Reactive compositions including metal

(54) Title: Starting compositions for reactive compositions comprising metals and methods for designing the same (56) Published publications: - (47) Abstract:

A reactive composition comprising a metal material and an explosive, such as at least one oxidizing agent, at least one explosive from kiasis 1.1 or mixtures thereof. Metal material forms a continuous phase and the explosive is dispersed therein. The metal material may be a fusible metal having a melting point in the range of from about 46 ° C to about 250 ° C. The fusible metal alloy may comprise at least one oxidizing agent selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver and zinc. The reactive composition may have a density higher than about 2 g / cm³. The reactive composition may also comprise a polymer / plasticizer system. A process for forming the reactive composition is also described.

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SUMMARY OF DESCRIPTION

A reactive composition comprising a metal material and an explosive such as at least one oxidant, at least one class 1.1 explosive or mixtures thereof. Metal material forms a continuous phase and the explosive is dispersed therein. The metal material may be a fusible metal having a melting point in the range of from about 46 ° C to about 250 ° C. The fusible metal alloy may comprise at least one oxidizing agent selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver and zinc. The reactive composition may have a density higher than about 2 g / cm³. The reactive composition may also comprise a polymer / plasticizer system. A process for forming the reactive composition is also described.

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TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to an insensitive, highly explosive composition. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising a metal material and an explosive.

BACKGROUND

Many explosive, pyrotechnic and combustible compositions are known in the art. To form these compositions, a fuel is usually dispersed in an organic explosive such as in trinitrotoluene (TNT). TNT is commonly used as an explosive in explosive compositions because it is stable and insensitive. Some common examples of military explosives which include TNI are tritonal, cyclotol, Composition B, DBX, and octol. Tritonal includes 20% aluminum and 80% TNT. Cyclotol comprises 65% -75%, cyclo-1,3,5-trimethylene-2,4,6-trinitramine (RDX; also known as hexogen or cyclonite) and 25-35% TNT. Composition B comprises 60-64% RDX and 36-40% TNT. DBX comprises 21% RDX, 21% ammonium nitrate, 18% aluminum and 40% TNT. Octol contains 7075% cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX; also known as octogen) and 25-30% TNT. These TNT-containing, explosive compositions are transferred to a useful form by casting or pressing processes. Casting is more versatile and convenient for applying the explosive, pyrotechnic or combustible composition than pressing and is consequently a more desirable process.

In casting, the explosive is heated to a temperature above its melting point to produce a liquid phase which is also referred to as a melting phase or casting material. The explosive material is melted by placing it in a vessel, such as a boiler and heating to a temperature above its melting point. The fuel, which is usually a solid, is dispersed in the organic melting phase. In such a mixture, the explosive forms a continuous phase and the fuel is a dispersed phase. The mixture is poured into a container such as a mold or charge sleeve and allowed to solidify by cooling to produce the explosive, pyrotechnic or combustible composition. This process is known as a melt-filling process since the explosive is melted, the fuel is added and the resulting mixture is poured into the desired form. Many explosive, pyrotechnic or combustible compositions containing TNT as an explosive are prepared by melt-filling processes since TNT has a relatively low melting point compared to other constituents of conventional compositions. TNT has a melting point of about 81 ° C and

528 756 remains liquid at temperatures ranging from about 81 ° C to 105 ° C. In contrast, many other chemical constituents of the explosive, pyrotechnic or combustible composition, such as RDX and HMX, have melting points higher than 200 ° C. An example of an explosive composition prepared by a melt-filling process is tritonal, which contains aluminum and TNT. The aluminum exists as a powder and is dispersed in the trinitrotoluene.

Explosive, pyrotechnic or combustible compositions usually have a density of 1.5 g / cm³ - 1.7 g / cm³. Explosive, pyrotechnic or combustible compositions with higher densities, however, have improved efficiency properties and are therefore desirable. In contrast, the efficiency properties cannot be expressed in the form of a single parameter, but military explosives usually require a higher effective concentration per unit volume, a higher reaction rate, an increased detonation rate and a detonation effect than industrial explosives. However, the effectiveness parameters for splenic explosives are also dependent on the desired application of the explosive composition. For example, if explosive, pyrotechnic or combustible compositions are used in mines, bombs, mine projectiles or missile warheads in rockets, the composition should have a high gas action, high gas volume and high explosion heat. If the explosive, pyrotechnic or combustible composition is used in grenades, the composition should have a high rate of splitter formation, a high charge density and a high detonation rate. In shaped charges, explosive, pyrotechnic or combustible compositions should have a high density, a high detonation rate, a high strength, and a high breeze. Brisans corresponds to the destructive splitting action of a charge in its immediate vicinity and is used to measure the efficiency of the compost. The breeze also depends on the rate of detonation, the heat of the explosion, the gas exchange and the compactness or density of the composition.

Numerous explosive compositions are known in the art and are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,339,624, WO 93/21135 and EP 0487472, all of which are to Caisson et al., In which an explosive composition having a mechanical alloy is described. The mechanical alloy is formed from solid dispersions of metal materials, at least one of the metallic materials being a moldable metal. The metal materials react exothermically with each other to form a fusible alloy that provides additional energy for the explosion. The metal materials include titanium, boron, zirconium, nickel, manganese and aluminum.

It would be desirable to produce a composition which is both highly insensitive and highly explosive for use in military and industrial explosive products. Possibly, the desired composition would be suitable for preparation in existing melt-filling plants so that new equipment and plant need not be developed.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a starting composition for a reactive composition comprising a metal material and an explosive such as at least one oxidant, at least one class 1.1 explosive or mixtures thereof. The metal material forms a continuous phase and has the explosive substance dissolved therein. The metal material may have a density higher than about 7 g / cm³ and may be a fusible metal alloy having a melting point in the range of from 46 ° C to about 250 ° C. The fusible metal alloy may comprise at least one metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver and zinc. Explosive substance may be selected from the group consisting of ammonium perchlorate, potassium perchlorate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, lithium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, cesium nitrate, (itiumperklorat, sodium perchlorate, rubidium perchlorate, cesium perchlorate, magnesium perchlorate, kalciumperklorat, strontium, barium perchlorate, barium peroxide, strontium peroxide, copper oxide, trinitrotoluene, cyclo -1,3,5-trimethylene-2,4,6-trinitramine, cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine, hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitan, 4,10-dinitro-2,6,8,12-tetraoxa4,10-diazatetracyclo [5.5.0.0⁵⁹.0^3,11] -dodecane, 1,3,3-trinitroazetine, ammonium dinitramide,

2,4,6-trinitro-t, 3,5-benzenetriamine, dinitrotoluene, sulfur and mixtures thereof. The reactive composition may have a density higher than about 2 g / cm³.

