CA2253500A1 - Explosive formulations - Google Patents

Abstract

Explosive compositions coated with a shock sensitivity reducing agent whereby the shock sensitivity of the compositions are reduced at a statistically significant amount.

Description

CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 EXPLOSIVE FORMULATIONS

BACKG~OUND OF INVENTION

For over a decade, the military has been devoting a large amount of research and development funding to research projects directed to reducing the impact and shock sensitivity of the main explosive charge in munitions. A main challenge is to reduce sensitivity of the main explosive charge without decreasing performance while also not significantly increasing cost. One of the main charge explosives in munitions formulations is cyclotrimethylene-trinitramine (RDX) and cyclotetramethylene-tetranitramine (HMX). The only known practical way to reduce the sensitivity of these formulations is to increase the amount of inerts and less sensitive components therein and thus decrease the sensitivity of the formulation but this also reduces the performance of the formulation. Further, extensive discussion of this problem is set forth in U. S. Patent No. 4,842,659. In this patent it is stated that insensitive munitions must be developed to improve the combat survivability of an armament vehicle. It has been found that munitions utilized in some weapon systems are vulnerable to sympathetic detonation. For instance, the cannon caliber ammunition stored aboard these vehicles is vulnerable to initiation via shape charge jet and then propagation of the reaction due to sympathetic detonation.
This sympathetic detonation and propagation scenario can be summarized as follows: If a round is hit by a shape charge jet, it is initiated. As a result, the fragments that are generated by the blast then strike the other rounds that are adjacent to it.
The latter rounds then initiate, contributing to the CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 overall reaction and damage sustained by the vehicle, crew, and other munitions. The mechanisms of reaction for the initiation of the surrounding rounds are due to the blast and fragments impinging on the aforesaid adjacent round. The probability of sympathetic detonation can be reduced in several ways. This can be done by reconfiguring the ammunition compartments within the vehicle. It can also be accomplished by packaging the ammunition with anti-fratricide materials. ~owever, each of the aforesaid solutions will reduce the amount of space available for the storage of ammunition. The most acceptable solution to the problem is to reduce the sensitivity of the energetic material to sympathetic detonation. Incorporating less sensitive energetic material will reduce the vulnerability of initiation from the cited threats without reducing the number of rounds stored in the vehicle. It has been found that by reducing the vulnerability to sympathetic detonation of the energetic materials used in these munitions, the probability of catastrophic reaction can be minimized.
The mechanism generally accepted within the explosives community for detonating or deflagrating explosives is the creation of very localized regions of high temperature, i.e., hot spots. The application of impact or shock on the explosive can generate hot spots in the following ways: (l) by adiabaticly compressing air (or explosive vapor) bubbles trapped in or purposely introduced into the explosive, (2) by intercrystalline friction, (3) by friction of the impacting surfaces, (4) by plastic deformation of a sharply-pointed impacting surface, and (5) by viscous heating of the impacted material as it flows past the periphery of the impacting surfaces.
~n the compression and movement of explosive crystals due to impact or shock, explosives like RDX and CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 HMX rapidly evolve into simpler products like H20, CO, N2, H2, CH2O, HCN, and C2H2 as well as free radicals and unstable intermediates. This mixture of products is unstable and subject to detonation when exposed to a low intensity shock induced spark of static electricity.
The creation and build-up of static electricity may be an additional source of energy which contributes to the detonation of the explosive and its decomposition products.
BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to RDX and HMX
explosive compositions in which the compositions are surface coated with shock sensitivity reducing agents to reduce the shock sensitivity of the composition.
Agents which were found to be useful in this inven-tion were from four primary classes of compounds. The classes are: l) Quaternary Ammonium Salts; 2) Anionic Aliphatic and Aromatic Compounds; 3) Fatty Acid Esters;
and 4) Amine Derivatives;
"Quaternary ammonium salts" are cationic nitrogen containing compounds with four various aliphatic or aromatic groups as discussed above for the amine derivatives. The selected anion is generally a halogen, acetate, phosphate, nitrate, or methosulfate radical.
Inclusive in this category are quaternary imidazolinium salts where two of the aliphatic group bonds are contained within the imidazole ring.
"Anionic aliphatic and aromatic compounds" are compounds normally containing a water insoluble aliphatic group with an attached hydrophilic group.
They are often used as surfactants. The hydrophilic portion of these anionic compounds is a phosphate, .

CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 sulfate, sulfonate, or carboxylate; sulfates and sulfonates predominate.
"Fatty acid esters~' is a term used broadly that covers a wide variety of nonionic materials including fatty esters, fatty alcohols and their derivatives.
Although once limited to compounds obtained from natural fats and oils, the term "fatty" has come to mean those compounds which correspond to materials obtainable from fats and oils, even if obtained by synthetic processes.
They can generally be subclassified as: (1) fatty esters (e.g., sorbitan esters (e.g., mono- and di-glycerides)), (2) fatty alcohols, and (3) polyhydric ester-alcohols. The exact classification of these compounds can become ~uite confused due to the presence of multiple functional groups. For example, ethers containing at least one free -OH group fall within the definition of alcohols, (e.g., glycerol-1,3-distearyl ether). Synthetic compounds such as polyethylene glycol esters can also be included in this category.
"Amine derivatives" describes a wide variety of aliphatic nitrogen bases and their salts. Amines and their derivatives may be considered as derivatives of ammonia in which one or more of the hydrogens have been replaced by aliphatic groups. Preferred amine salts are formed by reaction with a carboxylic acid to form the corresponding salt. The amine and the carboxylic aliphatic groups can be unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkaryl, and aralkyl or substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkaryl and aralkyl where the substituents are groups consisting of halogen, carboxyl, or hydroxyl.
Agents evaluated are presented in the tables of the example. The focus in obtaining these materials was availability and toxicity. Secondarily, water insolubility was highly desired due to ease of CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 incorporation into existing explosives manufacturing processes.
The agents identified were classified in accordance with the four primary classifications listed above.
Classification of some of the agents were assumed based upon MSDS information since the exact chemical structure was proprietary. Agents were obtained representing all four categories. Compounds from all three subclassification referenced above for the fatty acid esters are also represented. The list of possible compounds that can be employed within these categories is almost infinite due to the aliphatic group size, structure (branched or straight), additional functional groups, quantity, combination, and arrangement. Since the evaluation could become endless, agents were chosen to represent the widest variety practical within each chosen category.
It is an object of this invention to reduce the impact and shock sensitivity of RDX and HMX compositions without significantly reducing the performance of the main charge explosive.
It is another object of this invention to reduce the sensitivity of RDX and HMX compositions without significantly increasing the cost of manufacturing the compositions.
other objects and variations of this invention will become obvious to the skilled artisan from a reading of the following detailed specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a pictorial view of the ERL-Bruceton Impact Machine.
Figure 2 is a view of the striker-anvil arrangement of the ERL-Bruceton Impact Machine.

CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97142139 PCT~S97/08333 Figure 3 is a view of Figure 2 taken along line 3-3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a high energy explosive composition characterized by reduced susceptibility to impact and sympathetic detonation due to shock forces, the composition comprising RDX or HMX and a shock sensitivity reducing agent coated on the composition, the shock sensitivity reducing agent being present in an amount effective to impart an increase in ERL-Bruceton Impact Value to the composition which is statistically significant. The shock sensitivity reducing agent may be a quaternary ammonium compound; an anionic aliphatic or aromatic compound; a fatty acid ester; or a long chain amine.
Preferred quaternary ammonium compounds have the formula '2 +
Rl ~ R3 X

~4 wherein Rl is hydrogen, alkyl having 8-22 carbon atoms, aryl having 6-30 carbon atoms, alkaryl having 7-30 carbon atoms, aralkyl having 7-30 carbon atoms, or H(OCH2CH2)n wherein n is l to 50, H ~CHCH2)n wherein n is l to 50, alkaryl having 8-20 carbon atoms, or hydroxyethyl. R2 is the same as Rl, R3 is hydrogen, CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 alkyl having 1-22 carbon atoms, aryl having 6-30 carbon atoms, H(OCH2CH2)n - wherein n is 1 to 150, or hydroxy-ethyl, R4 is hydrogen or alkyl having 1-4 carbon atoms, and X- is halogen, carboxylate having 2-22 carbon atoms, nitrate, sulfate, methosulfate or phosphate.
Other preferred quaternary ammonium chloride agents are bis(hydrogenated tallow alkyl) dimethyl quaternary ammonium chloride; trimethyl tallow alkyl quaternary ammonium chloride; (CH3)3N+R Cl , wherein R is a mixture of long chain aliphatic and unsaturated aliphatic alkyl groups containing 14 to 18 carbon atoms; hydrogenated tallow alkyl (2-ethylhexyl) dimethyl quaternary ammonium methosulfate, N,N,N-tris(2-hydroxyethyl) tallow alkyl ammonium acetate;

(HOCH2CH2)3N R OCC~3 wherein R is a mixture of aliphatic and unsaturated aliphatic alkyl groups containing 14 to 18 carbon atoms;
dimethyl di(cocoalkyl) quaternary ammonium chloride;
R2N+(CH3)2 Cl , wherein R is C6 - C18 alkyl and unsaturated alkyl groups; methyl bis(2-hydroxyethyl) cocoalkyl quaternary ammonium chloride; trialkyl polyalkoxyalkylene quaternary ammonium chloride; and R3N+CH2CH2(0CH2CH2)nOH Cl , wherein R is methyl and n is 1-250.
A preferred anionic aliphatic shock sensitivity reducing agent is sodium alkane sulfonate where the alkane group has 6-18 carbon atoms.
A preferred anionic compound is a soap or detergent based on the lithium, potassium or sodium salts of CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 carboxylic acids containing about 8-26 carbon atoms or similar salts based on alkylbenzene sulfonates. Also the salt may be a triethanolamine salt of a carboxylic acid having about 8 to about 26 carbon atoms or triethanolamine salts based on alkylbenzene sulfonates wherein the alkyl groups contains 8-18 carbon atoms.
Preferred long chain amines are bis(2-hydroxyethyl) tallow alkyl amine, (HOCH2CH2)2NR wherein R is C12-C18.

, H~C~2CH2N\

wherein R1 is C12-C18;

[H( CH2CH2)n 2 2]2 wherein R is C12 to Cl8 and n is 1-150, and ~H(OCH2cH2)nOcH2cH2 ~ 1 wherein Rl is C12 to C18 and n is 1 to about 150. The long chain amine may be ethoxylated cocoalkyl amine where cocoalkyl is C8-C18 saturated or unsaturated group.
Preferred fatty acid esters are glycerol esters having the formula 'H2~C~ fH2O~
l 'HOH HO HO
'H2~H H2OH HOH

CA 022~3~00 l998-ll-02 WO97t42139 PCT~S97/08333 wherein R is about C8 to C18, Other shock sensitivity reducing agents useful in this invention are water soluble or water dispersible quaternary ammonium salts which include: Arquad 2HT-75 from Akzo Chemicals Inc. (bis(hydrogenated tallow alkyl) dimethyl quaternary ammonium chloride);
Arquad T50 from Akzo Chemical Inc. (trimethyl tallow alkyl quaternary ammonium chloride) (CH3)3 N+R Cl where R is a mixture of long chain aliphatic and unsaturated aliphatic groups containing 14 to 18 carbon atoms;
Arquad HTL8-MS from Akzo Chemicals Inc.
(hydrogenated tallow alkyl (2-ethylhexyl) dimethyl quaternary ammonium methosulfate);
Ethoquad T/13-50 from Akzo Chemicals Inc. (~ ~J~J
Tris (2-hydroxyethyl) tallow alkyl ammonium acetate), (HOCH2CH2)3 N R O C-/CH3 , wherein R is a mixture of aliphatic and unsaturated aliphatic alkyl groups containing 14 to 18 carbon atoms;
Arquad 2C-75 from Akzo Chemicals Inc., Dimethyl di(cocoalkyl) quaternary ammonium chloride R2N+(CH3)2 Cl- wherein R = C6-C18 alkyl and unsaturated alkyl groups;
Ethoquad C~12-75 from Akzo Chemicals Inc. (methyl bis(2-hydroxyethyl) cocoalkyl quaternary ammonium chloride);
Markstat AL-12 from Witco Chemical Corp. (trialkyl polyalkoxyalkylene quaternary ammonium chloride); and Staticide 30006 from ACL Inc. (a quaternary ammonium compound) (Structure proprietary.) Other useful quaternary ammonium salts are derived from diamines, triamines or polyamines.

..... .. ... . .

