Spherical RDX of Small Particle Size by Spray Drying

Energetic components, such as RDX or HMX of very small particle sizes are of considerable importance for Less Sensitive High Explosives (IHE) and LOVA - Propellants, Especially particle sizes of 3 smaller than 10 microns and spherical shape. are of interest. Furthermore, it is important to be able to use RDX of this small particle size in a desensitized form for safe processing in a batch mixer or in a twin-screw extruder. Common methods for obtaining energetics- of such small particle size are fluid energy mill grinding or re-crystallization. However, it is very~ difficult to desensitize RDX by coating their surface with additives. Often an inhomogeneous product is obtained that also tends to agglomerate. In order to obtain RDX of the required small particle size, a spray drying process was developed at ICT. In this process, solutions of RDX containing various desensitizing additives are spray dried. In this way, a desensitized product is obtained, which shows a particle size distribu tion that can be adjusted between 3 and 10 pm. At the same time, large particles can be avoided completely. This method will be treated, as well as different products obtained by this method using various additives. The decrease in impact and friction sensitivities will be commented on. This spray drying process can be scaled up to production size. Using this safe processing technology, desensitized products can be systematically manufactured at reasonable costs.