The reactive composition may further comprise a polymer / plasticizer system. The polymer / plasticizer system may comprise at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polyglycidyl nitrate, nitratomethylmethyloxetane, polyglycidyl azide, terpolymer of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and nitraminodiacetic acid, poly (bis (azidomethyl) oxymethane), poly (bis (azidomethyl) oxethane) bis (difluoroaminomethyl) oxetane), poly (difluoroaminomethylmethyloxetane), copolymers thereof, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose, nylon, polyester, fluoropolymers, explosive oxetanes, waxes and mixtures thereof. The polymer / plasticizer system may also comprise at least one plasticizer selected from the group consisting of bis (2,2-dinitropropyl) acetal / bis (2,2-dinitropropylformal, dioctylsebacate, dimethyl phthalate, dioctyl adipate, glycidyl ethanitrate, nitrile ethanitrite triethylene glycol dinitrate, nitroglycerin, isodecyl pelargonate, dioctyl phthalate, dioctyl maleate, dibutyl phthalate, di-n-propyl adipate, diethyl phthalate, dipropyl phthalate, citroflex, diethylsubated, diethylsebaked, diethyl pimelate and mixtures thereof.

The present invention includes a process for preparing a starting composition for a reactive composition. The process comprises providing a metal material in the liquid state and adding an explosive to the metal material.

The metal material may be a fusible metal alloy having a melting point below the reactive material processing temperature. For example, the metal material may be

528 756 is a fusible metal alloy having a melting point in the range from about 46 ° C to about 250 ° C. The fusible metal alloy may comprise at least one metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver and zinc. Explosive substance may be selected from the group consisting of ammonium perchlorate, potassium perchlorate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, lithium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, cesium nitrate, lithium perchlorate, sodium perchlorate, rubidium perchlorate, cesium perchlorate, magnesium perchlorate, kalciumperklorat, strontium, barium perchlorate, barium peroxide, strontium peroxide, copper oxide, trinitrotoluene, cyclo-1 , 3,5-trimethylene-2,4,6-trinitramine, cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine, hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitan, 4,10-dinitro-2,6,8,12-tetraoxa4,10-diazatetracyklo- [5.5.0.0^5,9.0^3,11] -dodecane, 1,3,3-trinitroazetine, ammonium dinitramide,

2,4,6-trinitro-1,3,5-benzentriamine, dinitrotoluene, sulfur and mixtures thereof. The reactive composition may have a density higher than about 2 g / cm³.

The process may further comprise the addition of a polymer / plasticizer system to the reactive composition. The polymer / plasticizer system may comprise at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polyglycidyl nitrate, nitrate methylmethyloxetane, polyglycidylazide, terpolymer of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and nitramino diacetic acid, poly (bis (azidomethyl) oxymethane) (bis (difluoroaminomethyl) oxetane), poly (difluoroaminomethylmethyloxetane), copolymers thereof, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose, nylon, polyester, fluoropolymers, explosive oxetanes, waxes and mixtures thereof. The polymer / plasticizer system may also comprise at least one plasticizer selected from the group consisting of bis (2,2-dinitropropyl) acetal / bis (2,2-dinitropropylformal, diotylsebacate, dimethyl phthalate, dioctyl adipate, glycidylazide polymer, diethyleneglycol dinitrate, diethyleneglycol dinitrate, trimethylolethane ether nitrate, triethylene glycol nitrate, nitroglycerin, isodecyl pelargonate, dioctyl phthalate, dioctyl maleate, dibutyl phthalate, di-n-propyl adipate, diethyl phthalate, dipropyl phthalate, citroflex, diethylsubated, diethylsebaked, diethyl pimelate and mixtures thereof.

The present invention also includes a process for improving the homogeneity of the reactive composition. The method comprises providing a metal material in a liquid state. The metal material may be a fusible metal alloy having a melting point in the range of from about 46 ° C to about 250 ° C. The fusible metal alloy may comprise at least one metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, cadmium, indium, mercury, antimony, copper, gold, silver and zinc. The metal material may be present in the reactive composition from about 13.5% by weight to about 85% by weight. An explosive is added to the metal material in liquid state. The explosive may be selected from the group consisting of ammonium perchlorate, potassium perchlorate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, lithium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, cesium nitrate, lithium perchlorate, sodium perchlorate, rubidium perchlorate, cesium perchlorate, magnesium perchlorate,

528 756 calcium perchlorate, strontium perchlorate, barium perchlorate, barium peroxide, strontium peroxide, copper oxide, trinitrotoluene, cyclo-1,3,5-trimethylene-2,4,6-trinitramine, cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine, hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitan, 12-tetraoxa-4,10diazatetracyklo- [5.5.0.0⁵’⁹.0^3,11] -bodecane, 1,3,3-trinitroazetine, ammonium dinitramide, 2,4,6-trinitro-1,3,5-benzentriamine, dinitrotoluene, sulfur and mixtures thereof.

The polymer / plasticizer system is added to a mixture of the explosive and the metal material. The polymer / plasticizer system may comprise at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polyglycidyl nitrate, nitrate methylmethyloxetane, polyglycidylazide, terpolymer of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and nitraminodiacetic acid, poly (bis (azidomethyl) oxymethane), polyethylene (bis (difluoroaminomethyl) oxetane), poly (difluoroaminomethylmethyloxetane), copolymers thereof, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose, nylon, polyester, fluoropolymers, explosive oxetanes, waxes and mixtures thereof. The polymer / plasticizer system may also comprise at least one plasticizer selected from the group consisting of bis (2,2-dinitropropyl) acetal / bis (2,2-dinitropropylformal, dioctylsebacate, dimethyl phthalate, dioctyl adipate, glycidyl azitrate nitrile nitrate nitrate nitrate nitrate nitrate triethylene glycol dinitrate, nitroglycerin, isodecyl pelargonate, dioctyl phthalate, dioctyl maleate, dibutyl phthalate, di-n-propyl adipate, diethyl phthalate, dipropyl phthalate, citroflex, diethylsubberate, diethylsebacate, diethyl pimelate and mixtures thereof

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the specification concludes with claims which specifically emphasize and clearly encompass the objects of the present invention, the advantages of the invention can be more easily ascertained by the following description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1-3 show the results of the test of the compressive strength of reactive compositions of the present invention which include the polymer / plasticizer system; and

FIG. 4-7 show photographs of pellets from the reactive compositions before and after the tests of compression cavity strength.

BEST EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A reactive composition comprising a metal material and an explosive is disclosed. The metal material is a continuous phase in which the explosive is dispersed. The reactive composition can provide at least one of the phenomena of light, motion, sound, pressure or smoke when initiated. The metal material provides a molten metal phase in which the explosive can be added or dispersed. The reactive composition may have an improved efficiency over conventional reactive compositions by using a reactive composition.

528 756 metal materials capable of providing a molten metal phase. The reactive composition can be highly explosive when it is intentionally released, but also insensitive to unintentional release. The reactive composition itself can be useful in many different types of artillery material such as bullets, reactive bullets, grenades, warheads (including shaped charges), mines, grenade launchers, artillery sleeves, bombs and explosives.