CA 022~3~00 l998-ll-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 For example quaternary ammonium salts derived from ethylenediamine; diethylenetriamine; hexamethylene-diamine; l-4 cyclohexane-bis-methylamine (can use cis, trans or cis~trans mixture); phenylenediamine. Typical salts would be hexamethyl ethylene diammonium chloride;
hexamethylene phenylene diammonium sulfate; and dimethyl tetrahydroxyethyl 1-4 cyclohexylenedimethylene diammonium chloride.
Water soluble anionic aliphatic compounds and aromatic compounds which are useful include: Dehydat 93P from Henkel Corp. which is a sodium alkane sulfonate (alkane not specified but probably C8-C18).
Soaps or detergents based on the lithium, potassium, sodium on triethanolamine salts of carboxylic acids containing 8 to 26 carbon atoms or similar salts based on alkylbenzene sulfonates.
Other useful salts include: sodium octanoate, sodium decanoate, sodium laurate, sodium myristate, sodium palmitate, sodium stearate, sodium oleate, sodium linoleate.
Also useful are sodium, lithium or potassium salts of mixed acids such as those obtained from tallow and coconut oil. A typical one would be a sodium salt of mixed acids containing 12, 14, 16 and 18 carbon atoms.
Some typical useful alkylbenzene sulfonates include: dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, dodecylbenzene-sulfonic acid sodium salt, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid triethylamine salt, nonylbenzenesulfonic acid, nonyl-benzenesulfonic acid sodium salt, and mixed C1O to Cl3 alkylbenzenesulfonic acid salts. Useful sodium alkane-sulfonates include sodium dodecanesulfonate, sodium stearylsulfonate, and sodium myristylsulfonate. Useful alkylnaphthalenesulfonate salts include sodium isopropylnaphthalenesulfonate, sodium nonylnaphthalene-sulfonate. A useful ~-olefin sulfonate is mixed CA 022~3~00 1998-ll-02 WO97t42139 PCT~S97/08333 1-octene, 1-decenesulfonic acid sodium salt. A useful dialkyl sulfosuccinate is di 2-ethylhexyl sulfosuccinic acid sodium salt. A useful amidosulfonate is sodium N-oleoyl-N-methyl taurate. A useful sulfoethyl ester of fatty acid is sodium sulfoethyl oleate.
A useful alcohol sulfate is sodium lauryl sulfate.
Ethoxylated alcohol sulfates such as sodium poly-ethoxyethylene sulfate; ethoxylated alkyl phenol sulfates; phosphate esters - usually used as a mixture of mono, di, and triester are useful in this invention.
Useful fatty acid esters are glycerol esters such as glycerol monostearate, glycerol distearate, and glycerol dilaurate which are usually a mixture of mono and diesters. Many products are derived from naturally occurring fats such as tallow, lard, cottonseed, safflower oil and the like and will be mixtures of fatty acids containing about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms.
Also useful are polyoxyethylene esters; amine derivatives, and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) tallow alkyl amine.
Other operable amines include dialkylethanolamines in which the alkyl groups contain 12 to 18 carbon atoms;
ethoxylated amines such as alkyl polyethoxyethylamines in which the alkyl group is about 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and ethoxylated cocoamine.
Shock sensitivity reducing agents useful in this invention exhibit anti-static properties.

DESCRIPTION OF ERL-BRUCETON IMPACT MACHINE

The ERL-Bruceton Impact machine is shown in Figure 1. The machine comprises a metal base plate 1 mounted on a suitable support. Extending upwardly from the base plate are four supports 3 (two of the supports are not shown). Mounted on the supports is a round flat metal plate 5. Mounted on the round flat metal plate CA 022~3~00 l998-ll-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 are three T-beams 7, 9 and 11 spaced about one hundred and twenty degrees (120~) apart with the leg of each T-beam 13, 15 and 17 respectively, being oriented inwardly toward the center of the apparatus so that effectively a guided enclosed pathway is formed.
Positioned within the guided pathway is an electromagnet 19 which may be moved vertically up or down within the guided pathway. The magnet is moved via a conventional cable and windloss assembly (not shown).
Inscribed on T-beam 7 is a scale for measuring the distance that the bottom of the electromagnet is from a striker mechanism incorporated in the machine. The scale is a log scale showing 0.1 log cm height increments, e.g., the log of a 10 cm drop is taken as 1Ø The log scale is the log of the height in centimeters. Selection of the height used for the first drop is a matter of judgment.
The striker mechanism shown in detail in Figure 2 comprises a generally cylindrical metal rod 21 which is about 3.5 inches long and about 1.25 inches in diameter.
The top end of the striker 21 is rounded to a 2.5 inch radius. Located immediately below the striker is a cylindrical anvil 27 which is 1.5 inches long, 1.25 inches in diameter and is flat on each end. The arrangement is shown in Figure 2. Positioned within the guided pathway below the electromagnet is a two and one half (2.5) kilogram drop weight 23. The drop weight is generally cylindrical with the bottom being in the shape of an inverted truncated cone. An anvil 25 is mounted in center lower surface of said drop weight as shown in Figure 2.
Shown in Figure 3 is a view of the top of the anvil 27 having a square of flint paper 29 placed thereon and a pellet specimen 31 placed on the flint paper.

CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 Not shown in the drawings is a sound meter (Peak-reading voltmeter with a microphone, General Radio Model 1982-9720 Sound Analysis System) which is used to determine whether an explosion has occurred on each drop. The sound meter is adjusted as follows:
After the sound meter has been turned on for a minimum of 15 minutes, adjust the amplifier so the meter reads zero in the presence of normal background noise.
An inert pellet is placed on a square of flint paper and placed in a centered position on the anvil (See Figure 1). Adjust the sensitivity of the sound meter so the sound created by the weight falling from a height of 220 cm max. upon the striker (which rests upon an inert pellet of tripentaerythritol) will cause the indicator needle to rise to approximately one-fourth of the total scale reading. Mark or record the reading on the scaIe of the sound voltmeter. When conducting the sensitivity test, only readings above this mark are to be classed as explosions.
The following method (Mil Standard 650 -Method 505.3) is used to determine the height in centimeters where 50 percent of the explosions occur when a 2.5 Kg. weight is dropped upon a series of 35 mg.
explosive specimens which are placed on flint paper between an anvil-plunger arrangement.
The specimen shall consist of 35 + 2 mg. of explosive. Twenty-five (25) specimens are required for the test.
In some instances it may be necessary to pelletize the explosive specimens for the impact test. A
hydraulic press equipped with a 3/16 inch diameter die is required for pelletizing the explosive specimens.
- Normally, a pressure of 30,000 psi is used for pelletizing, however, specific explosive specifications have preference.

CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97142139 PCT~S97/08333 Apparatus needed is:

1. A ~RL-Bruceton impact machine. Drawing LD-70518, equipped with a 2.5 Kg. weight, BuOrd Drawing (NOL) SK B-98 897.

2. Anvil, 1.5 by 1.25 inches, BuOrd Drawing (NOL) SE~SK 3810.

3. Striker, 3.5 by 1.25 inches, BuOrd Drawing (NOL) SK A-63888.

4. Peak-reading voltmeter with microphone, General Radio Model 1982 - 9720 Sound Analysis System or equivalent.

5. Sandpaper, flint finishing paper, A weight, open coat, No. 180, cut into approximately 1-inch squares.
Material 1. An explosive with known impact value in centimeters with statistical control limits to be used as a standard for comparison with the explosive being tested, e.g., composition B which is 60% RDX, 39%
TNT and 1% wax.

The standard must be prepared and tested in the same manner as the test specimen.

2. Tripentaerythritol powder, technical grade, pelletized.

CA 022~3~00 l998-ll-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 Procedure Adjustment of the peak-reading sound meter.

1. Turn the sound meter on for a minimum of 15 minutes, then adjust the amplifier so the meter reads zero in the presence of normal background noise.

2. Place a tripentaerythritol pellet on a 1-inch square of the flint paper. Place the pellet and flint paper in a centered position on the anvil.

3. Position the striker in the holder and lower it gently onto the pellet and flint paper.

4. Turn the electro-magnet switch "ON" and engage the 2.5 Kg. weight.

5. Raise the 2.5 Kg weight to a height of 220 cm and deactivate the electro-magnet allowing the weight to fall upon the striker.

6. Repeat step 5 sufficiently in order to adjust the sensitivity of the sound meter so the sound created by weight falling upon the striker will cause the indicator needle to deflect approximately one-fourth of the total scale reading. Record the sound meter reading.
It has been found advantageous to mark the point of the needle deflection on the glass covering the scale of the sound meter. When conducting the impact sensitivity test, only those readings above this mark are to be classified as explosions.

CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 Wo97/42139 PCT~S97/08333

7. Position 25 of the l-inch squares of flint paper 29 on a flat surface with a specimen centered on each of the squares.

8. Position one of the specimens and flint paper in a centered position on the anvil as shown in Figure 3.

9. Position the striker in the holder and lower it gently onto the specimen; turn the electro-magnet switch "ON" and engage the 2.5 Kg. weight.

lO. Raise the 2.5 Kg. weight to a height one would normally expect an explosion to occur.
Drops shall be made from O:l log cm height increments, e.g., the log of a lO cm drop is taken as l.O. Selection of the height used for the first drop is a matter of judgement. If a fire is obtained, the following test shall be performed with a O.l log cm lower drop.

The test run begins when an explosion is followed by a non-explosion or vice versa. Testing then continues by increasing and decreasing drop heights to obtain explosion or non-explosion conditions until 20 drops are completed.
A new test specimen shall be used for each drop.
After each drop, the striker and anvil faces shall be scraped clean. If necessary, the faces of the anvil and striker shall be cleaned with a solvent such as acetone.
The striker and anvil shall be replaced when the working surfaces have become rough or deformed. This can be determined by taking a carbon paper impression of the surfaces.

CA 022~3~00 1998-ll-02 WO97t42139 PCT~S97108333 Following completion of the tests on explosive samples and recording the test results, repeat the tests on the comparison samples and record the results. The comparison samples shall be prepared, tested and evaluated in exactly the same manner as the candidate explosive sample.

Calculation Any statistically valid method may be used to calculate to 50 percent point. The following statistical method is acceptable:

a. Determine whether there are more explosions or non-explosions.

b. Select the lesser of the two numbers and discard the balance of the data (if the numbers are equal, either may be used).
c. Summarize the data statistically by the use of the following table (numbers are included for illustrative purposes only).

Loq Dro~ Height (Based on Non-Ex~losions) Log DroP Hei~ht. cm i ni ini 1.3 0 1 O
1.4 1 4 4 1.5 2 4 8 The log of a given drop height is entered in the first column. These are arranged in ascending order, starting with the lowest for CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 which a test is recorded. In the next column, i is a consecutive number corresponding to the number of equal increments above the base, or zero line. The next column, ni, is a tabulation of the number of non-explosions (or explosions) which occurred at io~ il, i2, etc.
The ~ast column is a computation of i multiplied by ni.

A mean is then computed from the following formula:

m = c + ~d (N + 2) Where: N = the sum of ni A = the sum of ini c = the height of the lowest line (io) d = interval between drops (O.l) NOTE: The sign inside the parenthesis is plus (+) if non-explosions are used and minus (-) if explosions are used.

d. The mean thus computed represents the height at which there is a 50 percent probability of explosion. The number determined by the equation is in log units. Calculate the antilog and record this number as the 50 percent point in centimeters.

The data report shall include in addition to the mean (in centimeters) of the candidate explosive obtained with the 2.5 Kg drop weight the mean of the CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 comparison explosives; methods of specimen preparation;
and room temperature at time of test.
The invention will be further illustrated by consideration of the following examples, which are intended to be exemplary of the invention.

EXAMPLES

Compositions comprising RDX and HMX and a series of shock sensitivity reducing agents were prepared according to the procedure set forth. The concentrations, the shock sensitivity reducing agents and the ERL-Bruceton Impact Value required for detonation at different concentrations of the agents in the composition are shown in the Tables. Also there is indicated in each of the Tables the calculated concentration required for the composition to reach the statistically significant increase in the ERL-Bruceton Impact Value.
The statistically significant impact values set forth in the tables were determined as set forth.
A normal untreated RDX or HMX composition has known average and standard deviation values when tested on a standard ERL-Bruceton Impact Machine. The impact value of a given sample would not be expected to be more than 3 standard deviation units larger than the average (the probability of being less than 3 units above average from normal distribution tables is 0.9987). Thus, if an agent is added to a sample and the impact value of this sample is more than 3 st~n~Ard deviation units above the average, it can be assumed that the additive has caused this result and the result is said to be statistically significant.
For the experiments, samples of a fixed product with varying amounts of agent were prepared and the CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 Wo97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 impact value of each sample was determined. The impact results were plotted against the %-additive in each sample. From this graph, a %-additive above which the impact value becomes more than 3 standard deviation units greater than the average can be determined.
Observation of these graphs (covering a wide range of products and ~-additives) show that the curves, in the region where the 3 standard deviation value (critical value) is exceeded, are essentially linear with some random variation. Based upon this, a linear curve of the form Y = mX + b where Y = impact value and x = %-additive was fitted to the data by the method of least squares.
This formula was then used to calculate the %-additive at which the impact value becomes greater than the critical value.
The following procedures were used to prepare PBX N-3; PBX N-5; PBX LX 14-0; C-4; PBX CH-6;
Composition B; CXM-7 and P8X A-5.
PBXN-3 is a plastic bonded explosive which has as the explosive component HMX. The PBXN-3 is prepared as follows:

A weighed quantity of Class 5 HMX is placed in the still with a measured amount of water. The slurry is heated to 70~C, and the prepared lacquer (nylon-(elvamide 8061) dissolved in n-Butyl alcohol) is added to the slurry. The slurry is heated to 80~C and simmered until granulation begins. The solvent is then distilled by heating CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 to 99+~C. The product is cooled to 50~C, dropped to a Buchner funnel, dewatered, and dried in a steam oven.

