Pressed booster compositions prepared by coating RDX using polymer dispersions

Abstract

The viability of preparing booster compositions from RDX and commercially available aqueous polyurethane, acrylic and ethylene-vinyl acetate dispersions has been assessed. These dispersions were coagulated in hot aqueous slurries of RDX by electrolyte addition and the use of thermal coagulation aids. When polymer coating of the RDX crystals occurred the precipitated polymer particles were deposited across the surfaces of the crystals. These coatings were often porous; however when softer polymers were used, coalescence occurred and more uniform coatings were obtained. Compositions containing these softer polymers were less sensitive to initiation by shock and impact. The flow properties of these compositions were usually improved by applying an additional coating of zinc stearate. The impact sensitiveness, shock sensitivity and cookoff behaviour of a number of candidate booster compositions have been assessed and suitable compositions have been identified.