The metal material may be a metal or metal alloy having a melting point lower than the temperature used in processing the reactive composition. The melting point of the metal material may range from about 46 ° C to about 250 ° C, such as from about 75 ° C to about 105 ° C. The metal material may have a density higher than about 7 g / cm³ and may be inconvenient to react with other constituents of the reactive composition, such as the explosive. If the metal material is an element, the elemental metal may include gallium (Ga), indium (In), lithium (Li), potassium (K), sodium (Na) or tin (Sn). The metal material can also be a fusible metal alloy. As used herein, the term fusible metal alloy refers to a eutectic or non-eutectic alloy which includes transition metals, other metals or mixtures thereof, such as Group III, Group IV and / or Group V metals in the periodic table. The metals used in the fusible metal alloy may include, but are not limited to, bismuth (Bi), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), cadmium (Cd), indium (In), mercury (Hg '), antimony ( Sb), copper (Cu), gold (Au), silver (Ag'j and / or zinc (Zn).) Fusible metal alloys are known in the art and are commercially available from sources including, but not limited to, Indium Corp, of America (Utica, NY), Alchemy Castings (Ontario, Canada, and Johnson Mathey PLC (Wayne, PA). Although the fusible metal alloy may comprise any of the aforementioned metals, the fusible metal alloy may be free of toxic metals such as lead and mercury to reduce the environmental problems associated with decontamination of the reactive composition waste.

To cite one example, the fusible metal alloy may be Wood's metal, which comprises 50% Bi, 25% Pb, 12.5% ​​Sn and 12.5% ​​Cd and is available from Sigma-Aldrich Co. (St. Louis, MO, USA). Wood's metal has a melting point of about 70 ° C and a density of 9.58 g / cm³. The fusible metal alloy may also be I ndalloy® 174 which contains 57% Bi, 26% In and 17% Sn. Indalloy® 174 has a melting point of 174 ° F (about 79 ° C), a density of 8.54 g / cm³ and is commercially available from Indium Corp, of America (Utica, NY, USA), (ndalloy® 162, containing 33.7% Bi and 66.3% In, can also be used as the fusible metal alloy. Indalloy® 162 has a melting point of 162 ° F (about 72 ° C), a density of 7.99 g / cm³ and is commercially available from Indium Corp, of America (Utica, NY, USA). Other lndalloy® materials are available from Indium Corp, of

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America and can be used in the reactive composition. These lndalloy® materials are available in a melting point range (from about 60 ° C to about 300 ° C) and include a wide variety of metals. In itself, the fusible metal alloy can be selected depending on the desired melting point and the metals used in the fusible metal alloy.

The explosive used in the reactive composition may be an organic or inorganic explosive such as at least one of the class 1.1 explosives, at least one oxidant or mixtures thereof. Any conventional explosive may be used in the reactive composition, provided that the explosive does not decompose at the temperature used in processing the reactive composition. The explosive may be a solid at room temperature and either a solid or a liquid at the processing temperature. The explosive may also have a density lower than the density of the metal material. Preferably, the explosive has a density lower than 2.5 g / cm³. For example, if the explosive is an organic material, it may have a density lower than about 2.0 g / cm³. For example, if the explosive is an inorganic material, it may have a density lower than about 2.5 g / cm³. Class 1.1 explosives may include, but are not limited to, TNT, RDX, HMX, hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitan (CL20; also known as HNIW), 4,10-dinitro-2,6,8,12-tetraoxa-4,10-diazatetracyclo [5.5.0.0^5,9.0³'¹¹] -dodecane (TEX), ammonium dinitramide (ADN), 1,3,3-trinitroazetine (TNAZ),

2,4,6-trinitro-1,3,5-benzenetriamine (TATB), dinitrotoluene (DNT) and mixtures thereof. The oxidizing agent may be sulfur or a nitrate, perchlorate or oxide such as an alkaline nitrate or alkali metal nitrate, an alkaline perchlorate or alkali metal perchlorate or an alkali metal peroxide comprising, but not limited to, ammonium nitrate (AN), ammonium perchlorate (AP '), sodium , potassium nitrate (KN), lithium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, cesium nitrate, lithium perchlorate, sodium perchlorate, potassium perchlorate (KP), rubidium perchlorate, cesium perchlorate, magnesium perchlorate, calcium perchlorate, strontium perchlorate, barium perchlorate, barium peroxide, strontium peroxide, copper oxide and mixtures thereof. Although the examples described herein show that the reactive composition comprises a single explosive and a single fusible metal alloy, the reactive metalic composition may also comprise more than one explosive as well as more than one fusible metal alloy. Accordingly, the reactive composition can be described as comprising at least one explosive and at least one fusible metal alloy.

The relative amounts of metal material and explosive present in the reactive composition may vary depending upon the desired application for the desired reactive composition. For example, the metal material may be in the reactive composition from about 10% to about 90%. The explosive may be from about 10% to about

%.

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The reactive composition may optionally comprise additional ingredients depending on the desired application of the reactive composition. The additional components may optionally be present in the reactive composition in the lowest possible amount sufficient to provide the desired properties. For example, the reactive composition may optionally comprise a second metal material which remains solid at the processing temperature. The second metal material can promote blast effects such as increase blast pressure and heat generation. The other metal material may include, but is not limited to, aluminum, nickel, magnesium, silicon, boron, beryllium, zirconium, hafnium, zinc, tungsten, molybdenum, copper or titanium, or mixtures thereof, such as aluminum hydride (AIH₃ or alan), magnesium hydride (MgH₂"), Or boron compounds (BH₃). Except bra₃ For example, the borane compounds may comprise stabilized compounds such as NH₃-BH₃. Sulfur can also be used in the reactive composition. The second metal material may be powder or granular. The second metal material may be present in the reactive composition from about 0.5% to about 60%. The percentages for each of the constituents of the reactive composition are herein expressed as weight percentages of the total reactive composition.

The reactive composition may also optionally comprise conventional binders or fillers. Explosive polymers, inert polymers or fluoropolymers may also be used to optimize the rheological properties of the reactive composition or as an aid in processing. The polymer can soften or melt at the processing temperature. The polymer may be present in the reactive composition from about 0.5% to about 50%, such as from about 0.5% to about 5%. The polymer may include, but is not limited to, polyglycidyl nitrate (PGN), nitratomethylmethyloxetane (polyNMMO), polyglycidyl azide (GAP), terpolymer of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and nitraminodiacetic acid (9DT-NIDA) BAMO), poly (azidomethylmethyloxetane) (poly-AMMO), poly (nitraminomethylmethyloxetane) (poly-NAMMO), poly (bis (difluoroaminomethyl) oxetane) (poly-BFMO), poly- (difluoroaminomethylmethyloxetane) (poly-DFMO) copolymers thereof and mixtures thereof. The polymer may also comprise cellulose polymers such as cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) or nitrocellulose; nylons; polyesters; fluoropolymers; explosive oxetanes; waxes; and mixtures thereof.