Lacquer Preparation l. Place 608 grams of n-Butyl alcohol in the three liter still or a one liter beaker.

2. Add 70 grams of nylon to the solvent.

3. Agitate the contents at ~700 RPM, and heat to 55~C and let the temperature drift downward.
Continue agitation until the nylon is completely dissolved.

4. Weigh the lacquer on the top loading balance.
If the weight is below 678 grams, add n-Butyl alcohol to bring the weight up to 678 grams.
Coatinq l. Place 3500 ml of water into the ten liter still. Turn on cooling water to the condenser and ensure that agitator seal is full of water.

2. Weigh out 430 grams of Class 5 HMX and charge it to the still.
3. Heat the slurry to 70~C and set agitator at 450 RPM.

4. Add 0.4 grams gelatin if previous batches have been made and sticking has occurred. If CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 initial batch is being made, do not add gelatin.

5. Add 0.3 grams of Hercules No. 4 defoamer.
s 6. Add the lacquer slowly and heat the slurry to 88~C.

7. Hold at 88~C until granulation begins.
8. Heat to 99+~C to distill solvent and hold at that temperature until all of the solvent has been distilled.

When all of the solvent has been distilled, the distillate, which will be water, will separate from the solvent in the receiving container. Visual inspection of such separation indicates that all solvent has been distilled. The solvent can be separated from the water using a separatory funnel, and recycled in the next lacquer batch.

9. Upon completion of distillation, shut off steam and turn on cooling water.

10. Cool the slurry to 50~C and drop the product to a Buchner funnel.

11. Dewater the product using an aspirator to pull vacuum.

12. Place the product in a stainless steel pan and place the pan in the steam oven.

CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 PBX N - 5 is a plastic bonded explosive which has as the explosive component HMX. The PBX N - 5 is prepared as follows:

Weighed quantities of Class 1 and Class 5 HMX are mixed with a measured amount of water in a 10-liter still. The HMX~water slurry is agitated at 450 RPM
and heated to 60 + 2 ~C . Gelatin and defoamer are added to the slurry and aged for three minutes.
Lacquer is added to the slurry and simmered for five minutes at 60 + 2~C. Quench water is added to the 60 + 2~C slurry and aged for ten minutes at 60 + 2~C. The slurry is heated to 98-100~C to distill the solvent (MEK). The slurry is cooled to less than 55~C, dropped from the still and filtered. The PBX N-5 is dried in a steam oven at 95-100~C.
Procedure Lacquer:

1. Weigh 25.9 gms. fluoro elastomer (viton) and place in a 600 ml beaker. Add 438.1 gms. of methyl ethyl ketone (water saturated).

2. Place the 600 ml beaker on a steam hot plate and agitate until the Viton elastomer is in solution.

3. After complete solution is attained, replenish the MEK lost to evaporation.

CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97142139 PCT~S97/08333 Slurry:

1. Add 1598.7 gms. of water to the 10 1 still.
Start agitator at 450 RPM.

2. Add 355.3 gms. of Class 1 HMX and 118.8 gms.
of Class 5 HMX to the water in the still.

Procedure:

1. Agitate the water~HMX slurry in the 10 1 still at 450 RPM and heat to 60 + 2~C.

2. Add 0.06 gms. of gelatin to the slurry and age for 3 minutes.

3. Add 0.39 gms. of defoamer to the still.

4. Add 464.0 gms. of lacquer to the still (1-3 minutes addition time).

5. Simmer at 60 + 2~C for 3 minutes.

6. Add 497.0 gms. of quench water. Reheat the slurry to 60 + 2~C and age 10 minutes.

7. Begin distillation and distill until the final temperature reaches 98-100~C.

8. Cool the product to 55~C.

9. Drop the batch to the filter to dewater.
Place the filtered product into the steam oven at 95-100~C to dry.

CA 022~3~00 l998-ll-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 PBX LX 14-O is a plastic bonded explosive which has as the explosive component HMX. The PBX-LX14-O is prepared as follows:

Water and HMX (Class 1, Class 2, and LX-04 Grade) are added to a lO-liter still and heated to 68 + 2~C. The lacquer thermoplastic polyurethane ((Estane) dissolved in MEK) is added to the slurry and aged for two minutes. Quench water is added to the LX-14-O slurry after two minutes. Immediately start distillation and reduce RPM when the temperature reaches 90~C. Distill the solvent (MEK) to a top temperature of 98-100~C. Cool the distilled batch to 60~C and drop into a Buchner funnel. The product is dewatered then dried overnight in a steam oven.

CA 022~3~00 1998-ll-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 Raw Materials 500 Gram Batch Lacguer: Amount MSDS No.

1. Polyurethane22.5 grams 0562.
(Estane 5703) 2. Methyl Ethyl369.1 grams 0554.1193 Ketone (Water Saturated 70%-30~ New) SlurrY:

1. HMX: 4805.0226 Class 1310.5 grams (Dry wt.) Class 247.8 grams (Dry wt.) LX-04-1 Grade119.4 grams (Dry wt.) 2. Water (Slurry)1411.0 grams 3. Water (Quench)155.6 grams 4. Violet Dye0.02 grams (when needed) Procedure Lacquer:

1. Add 22.5 gms of polyurethane (Estane) to a 600 ml beaker.

CA 022~3~00 l998-ll-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 2. Pour 369.1 gms of water saturated methyl ethyl ketone into the 600 ml beaker containing the polyurethane.

3. Agitate the polyurethane~MEK with an air agitator over the steam plate until the polyurethane goes into solution. Maintain lacquer temperature < 60~C. Add MEK to make up for the amount evaporated.
4. Cover the beaker containing the lacquer to prevent solvent evaporation until needed in the process steps.

