solvent/antisolvent method. The SEM photographs show that FMX/NTO co-crystals are distinctly different from HVIX and NTO crystals. The co-crystals are prisms with well formed crystal surfaces. Thermal analysis results indicate the melting point of the co-crystal is 29.3 degrees C higher than that of NTO. Moreover, the co-crystal exhibits a modified mechanical sensitivity. The characteristic height (H-50) of impact sensitivity increases 14.8cm, and the explosion percentage (P) of friction sensitivity decreases by 40% compared with VIX. The HMX/NTO co-crystals possess good thermal property and low sensitivity, which mean huge advantages in blasting engineering.