Graphite, silica or poly-tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®) compounds may also be used in the reactive composition as a processing aid to promote the reaction. The reactive composition may optionally also include explosive plasticizers or inert plasticizers including, but not limited to, bis (2,2-dinitropropyl) acetal / bis (2,2-dinitropropyl) formal (BDNPA / F), dioctylsebecate (DOS DMP), dioctyl adipate (DOA), glycidyl azide polymer (GAP), diethylene glycol nitrate (DEGDN'j, butanetrioltrinitrate (BTTN), butyl-2-nitratoethylnitramine)

528 756 (BuNENA), trimethylolethanetrinitrate (TMETN), triethylene glycol nitrate (TEGDN), nitroglycerin (NG), isodecyl pelargonate (IDP), dioctyl phthalate (DOP), dioctyl maleate (DOM), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) citroflex, diethylsubated, diethylsebakate, diethylpimelate and mixtures thereof. The plasticizer may be present in the reactive composition from about 0.5% to about 10%, such as from about 0.5% to about 5%. As discussed below, the reactive composition may optionally comprise a polymer / plasticizer system. Catalysts such as graphite, silicon, iron (III) oxide, sulfur or nanoaluminum may also be used in the reactive composition.

In the reactive composition, the metal material provides the continuous phase and the explosive provides the dispersed phase, which differs from the usual reactive compositions wherein the explosive is the continuous phase. The resulting composition can have efficient combustion and reduced sensitivity since the explosive is coated with the metal material, which means that these components are in close contact with each other.

The reactive composition can be prepared by adding the explosive to the metal material to form a substantially homogeneous mixture or a heterogeneous mixture. Any optional ingredients such as a second metal material or any filler can be added to the substantially homogeneous mixture. The metal material may be liquid, but is also referred to as a molten metal. The molten metal can also be produced by heating the metal material to its melting point. The explosive can then be mixed into the metal material. If the explosive is liquid at the processing temperature, the explosive can be fused with the liquid metal material to form an emulsion. Explosives that are liquid at the processing temperature include, but are not limited to, DNT, TNT and TNAZ which have melting points of 71 ° C, 81 ° C and 101 ° C, respectively. If the explosive is solid at the working temperature, the explosive can be dispersed in the metal material by mixing the two components. When a solid explosive is used, the explosive may be in a coarse particle size to provide a well-mixed, reactive composition. For example, the explosive may have a particle size in the range of from about 5 µm to about 400 µm. Solid explosives include, but are not limited to, AP, HMX, KN, KP and TATB, which have melting points of 220 ° C, 285 ° C, 334 ° C, 610 ° C and 450 ° C, respectively. The temperature at which the reactive composition is processed may depend on the melting points of the metal material and the explosive. In one embodiment, the processing temperature is in the range of from about 46 ° C to about 250 ° C, such as from about 75 ° C to about 105 ° C.

After mixing, the substantially homogeneous mixture can be formed in the reactive composition by conventional methods. For example, the reactive composition can be formed by applying the substantially homogeneous mixture to a mold or

528 756 containers with a desired shape. If the substantially homogeneous mixture has low viscosity, it can be poured into the mold. If the substantially homogeneous mixture has a higher viscosity, it can be physically transferred to the mold. The substantially homogeneous mixture can then be solidified to form the reactive composition of the desired form.

When large amounts of solid additives, such as the explosive or optional ingredient, are added to the metal material, a high density gradient can be generated leading to low homogeneity of the reactive composition. In other words, the metal material can separate from the other constituents of the reactive composition. In itself, the metal material cannot bind the explosive or optional ingredients when large amounts of solid additives are present. In order to improve the homogeneity and processing of the reactive composition when large amounts of these additives are used, the polymer / plasticizer system may be used as an aid in processing.

The polymer used in the polymer / plasticizer system may have a melting temperature or softening temperature similar to the melting temperature of the metal material. The polymer can provide sufficiently large intermolecular forces to allow an even distribution in the liquid phase. As previously described, the polymer may be an inert polymer, an explosive polymer or a fluoropolymer. The plasticizer may be an inert plasticizer or an explosive plasticizer as previously described. The polymer / plasticizer system may be present in a reactive composition from about 0.5% to about 50%, such as from about 0.5% to about 5%. In one embodiment, the polymer / plasticizer system comprises CAB and BDNPA / F.

The polymer / plasticizer system can form a polymer matrix that is distributed throughout the metal material in the liquid phase. The metal material itself can be evenly distributed in the reactive composition, increasing the surface area of ​​the metal material. The polymer / plasticizer system can also enable the metal material to slurry the solid additives into the reactive composition and improve the metal material's ability to bind to the solid additives. When the solid additives are added to the metal material, the solid additives can be coated with an even, thin layer consisting of the polymer and the metal material. Thus, the ratio of the surface area of ​​the metal material to that of the solid additives increases.

By using the polymer / plasticizer system, improved efficiency and processability can be obtained. The polymer / plasticizer system can incorporate other constituents of the reactive composition into its matrix, which promotes an even mixture.

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The polymer / plasticizer system itself may provide increased flexibility in formulating the reactive composition and may allow mixing of each component of the reactive composition to obtain a uniform mixture. The polymer / plasticizer system can significantly improve the efficiency of the reactive composition since increased amounts of the solid additives such as increased amounts of oxidizing agent can be used. The polymer / plasticizer system can also increase machinability since the polymer / plasticizer system maintains a homogeneous distribution of the ingredients during filling, mixing, casting and pressing of the reactive composition.

The problem may arise that the polymer / plasticizer system, although it improves machinability, can reduce or bring down the overall explosiveness and efficiency of the reactive composition since many of the polymers and plasticizers are less explosive than other constituents of the reactive composition.

Surprisingly, it has been shown that the polymer / plasticizer system improves the explosiveness and efficiency of the reactive composition. Without limiting the purpose of the invention, it is believed that the metal material can be evenly distributed in the polymer / plasticizer system, increasing the surface area of ​​the metal material. When the solid additives are added to the mixture, the solid additives can be coated with an even layer of the polymer and the metal material, which increases the surface area ratio of the metal material to the additive. The tests that have been performed on reactive compositions lacking the polymer / plasticizer system indicate that the metal material is difficult to function as fuel because large parts of the metal material do not react quickly. However, a uniform, high dispersion of the surface area of ​​the metal material, as is present when the polymer / plasticizer system is used, may allow for a more complete reaction.

If the polymer / plasticizer system is not used in the reactive composition, the reactive composition may be granulated to form a heterogeneous mixture comprising crystallized particles of the metal material and small particles of the explosive and optional ingredients. The granular particles of the reactive composition can then be pressed into a solid mass of the desired shape. When no polymer / plasticizer system is used, the metal material in the reactive composition can be from about 40% to 80%, which is different from the larger amounts of metal material that can be present when the polymer / plasticizer system is used. If the metal material is present in amounts over this range without the use of the polymer / plasticizer system, it may be difficult to produce a uniform composition that is reliable from one sample to another. In addition, the reactive composition formulated without the polymer / plasticizer system may lack a continuous phase and be prone to cracking. In itself, the reactive composition without the polymer / plasticizer system is limited with respect to the amounts of solid additives which can be used in relation to the amount of metal material.