Slurry:

1. Add 310.5 grams of Class 1 HMX, 47.8 grams of Class 2 HMX, and 119.4 grams of LX-04-1 grade HMX into a 10-liter still.
2. Add 1411.0 grams of water to the 10-liter still containing the above HMX. Agitate the slurry at 450 RPM.

3. Heat the slurry to 68 + 2~C and add lacquer.
Age for two minutes.

4. Add 155.6 grams of quench water to the 68~C
slurry.
5. Begin distillation of the solvent. Reduce RPM
to 300 at 90~C. Continue distillation to 98-100~C.

. . .

CA 022~3~00 1998-ll-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 6. Cool the slurry to 60~C and drop into the Buchner filter funnel.

7. Dry the batch in the steam oven at 100~C
maximum.

C-4 Class 3 PBX C-4 is a plastic bonded explosive which has as the explosive component RDX (Class 1 and Class 5). The PBX C-4 is prepared as follows:

Water and RDX (Class 1 RDX and Class 5 RDX) are slurried in a lO-liter still and heated to 78~C.
Lacquer, containing polyisobutylene, n-octane, dioctyl adipate, and motor oil, is slowly poured into the RDX~water slurry agitating at 450 RPM.
The RDX~water~lacquer slurry is aged for 5 minutes.
After 5 minute age time, the solvent (n-octane) is distilled until a final temperature of 98-100~C is reached. The product (Composition C-4) is cooled to 40-45~C and dropped into a filter. The filtered material is placed into a steam oven overnight for drying.

WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 Raw Materials 1000 gram Batch Lac~uer: Amount MSDS No.
.
1. Polyisobutylene23.8 grams 4100.0072 (PIB) 2. n-Octane 329.8 grams 5722.1262 3. Dioctyl Adipate56.1 grams 2070.
(DOA) 4. Motor Oil 15.3 grams 1000 qram Batch Amount MSDS No.

Raw Materials:

Slurry:

1. RDX Class 1 678.7 grams 4425.0072 2. RDX Class 5 226.3 grams 3. Water 2054.0 grams Procedure Lacquer:

1. Weigh 23.8 grams of polyisobutylene (PIB) and place into a 600 ml beaker. Add 329.8 grams of n-Octane to the PIB.

2. Place the 600 ml beaker on a steam hot plate and stir.

.

CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 3. When the PIB is completely in solution, add 56.l grams of dioctyl adipate (DOA) and 15.3 grams of motor oil. Stir the oil and DOA
until completely in solution.

SlurrY:

l. Add 2054 ml of water to the l0-liter still.

2. Add 678.7 grams of Class l RDX and 226.3 grams of Class 5 RDX to the l0-liter still. Agitate the slurry at 450 RPM and heat to 78~C.

3. Add 425 grams of lacquer slowly. Age for 5 minutes at 78~C.

4. Begin distillation of the n-octane and continue the distillation until a final temperature of 98-100~C is reached.
5. Cool the slurry to 40~C and drop into the filter.

6. Place the filtered Composition C-4 in a pan to dry in the steam oven to dry at a temperature of 84~C or dry in a drying kettle at 84~C.

7. After the Composition C-4 has dried, a sample is kneaded and submitted for analysis.

PBX CH-6 is a plastic bonded explosive which has as the explosive component RDX (Class l). The PBX CH-6 is CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 prepared as follows:

A weighed quantity of Class l RDX and gelatin is placed in the still with a measured amount of water. The slurry is heated to 75~C and a weighed quantity of sodium stearate is added. After 15 minutes agitation, the calcium chloride solution is added. After 5 minutes agitation, the graphite slurry is added. After 15 minutes agitation, the prepared lacquer (Vistanex in n-octane) is added.
The slurry is aged for a specified time and the n-octane distilled. The still contents are cooled and dropped to a Buchner funnel. The product is dewatered and then dried in a steam oven.
Raw Materials Item Amount MSDS #

RDX Class 1487.5 grams 4425.0072 Sodium stearate8.0 grams 0586 Calcium chloride5.3 grams 0585.1452 Graphite2.5 grams 0588.
Polyisobutylene2.5 grams 0577.2211 (Vistanex) n-Octane 170 ml 5722.1262 Composition CH-6 4120.0072 Lacquer for CH-6 4120.1262 CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO 97/4213g PCT/US97/08333 Procedure Lac~uer PreParation 1. Place 2.5 g of polyisobutylene (Vistanex LM-MH-LC) in a tared 400 ml beaker.

2. Add 170 ml of n-octane and reweigh.

3. Agitate for 2 hours at room temperature.

4. Replace any evaporated solvent.

Calcium Chloride Solution PreParation 1. Add 5.3 g of calcium chloride to a 100 ml beaker.

2. Add 50 ml water.
3. Stir until dissolved.

GraPhite Slurrv PreParation 1. Add 2.5 g of graphite to a lO0 ml beaker.

2. Add 50 ml of hot water.

3. Stir until the graphite is well dispersed.
Coatinq Procedure 1. Add 5250 ml water to a 10-liter still.

2. Turn the agitator on and adjust to 400 rpm.

CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 3. Add 487.5 g of Class 1 RDX (corrected for moisture content).

4. Add 0.013 g of gelatin.

5. Turn on steam and heat the still to 75 + 2~C.

6. Add 8.0 grams of sodium stearate and agitate for 15 minutes.
7. Add the calcium chloride solution and agitate for 5 minutes.

8. Add the graphite slurry and agitate for 15 minutes (wash down the still sides and agitator shaft at 5 minute intervals).

9. Add the lacquer and agitate for 20 minutes.

10. Heat to 98 ~ ~C for 5 minutes.

When all of the solvent has been distilled, the distillate, which will be water, will separate from the solvent in the receiving container. Visual inspection of such separation indicates that all solvent has been distilled. The solvent can be separated from the water using a separatory funnel, and recycled in the next lacquer batch.

11. Cool the batch to 60~C.

12. Filter the batch and retain the solids.

13. ~ry the solids in a steam oven overnight.

CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WOg7l42139 PCT~S97108333 Composition B

Composition B is a mixture of TNT, RDX and wax.
5 Composition B is prepared as follows:

A weighed quantity of TNT is placed in the incorporation kettle. After the TNT has melted, a weighed quantity of RDX is added. The mixture is agitated and heated. After the water has risen to the top, agitation is stopped and the water is decanted. Any remaining water is removed by vaporization while the material is being heated and agitated. When the maximum desired temperature is reached, a specified amount of wax is added. The mixture is agitated until the RDX~TNT~wax forms a homogeneous product. The mixture is poured into a stainless steel pan and allowed to cool.

