Development and characterization of a novel high explosive and TNT mixed powder

Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is often mixed with powdered High Explosives (HEs) to desensitize and solidify them. Traditional methods such as melt casting can result in inconsistent densities based on cooling rate and HE particle size. A new method for making consistent and press-able TNT/HE charges is presented. Powdered HE dispersed in boiling water allowed the TNT to slowly melt in solution for uniform coating. Sensitivity testing showed that the new powder was less sensitive to friction than both powdered HE and crushed TNT. Thermographic inspection demonstrated that the quality, density, and consistency of traditional melt cast charges could not be controlled. The melt cast charge was shown to have a large TNT rich section at its center and a long RDX rich section at its base while the density range for the coated powder pellet was relatively small. The new coated powder charge was found to have the highest relative effectiveness of all charges with a higher detonation pressure and faster reaction rate.