528 756

However, when the reactive composition comprises the polymer / plasticizer system, the amounts of solid additives in the reactive composition may be in a wider range. For example, the reactive composition may comprise from about 13.5% of the metal material and about 82% of the solid additives to about 85% of the metal material and about 9% of the solid additives. In addition, the reactive composition comprising the polymer / plasticizer system can be substantially homogeneous and uniform, allowing filling, casting and granulation of the reactive composition without separation of the metal material from the solid additives. The reactive composition can also be pressed at lower pressures than compositions lacking the polymer / plasticizer system. The polymer / plasticizer system can also make it possible to mix the reactive composition using less shear work which increases the safety of processing these reactive compositions. Use of the polymer / plasticizer system can also reduce the brittleness of the reactive composition. As the formability and toughness of the reactive composition increases, safe handling of the reactive composition can be improved both during and after machining.

The reactive composition utilizing the polymer / plasticizer system can be processed in extrusion devices, injection molding devices and similar process equipment. If the metal material has a melting point of about 46 ° C to about 250 ° C and the explosive is liquid at the processing temperature, the reactive composition can be prepared by a melt-filling process in an existing melt-filling device. Accordingly, new equipment and devices are not necessary for the preparation of the reactive composition. If the metal material has a melting point of from about 75 ° C to about 105 ° C and the explosive is liquid at the processing temperature, the reactive composition can be prepared in an existing melt-filling device used to make the usual TNT-containing explosives. Although it is desirable that the reactive composition be prepared by a melt-filling process, it will be appreciated that the reactive composition can be prepared by other processes, especially if the explosive is a solid.

By using the metal material as a continuous phase, the reactive composition can have an increased detonation rate compared to the detonation rate of a conventional reactive composition. The reactive composition may also have a higher density than that of a conventional reactive composition. In addition, the reactive composition may be more insensitive to unintentional release than conventional compositions as measured by sensitivity tests known in the art. For example, the reactive composition may be insensitive to friction, electrostatic voltages, shocks and thermal incompatibility. The reactive composition may also have a high initiation threshold.

528 756

The reactive composition of the present invention can be used in artillery materials such as bullets, reactive bullets, grenades, warheads (including shaped charges), mines, grenade launchers, artillery sleeves, bombs and explosive charges. For example, the reactive composition can be used as a filler in a ball comprising reactive material. The reactive composition can be used as a shaped charge sleeve such as in a warhead. The reactive composition can also be used to provide enhanced explosive action such as by the addition of a second metal material such as AIH₃, to the reactive composition. The reactive composition may also be formulated for use as a propellant or gas-developing agent.

The following examples are intended to provide a more detailed explanation of the embodiments of the present invention. These examples are not to be regarded as exhaustive or exclusive examples with respect to the object of the present invention.

EXAMPLE

Example 1

Preparation of reactive compositions comprising Indalloy® 174 and TNAZ

To form a reactive composition with 77.5% indalloy® 174 and 22.5% TNAZ (Formulation A), 775 grams of Indalloy® 174 and 225 grams of TNAZ were melted in separate heat-resistant plastic cups, stirring with wood or Teflon® rods. The melting of TNAZ was carried out carefully to avoid a build-up of sublimated reactive composition on the inside of the furnace. The molten TNAZ material was then poured into lndalloy @ 174 and stirred carefully. The mixture of Indalloy® 174 and TNAZ was heated to 100 ° C for 5 minutes with stirring. The Indalloy® 174 / TNAZ mixture was removed from the oven and stirred until the viscosity had increased sufficiently to slurry the TNAZ. The Indalloy® 174 / TNAZ mixture was then poured into a unit such as a mold that had been preheated to 100 ° C. The unit was covered and the top was pressed down until the ingot solidified ..

Reactive compositions with 63% Indalloy® 174 and 37% TNAZ (Formulation B) and 50% Indalloy® 174 and 50% TNAZ (Formulation C) were prepared as described above by varying the relative amounts of Indalloy® 174 and TNAZ.

Example 2

Preparation of reactive compositions comprising Wood's metal and TNAZ

528 756

A reactive composition with 63% Woods metal and 37% TNAZ (Formulation E) was prepared as described in Example 1, except that Woods metal was used instead of Indalloy® 174.

Example 3

Preparation of reactive compositions comprising Indalloy® 174 and TNT

A reactive composition with 70% Indalloy® 174 and 30% TNT (Formulation G) was prepared as described in Example 1, except that TNT was used in place of TNAZ.

Example 4

Preparation of reactive compositions comprising Indalloy® 174 and DNT

To form a reactive composition with 75% Indalloy® 174 and 25% DNT (Formulation F), 750 grams of Indalloy® 174 and 250 grams of DNT were melted into separate, heat-resistant plastic cups and stirring was performed with wood or Teflon® rods. The molten TNAZ material was then poured into Indalloy® 174 and stirred carefully. The Indalloy® 174 / DNT mixture was heated to 100 ° C for 5 minutes with stirring. The Indalloy® 174 / TNAZ mixture was removed from the oven and stirred until the viscosity had increased sufficiently to slurry the DNT. The Indalloy® 174 / DNT mixture was then poured into a unit such as a mold that had been preheated to 100 ° C. The unit was covered and the top pressed down until the contents solidified.

Example 5

Preparation of reactive compositions comprising Indalloy® 174 and AP

To form a reactive composition with 75% Indalloy® 174 and 25% AP (Formulation J), 750 grams of Indalloy® 174 and 250 grams of AP were melted in a heat-resistant plastic beaker and stirred with wood or Teflon® rods. The AP material was inserted into Indalloy® 174 to produce a paste-like material. The Indalloy® 174 / AP paste was removed from the oven. The Indalloyl® 174 / AP paste was added in batches to a unit that had been preheated to 100 ° C and was gently packed between the additives. The unit was covered and the top pressed down until the contents solidified.

Example 6

Preparation of reactive compositions comprising Indalloy® 174 and CN

Reactive compositions comprising 77.5% Indalloy® 174 and 22.5% CN (Formulation K) and 75% Indalloy® 174 and 25% KN (Formulation L) were prepared as described in Example 5, except that KN was used instead of AP.

528 756

Example 7

Preparation of reactive compositions comprising Indalloy® 174 and TATB

A reactive composition comprising 91% Indalloy® 174 and 9% TATB (Formulation H) was prepared as described in Example 5, except that TATB was used instead of AP.

Example 8

Preparation of reactive compositions comprising Indalloy® 174 and HMX

A reactive composition with 63% Indalloy® 174 and 37% HMX (Formulation I) was prepared as described in Example 5, except that HMX was used instead of AP.