Raw Materials Items Amount MSDS #

RDX (nominal 476 4425 Class 1) Wax 8 *

Procedure 1. Weigh 312 g of TNT and place in the incorporation kettle.

CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 2. Turn on steam to the kettle jacket. When the TNT begins to melt, start the agitator slowly and gradually increase the agitation rate to 250 rpm.

3. Weigh 476 g RDX (nominal Class 1, dry weight) and add it to the molten TNT in the incorporation kettle. Do not add all of the RDX at one time. Add it gradually and give it lo time to mix with the TNT.

4. Continue heating the mixture to drive off the water. If the water collects around the agitator, stop the agitator and decant the water.

5. Resume agitation and heat the mixture to 105~C
to remove any residual moisture.

6. Add the 8 g of wax to the incorporation kettle and maintain the temperature at 105~ until the mixture looks homogeneous (about 5 minutes).

7. Reduce the agitation and pour the material into a stainless steel drying pan for cooling.

8. Allow the batch to solidify and cool to room temperature.

Formulation CXM-7 is a mixture of RDX and dioctyl adipate. Formulation CXM-7 is prepared as follows:

CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97142139 PCT~S97/08333 Weighed quantities of Class l and Class 5 RDX for CXM-7 are charged to a laboratory still containing a measured quantity of water. After the agitator is started and set at a moderate rate, the RDX~water slurry is heated to 40~C. Dioctyl adipate (DOA) is then added to the slurry and the still contents are aged to ensure the RDX is coated with DOA. The slurry is then dropped to a filter for dewatering and the product is dried overnight in a laboratory steam oven at 50~C for 16-18 hours or until the moisture content is 0.05% or less for CXM-7.

Raw Materials CXM-7 l000 g Batch MSDS #

RDX Class l 902 g 4425.0072 RDX Class 5 48 g 4425.0072 Dioctyl Adipate50 g 2070.
(DOA) Filtered Water3000 g Procedure l. Add 3000 g water to a l0 liter still.

2. Start agitator and set at moderate rate (approximately 375 rpm).
3. Charge the following preweighed quantities of Type II RDX to the still.

CA 022~3~00 1998-ll-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 Class 1 902 g 48 g 4. Heat the slurry to 40~C + 1~C.

5. Charge 50 g of DOA to the still.

6. Age the slurry at 40 + 1~C for 15 minutes.

7. Drop the slurry to a 8uchner filter funnel equipped with filter paper and dewater.

8. Place the dewatered product in a drying pan and dry overnight or until the moisture content meets specifications. The maximum drying temperature is 50~C.

PBX A-5 is a plastic bonded explosive which has as the explosive component RDX (Class 1). The PBX A-5 is prepared as follows:

A weighed quantity of Nominal Class 1 ~DX is placed in a lO liter still with a measured amount of water. A measured amount of stearic acid is added to the slurry. The appropriate amount of cyclohexanone is then added to the slurry. The slurry is then heated to 99+~C and held there for 10 minutes to distill the cyclohexanone. The product is cooled to 50~C and dropped to a Buchner ... . .

CA 022~3~00 l998-ll-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 funnel. The product is dewatered and then dried in a steam oven.

Raw Materials Amount MSDS #
RDX, Nominal 493.75 grams 4425.0072 Class 1 Stearic Acid 6.25 grams 0584 Cyclohexanone385 grams 0543.1915 Slurry Water1500 ml Gelatin 0.01 grams 0552.

Procedure 1. Place 1500 ml of water into the ten liter still. Set agitation at 450 RPM. Turn on cooling water to the condenser and ensure that agitator seal is full of water.

2. Weigh out 493.75 grams of Nominal Class 1 RDX, and charge it to the still.

3. Weigh out 0.01 grams of gelatin and charge it to the still.

4. Weigh out 6.25 grams of stearic acid and charge it to the still.

5. Weigh out 385 grams of cyclohexanone and charge it to the still.

CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 6. Heat the slurry to 99+~C to distill cyclo-hexanone. Hold at 99toC for lO minutes.

7. Upon completion of distillation, shut off steam and turn on cooling water.

8. Cool the slurry to 50~C and drop the product to a Buchner funnel.

9. Dewater the product using an aspirator to pull vacuum.

lO. Place the dewatered product in a stainless steel pan and place the pan in the steam oven.
ll. Dry the product at 60~C for approximately 8 hours or until the moisture content meets specification.

COATING OF EXPLOSIVE COMPOSITIONS

External coating of the explosive compositions with water soluble agents was done by placing a weighed agent and approximately 24.62 gms of composition granules in a l00 ml beaker. [Some of the agents were received with an isopropyl alcohol content of 25%. The isopropyl alcohol softened the N-3 and caused the granules to stick together. The agents containing the alcohol were "dried" in a steam heated oven to remove the alcohol.]
About 5 ml of water was added. The sample was placed in a steam heated oven at 200~F which is well above the melting point of the agents used. The samples were stirred every 5 minutes and placed back in the oven.
This procedure continued until all the water evaporated.
The impact was determined.

, . .

CA 022~3~00 1998-11-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 The external coating of the explosive composition with a water insoluble agent is performed by placing 24.62 gms of composition granules in a lO0 ml beaker.
The agent was weighed directly into the beaker. About 5 ml of water was added. The beaker was placed in a steam heated oven at 200~F for 15 minutes which allowed the agent to melt. The beaker was removed and stirred for 5 minutes, then placed back in the oven. This procedure was repeated until all the water had evaporated.
Composition C-4 was blended with a water soluble agent by physically kneeding the agent into the C-4. It is interesting to note that C-4 containing l.O% of the agent is about half as sensitive as C-4 with no agent.
In other words, about twice the amount of energy is required to initiate the C-4.
The Tables show the test results using shock sensitivity reducing agents, identified in the Table, mixed with RDX or HMX compositions in various concentrations. The agents tested are representive of agents which are useful in this invention.

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-- --~ O ~0 ~ ~ ~ ~rl '1X : C 1~ 0 a ~ a :~: L ~

CA 022~3~00 1998-ll-02 WO97/42139 PCT~S97/08333 The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications will be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (52)

Claims

1. High energy explosive composition characterized by reduced susceptibility to impact and sympathetic detonation due to shock forces, said composition comprising HMX crystals coated with up to about 15 wt % of a polyamide bonding agent and a shock sensitivity reducing agent, said shock sensitivity reducing agent being present in an amount effective to impart an increase in ERL-Bruceton Impact Sensitivity Value which is statistically significant.

