Replacement of Energetic Binder in Underwater Explosive PBXN-103 by Poly Glycidyl Nitrate

Plastic bonded explosive PBXN-103 as an underwater charge based on energetic binder system is uses in warhead section of several navy weapons. Metriol trinitrate (MTN), triethylene glycol dinitrate (TEGDN) and pelletized nitrocellulose are basic ingredients of binder system in PBXN-103 formulation. In this research the effects of applying accessible Poly glycidyl nitrate (PGN) as binder, were investigated on physical, mechanical, thermal, and sensitivity properties of PBXN103. Results remarkably indicated that the binder replacement enhanced the tensile strength and elongation to 85 psi and 70 % respectively. Based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the thermal stability of formulation increased 20 °C in comparison with PBXN-103 and reached 190 °C. Glass transition temperature, vacuum thermal stability, impact sensitivity and friction sensitivity were -54 °C and 4.06 ml/g/48h, 7 N.m and 7.2 kg.F respectively. This new formulation was not fired by exploding No. 8 commercial electric detonator.