Example 9

Preparation of reactive compositions comprising Indalloy® 174, TNAZ and AIH₃

A reactive composition with 50.5% Indalloy® 174, 29.5% TNAZ and 20% AIH₃(Formulation D) was prepared as described in Example 1 with the addition of AIH₃ to the Indalloy® / TNAZ mixture.

Example 10

Preparation of reactive compositions comprising Wood's metal. TNAZ and AIH₃

A reactive composition with 50.5% Woods metal, 29.5% TNAZ and 20%

AIH₃ (Formulation M) was prepared as described in Example 1 with the addition of AIH₃ to the Woods metal / TNAZ mixture.

Example 11

Estimated detonation effect of the reactive compositions

The thermochemical programming code CHEETAH 3.0, developed by LE

Fried, WM Howard and PC Souers were used to calculate the parameters defining the detonation efficiency of the reactive compositions described in Example 110. CHEETAH 3.0 models parameters defining the detonation efficiency of ideal explosives and is available from Lawrence Livennore National Laboratory (Livennore, CA). The parameters determining the detonation effect of the reactive compositions were compared with those of conventional explosive compositions such as isopropyl nitrate (IPN) / Mg (Formulation N); IPN / RDX / IAI, (Formulation O); DNANS / methylnitroaniline / RDX / AP / AI ((Formulation P) and RM4 / nitromethane ((Formulation Q).

528 756

Table 1: Comparison of calculated detonation effect at 99% theoretical maximum density (TMD ') f'é ·

<td>total Energy (KJ / cm³)</td><td> 6,34</td><td> 8,22</td><td> 9,29</td><td> 16,09</td><td> 8,33</td><td>O O</td><td> 5,51</td><td></td><td> 7,93</td>

<td>hrs₂mol / kg x 1CU)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Combustion heat (cal / gx 10)³)</td><td> 0,61</td><td> 0,89</td><td> 1,14</td><td> 2,60</td><td> 0,92</td><td>u O</td><td>CO</td><td>fo 1</td><td> 0,89</td>

<td>detonation temperature (K)</td><td>3448 \ f in</td><td> 4087</td><td> 4391</td><td> 5039</td><td> 4111</td><td> 2202</td><td> 3229</td><td>TO 1</td><td>O 00 LO &lt;*)</td>

<td>detonation speed (Km / s)</td><td> 3,55</td><td> 4,60</td><td> 5,54</td><td>in</td><td> 4,82</td><td> 3,31</td><td> 3,93</td><td>RE 1</td><td> 4,62</td>

<td>detonation print (Kbar)</td><td> 307</td><td> 359</td><td> 381</td><td> 198 | 1</td><td> 364</td><td> 8‘66</td><td> 241</td><td>Π3 |</td><td>375 s</td>

<td>Density 99% TMD (g / cm³)</td><td> 4,63</td><td> 3,59</td><td> 2,99</td><td> 2,79 1</td><td> 3,67</td><td> 3,92</td><td> 3,76</td><td>TO 1</td><td> 3,69</td>

<td>Formulation</td><td>A 77.5% Indalloy® 174 22.5% TNAZ</td><td>B 63% Indalloy® 174 37% TNAZ</td><td>C 50% Indalloy® 174 50% TNAZ</td><td>D 50.5% Indalloy® 174 29.5% TNAZ 20% AIH₃</td><td>E 63% Woods metal 37% TNAZ</td><td>F 77.5% Indalloy® 174 25% DNT</td><td>G 70% Indalloy® 174 30% TNT</td><td>hrs 91% Indalloy® 174 9% TATB</td><td>IN 63% Indalloy® 174 37% HMX</td>

528 756 u_

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<td>detonation temperature (K)</td><td> 2536</td><td> 541</td><td>CO p. co</td><td> 4898</td><td> 4905</td><td> 4928</td><td> 5043</td><td> 4847</td>

<td>detonation speed (Km / s)</td><td> 3,60</td><td> 2,33</td><td> | 2,22</td><td> 5,14</td><td> 4,78</td><td> 7,05</td><td>CO</td><td> 5,73</td>

<td>detonation print (Kbar)</td><td>329 in</td><td> 30,4</td><td>s-- CN CM</td><td> 190</td><td>CM n</td><td>CM 05 T "</td><td> 232</td><td> 187</td>

<td>Density 99% TMD (g / cm³)</td><td>05 in 'T</td><td>J 3 O O LO</td><td>O cq</td><td> 2,86</td><td></td><td> 1,53</td><td> 4,84</td><td> 1,59</td>

<td>Formulation</td><td>J 75% Indalloy® 174 25% AP</td><td>K 77.5% Indalloy® 174 22.5% KN</td><td>L 75% Indalloy® 174 25% KN</td><td>M 50.5% Woods metal 29.5% TNAZ 20% AIH₃</td><td>N IPN MS_</td><td>0 IPN al RDX</td><td>P DNANS MNA RDX AP al</td><td>Q 50% RM4 50% Nitromethane</td>

528 756 ³ Densities above 5 g / cm³ cannot be calculated with CHEETAH. Data were generated at a density of 98.8% TMD.^c These parameters could not be calculated with CHEETAH.

It was not possible to obtain a relevant calculation of the combustion heat and the total energy for Formulation F with the CHEETAH software, which may be due to the low detonation temperature. However, for Formulation G, which has a significantly higher detonation temperature, these parameters could be calculated with the CHEETAH software. Formulation H had too high a density to be calculated. The formulations K and L, which included the inorganic oxidant KN, had a relatively large negative value on the formation heat, which made them almost inert and that it was difficult to obtain useful detonation parameters when combined with the fusible metal alloy.

As shown in Table 1, many of the reactive compositions (Formulations A, b, F. G, I and J) had higher calculated deonation pressures and lower calculated detonation rates than those of Formulation N, suggesting that these reactive compositions had improved calculated efficiency properties. . The reactive compositions AM also had significantly higher densities than those of Formulation N.

The reactive compositions comprising AIH₃ which other metal materials had also increased, calculated detonation parameters. The addition of AIH₃, as in Formulations D and M, for example, gave a drastic increase in detonation temperature, combustion heat and total energy of the reactive compositions. A comparison of the reactive compositions with Indalloy® 174 or Wood's metal as a metal material and TNAZ or HMX as an explosive showed that as the relative amount of explosive increased, the density of the explosive decreased and each of the other parameters increased.