2. Composition of claim 1 wherein the ERL-Bruceton Impact Sensitivity value is at least 52.54 cm.

3. Composition of claim 1 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is selected from quaternary ammonium compounds, anionic aliphatic compounds and anionic aromatic compounds, fatty acid esters, and amine derivatives.

4. Composition of claim 3 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is a quaternary ammonium compound.

5. Composition of claim 3 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is an anionic aliphatic or aromatic compound.

6. Composition of claim 3 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is a fatty acid ester.

7. Composition of claim 3 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is an amine derivative.

8. High energy explosive composition characterized by reduced susceptibility to impact and sympathetic detonation due to shock forces, said composition comprising HMX crystals coated with about 4 to 6 wt % of vinylidene fluoride hexafluoro-propylene copolymer bonding agent and a shock sensitivity reducing agent present in an amount effective to impart an increase in ERL-Bruceton Impact Sensitivity Value which is statistically significant.

9. Composition of claim 8 wherein the ERL-Bruceton Impact value is at least 29.54 cm.

lo. Composition of claim 8 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is selected from quaternary ammonium compounds and fatty acid esters.

11. Composition of claim 10 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is a quaternary ammonium compound.

12. Composition of claim 10 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is a fatty acid ester.

13. High energy explosive composition characterized by reduced susceptibility to impact and sympathetic detonation due to shock forces, said composition comprising HMX crystals coated with about five wt %
of a thermoplastic polyurethane bonding agent and a shock sensitivity reducing agent, said shock sensitivity reducing agent being present in an amount effective to impart an increase in the ERL-Bruceton Impact Sensitivity Value which is statistically significant.

14. Composition of claim 13 wherein the ERL-Bruceton Impact Sensitivity Value is at least 29.13 cm.

15. Composition of claim 13 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is selected from quaternary ammonium compounds, anionic aliphatic compounds and anionic aromatic compounds, fatty acid esters, and amine derivatives.

16. Composition of claim 15 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is a quaternary ammonium compound.

17. Composition of claim 15 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is an anionic aliphatic or aromatic compound.

18. Composition of claim 15 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is a fatty acid ester.

19. Composition of claim 15 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is an amine derivative.

20. High energy explosive composition characterized by reduced susceptibility to impact and sympathetic detonation due to shock forces, said composition comprising RDX crystals coated with about 1 to 2 wt % of a stearic acid pressing agent and a shock sensitivity reducing agent present in an amount effective to impart an increase in ERL-Bruceton Impact Value which is statistically significant.

21. Composition of claim 20 wherein the ERL-Bruceton Impact Value is at least 21.29 cm.

22. Composition of claim 20 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is selected from quaternary ammonium compounds, anionic aliphatic compounds and anionic aromatic compounds, fatty acid esters, and amine derivatives.

23. Composition of claim 22 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is a quaternary ammonium compound.

24. Composition of claim 22 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is an anionic aliphatic or aromatic compound.

25. Composition of claim 22 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is a fatty acid ester.

26. Composition of claim 22 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is an amine derivative.

27. High energy explosive composition characterized by reduced susceptibility to impact and sympathetic detonation due to shock forces, said explosive composition comprising about 39% TNT, 60% RDX, one percent wax, and a shock sensitivity reducing agent, said shock sensitivity reducing agent being present in an amount effective to impart an increase in the ERL-Bruceton Impact Sensitivity Value which is statistically significant.

28. Composition of claim 27 wherein the ERL-Bruceton Impact Sensitivity Value is at least 53.25 cm.

29. Composition of claim 27 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing compound is selected from anionic aliphatic compounds and anionic aromatic compounds and amine derivatives.

30. Composition of claim 29 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is an anionic aliphatic or aromatic compound.

31. Composition of claim 29 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is an amine derivative.

32. High energy explosive composition characterized by reduced susceptibility to impact and sympathetic detonation due to shock forces, said composition comprising RDX crystals coated with about .5 wt %
of polyisobutylene, about 1 to 2 wt % sodium stearate and a shock sensitivity reducing agent present in an amount effective to impart an increase in ERL-Bruceton Impact Value which is statistically significant.

33. Composition of claim 32 wherein the ERL-Bruceton Impact Sensitivity Value is at least 19.31 cm.

34. Composition of claim 32 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is selected from quaternary ammonium compounds, anionic aliphatic compounds and anionic aromatic compounds, fatty acid esters, and amine derivatives.

35. Composition of claim 34 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is a quaternary ammonium compound.

36. Composition of claim 34 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is an anionic aliphatic or aromatic compound.

37. Composition of claim 34 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is a fatty acid ester.

38. Composition of claim 34 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is an amine derivative.

39. High energy explosive composition characterized by reduced susceptibility to impact and sympathetic detonation due to shock forces, said composition comprising RDX crystals coated with about 8 to 10 wt % of polyisobutylene bonding agent and a shock sensitivity reducing agent present in an amount effective to impart an increase in ERL-Bruceton Impact Sensitivity Value which is statistically significant.

40. Composition of claim 39 wherein the ERL-Bruceton Impact Sensitivity Value is at least 43.83 cm.

41. Composition of claim 39 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is selected from quaternary ammonium compounds, anionic aliphatic compounds and anionic aromatic compounds, fatty acid esters, and amine derivatives.

42. Composition of claim 41 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is a quaternary ammonium compound.

43. Composition of claim 41 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is an anionic aliphatic or aromatic compound.

44. Composition of claim 41 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is a fatty acid ester.

45. Composition of claim 41 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is an amine derivative.

46. High energy explosive composition characterized by reduced susceptibility to impact and sympathetic detonation due to shock forces, said composition comprising RDX crystals coated with about 5 wt % of dioctyl adipate and a shock sensitivity reducing agent present in an amount sufficient to impart an increase in the ERL-Bruceton Impact Sensitivity Value which is statistically significant.

47. Composition of claim 46 wherein the ERL-Bruceton Impact Sensitivity Value is at least 33.66 cm.

48. Composition of claim 46 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is selected from quaternary ammonium compounds, anionic aliphatic compounds and anionic aromatic compounds, fatty acid esters, and amine derivatives.

49. Composition of claim 48 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is a quaternary ammonium compound.

50. Composition of claim 48 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is an anionic aliphatic or aromatic compound.

51. Composition of claim 48 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is a fatty acid ester.

52. Composition of claim 48 wherein said shock sensitivity reducing agent is an amine derivative.