Preparation and Characterization of Thin Sheets of Energetic Materials Based on Polyisoprene

Abstract

Thin sheets of highly energetic materials based on polyisoprene (PI) as high elastomeric material and cyclo-trimethylene trinitamine (RDX) as high brisant explosive were prepared by rolling of the prepared beads of the RDX coated by PI. These beads were prepared by employing the slurry technique and the sheet explosives were cured in oven at 60 o C for two days. The measured explosive properties of the prepared sheets were discussed and compared with that based on RDX and polyisobutylene (PIB). The sensitivity to impact and friction of the prepared formulation containing 86% RDX were markedly decreased when compared with that of pure RDX, but the ignition point was close to that of pure RDX. The measured detonation velocity of the prepared formulation (8100 m/s) was slightly less than that of pure RDX. The prepared sheet explosive, after curing, behaves as an elastomer with very good stress-strain values.