Example 12

Compatibility of the reactive compositions

Compatibility between the metal material, the explosive and the other metal material was also determined. Compatibility data obtained using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) for lndalloy @ 174 together with various explosives and AIH₃ is shown in Table 2

528 756

Table 2: DSC comparison between Indalloy® 174 and explosives

<td>Components</td><td>Alloy: Additive</td><td>DSC (exotherm initiation, ° C)</td>

<td>Indalloy® 174</td><td> 1:0</td><td> -</td>

<td>Alane (AIH₃)</td><td> 0:1</td><td> 188</td>

<td>Alane (AIH₃)</td><td> 2:1</td><td> 192</td>

<td>Alane (AIH₃)</td><td> 3:1</td><td> 188</td>

<td>Alane (AIH₃)</td><td> 4:1</td><td> 191</td>

<td>CL-20</td><td> 1:1</td><td> 242</td>

<td>CL-20</td><td> 3:1</td><td> 243</td>

<td>E.G</td><td> 2:1</td><td> 301</td>

<td>E.G</td><td> 3:1</td><td> 296</td>

<td>TNAZ</td><td> 3:1</td><td> 257</td>

<td>TNAZ</td><td> 4:1</td><td> 256</td>

Example 13

Sensitivity of the reactive compositions

Risk properties were also determined for the reactive compositions containing Indalloy 174. Laboratory scale properties (impact, friction, ESD and thermal incompatibility) were measured for the compositions containing Indalloy® 174, as shown in Table 3. These properties were measured by conventional methods known in the art. .

The detonation effect of these reactive compositions was measured by the Dent and Rate test. An assay sample from each of the reactive compositions was arranged in a steel tube (3.7 cm diameter x 14 cm length) which had five holes drilled in the side for speed switches from which the detonation rate was calculated by regression analysis. The test samples were detonated using an additive correspondingly

160 grams of pentolite (50 pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN ': 50 TNT) and the depth of the bulge formed in a test plate was measured. The depth of the bulge was correlated to the detonation pressure, with a deeper bulge corresponding to a higher pressure).

528 756

C

<td>-J</td><td> 400</td><td colspan="2"> 5,68 - 80</td><td>Approved</td><td>CM O UD § i £ L</td><td>00 Λ</td><td>T^-* c</td><td></td><td> 0,22</td><td>10.7 vii 649</td><td>J ο, ο</td><td> 0,8</td>

<td></td><td>O CM</td><td></td><td>CM</td><td>Approved</td><td>c? on § 2</td><td> &gt;8</td><td>r</td><td></td><td>O CM O</td><td>11.5 at 754</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td> 200</td><td> 4,66</td><td>oo</td><td>Approved</td><td>F7 uo 5 CM 2</td><td> &gt;8</td><td>CM CO</td><td>440 .J</td><td> 0,19 !</td><td>In 36.6 at 400</td><td rowspan="2"> 0,0</td><td rowspan="2">CM CM</td>

<td></td><td> 5-100</td><td></td><td> 00</td><td></td><td>25 at 3 [&lt;0.17 vid 0.91]</td><td>LO</td><td>(D O CM</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>IN</td><td>cn «'c</td><td></td><td>CO t</td><td>Approved</td><td> 800 [5,52]</td><td>co</td><td>co</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>O</td><td></td><td>00 l · - 00</td><td></td><td></td><td>CM O 1X0 § 2</td><td> 1,23</td><td> 197</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>LU</td><td></td><td> 3,81</td><td> 80</td><td>Approved</td><td> 800 [5,52]</td><td> 5,23</td><td> 219</td><td> 334</td><td>0.25 in</td><td>35.4 at 248</td><td> 0*0</td><td> 2,0</td>

<td>LU</td><td></td><td></td><td>O O 00</td><td> &gt;8</td><td>CM CO x- £ £</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td> 9,9</td><td> 8,4</td>

<td>Q</td><td></td><td></td><td>v</td><td></td><td>&lt;25 at 2 [&lt;0.17 at 0.61]</td><td> 0,92</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>O</td><td></td><td>00 00 CM</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>CQ</td><td></td><td>CM M CO</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td> &lt;</td><td></td><td></td><td>co 'T</td><td>During- known</td><td> 800 [5,52]</td><td>co A</td><td> 163</td><td> 259</td><td> 0,23</td><td>25.9 at 212</td><td></td><td> 6,9</td>

<td>in Indalloy® 174</td><td></td><td>8.54 IN</td><td> 08</td><td>Ό C ro Ό O O</td><td>CM if S LO co itL</td><td>co Λ</td><td>No</td><td> 1</td><td> 0,19</td><td>1.8 at 188</td><td> 0,0</td><td> 2,3</td>

<td>Formulation</td><td>The oxidizer particle size</td><td>Density (g / cm³, measured)</td><td>CD ro O</td><td>BOE Stroke (4 ”)^b (10.2 cm)</td><td>ABL Friction (psi at 8 ft / sec)^c[MPa at 2.4 m / s]</td><td>Q W UJ O ~</td><td>SBAT (exotherm initiation, ° C)^c</td><td>DSC (exotherm initiation, ° C)</td><td>w -S?</td><td>'&gt; Li 2^z 2 &lt; ^&gt; „F SL · x</td><td>Depth of bulge (mm)</td><td>Detonation rate (km / s)</td>

528 756 ³ Threshold Initiation level (TIL) minimum for 20 attempts without explosive reaction per drop height.

⁰ Passed corresponds to six no-fire impacts six out of 10 without explosive reaction ^c ON for 20 without explosive reaction ^d 50% ignition temperature.

^e Simulated bulk ignition temperature of bulk goods measures the ability of a sample to absorb heat when an exotherm &lt;107 ° C indicates that it is a sensitive material.

Heat stability under vacuum at 75 ° C for 48 hours

As shown in Table 3, pure Indalloy® 174 was inert and yielded risk results at the lowest sensitivity limit for each test. The reactive compositions with TNAZ and AP (Formulations AE, J, and M) were susceptible to shock but were otherwise insensitive. Formulation E was resistant to hot wire application but burned with a continuous hot flame when lit. The reactive compositions comprising DNT and KN (Formulations F, K and L) were almost as insensitive as pure lndal oy @ 174. In the determination of the heat stability under vacuum (Vacuum Thermal Stability, VTS) no loss of volatiles from any of the reactive compositions. The results of the Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) of pure Indalloy® 174 indicated some weight loss at 188 ° C, which was well above the normal processing temperatures of 100-110 ° C. The results of the TGA analysis of Formulation A showed a significant weight loss at 212 ° C which corresponded to all TNAZ in the explosive composition. However, at 100 ° C, the TNAZ loss was only about 1%, which is acceptable for short machining times. In each of the other cases, the TGA weight loss occurred at a temperature well above the processing temperature. An insensitive, reactive composition comprising Wood's metal and TEX was prepared in addition to the formulations shown in Table 3. A formulation comprising 63% Woods metal and 37% TNAZ exhibited a TC impact of 26.1 inches (66.3 cm), an ABL friction of 800 psi at 8 ft / s (5.52 MPa at 2.4 m / s), a TC ESD value of&gt; 8 J and an SBAT (onset) of 163 ° C.

As indicated in Table 3, the measured depth of the bulge of 9.9 mm for Formulation E was significantly smaller than the bulge depth expected from the calculated detonation pressure of 364 kbar, which corresponds to the bulge depth observed with Composition B or Composition C. However, the observed detonation rate of 8.4 km / s was 85% higher than calculated and was consistent with the detonation rate observed for very high explosive pressed explosives, such as LX-14, which comprises 95% HMX. Similar results were observed for Formulation A. The reactive compositions containing DNT, AP, and KN (Formulations F and JL) gave results similar to those for pure Indalloy® 174.

528 756

Example 14

Safety results for reactive compositions comprising the polymer / plasticizer system

Formulations containing the ingredients listed in Table 4 were prepared and the formulations tested for safety. The impact properties of the formulations were measured using a stroke test developed by Thiokol Corporation (TC). The friction properties of the formulations were measured using a friction test developed by the Allegheny Ballistics Laboratory (ABL). Electrostatic Discharge (Electrostatic Discharge, ESD'j of the formulations was measured using an ESD test developed by TC. Initiation of ignition exotherms and elevated temperature sensitivity of the formulations was measured using a Simulated Bulk Autoignition Test, SBAT) These tests are within the scope only and details of these tests are therefore not included herein.

Table 4: Safety properties of reactive compositions comprising the polymer / plasticizer system

<td>J Formulation</td><td>TC stroke inches (cm)</td><td>ABL friction lbs (MPa at m / s)</td><td>TCESD (J)</td><td>SBAT beginning ° F (° C)</td>

<td>90% lndalloy® 174 10% CP</td><td> &gt;46 (&gt;117)</td><td>800 at 8 fps (5.52 at 2.4)</td><td> &gt;8</td><td> 340 (171)</td>

<td>80% lndalloy® 174 20% CP</td><td> 35,55 (85,22)</td><td>660 at 8 fps (4.55 at 2.4)</td><td> &gt;8</td><td> 349 (176)</td>

<td>60% lndalloy® 174 40% CP</td><td> 41,2 (104,7)</td><td>100 at 6 fps (0.69 at 1.8)</td><td> &gt;8</td><td></td>

<td>85.5% lndalloy® 174 9.5% KP 1% CAB 4% BDNPA / F</td><td> 43,86 (111,40)</td><td>50 at 4 fps (0.35 at 1.2)</td><td> &gt;8</td><td> 309 (154)</td>

<td>76% lndalloy® 174 19% CP 1% CAB 4% BDNPA / F</td><td> 14,33 (36,40)</td><td>50 at 3 fps (0.35 at 0.91)</td><td> &gt;8</td><td> 317 (158)</td>

<td>68% lndalloy® 174 14.5% KP 14.5% RDX 0.4% CAB 2.6% BDNPA / F</td><td> 13,91 (35,33)</td><td>&lt;25 at 2 fps (&lt;0.17 at 0.61)</td><td> 7,5</td><td> 308 (153)</td>

528 756

<td>Formulation</td><td>TC stroke inches (cm)</td><td>ABL friction lbs (MPa at m / s)</td><td>TC ESD (J)</td><td>SBAT Beginning ° F _</td>

<td>57% lndalloy® 174 38% KP 1% CAB 4% BDNPA / F</td><td> 18,364 (47,35)</td><td>25 at 4 fps (0.17 at 1.2)</td><td> &gt;8</td><td> 376 (191)</td>

<td>25% Indalloy® 174 28% KP 10% Mg 1.5% CAB 8% BDNPA / F</td><td> 18,64 (47,35)</td><td>25 at 4 fps (0.17 at 1.2)</td><td> &gt;8</td><td> 336 (169)</td>

<td>20% Indalloy® 174 70% CL-20 1% CAB 9% BDNPA / F</td><td> 19,90 (50,55)</td><td>25 at 6 fps (0.17 at 1.8)</td><td> &gt;8</td><td> 310 (154)</td>

<td>20% lndalloy® 174 55% CL-20 15% MG 1% CAB 9% BDNPA / F</td><td> 16,82 (42,72)</td><td>25 at 2 fps (0.17 at 0.61)</td><td> &gt;8</td><td> 345 (174)</td>

<td>18% Indalloy® 174 76% RDX 6% CBN as well BDNPA / F</td><td> 21,55 (54,74)</td><td>800 at 8 fps (5.52 at 2.4)</td><td> &gt;8</td><td> 287 (142)</td>

<td>17% Indalloy® 174 78% KP 5% CBN as well BDNPA / F</td><td> 18,80 (47,75)</td><td>800 at 8 fps (5.52 at 2.4)</td><td> &gt;8</td><td> 287 (142)</td>

<td>14% lndalloy® 174 81% KP 5% CBN as well BDNPA / F</td><td> 18,67 (47,42)</td><td>800 at 8 fps (5.52 at 2.4)</td><td> &gt;8</td><td> 371 (188)</td>

<td>13.5% lndalloy® 174 82% RDX 4.5% CBN as well BDNPA / F</td><td> 18,45 (46,86)</td><td>800 at 8 fps (5.52 at 2.4)</td><td> 7,5</td><td> 350 (177)</td>

The results shown in Table 4 show that the reactive compositions comprising the polymer / plasticizer system have good safety properties.

Example 15

Reactive compositions comprising the polymer / plasticizer system

A quantitative analysis of the effect of the polymer / plasticizer system was determined by testing two similar formulations for the reactive composition for compression strength of a 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) cylindrical pellet configuration. The first formulation comprising 60% Indalloy® 174 and 40% KP is referred to herein as the ball-1 formulation reinforced with reactive material (Reactive Material

Enhanced bullet-1 (RMEB-1 ”). The second formulation contained 56.85% Indalloy®

528 756

174, 37.9% KP and 5.25% of the polymer / plasticizer system and is referred to as the formulation RMEB-1 m / binder. The polymer / plasticizer system comprised 1.0% by weight of CAB and 4.25% by weight of BDNPA / F. The two formulations tested had the same ratio of Indalloy® 174 to oxidant.

Each of the formulations was formed into a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) cylindrical pellet and compression strength tests were performed on each of these prior art pellets. As shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the MEB-1 formulation was able to withstand a higher load. The RMEB-1 m / binder formulation exhibited more elastic deformation, although only a small amount of the polymer / plasticizer system was used. The formulation comprising RMEB-1 m / binder also exhibited an ability to flow under load and to withstand deformation.

To determine the effect of the polymer / plasticizer system, the toughness of each mold was calculated by integrating each curve. As shown in FIG. 3, the RMEB-1 formulation w / binder was almost twice as tough as the RMEB formulation. The RMEB-1 m / binder formulation is less likely to break in itself. Materials that have been subjected to crime are less stable and more prone to premature initiation from external stimuli than materials without crime. In contrast, the RMEB-1 formulation was less tough, more brittle, and more prone to fracture Photographs of the pellets before and after the compression strength tests are shown in FIG. 4-7.

Although the invention may be useful in various modified and alternative forms, particular embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited by the particular forms described. Rather, the invention is intended to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the invention and adhere to its spirit and objects as defined by the following pending claims.

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