LX-10 and LX-17 Moisture Content and Release

摘要

The results of four studies related to the moisture content, uptake, and release by two plastic-bonded explosives are reported. Formulations designated LX-10 and LX-17 were studied and are 95% HMX + 5% Viton A and 92.5% TATB + 7.5% Kel-F 800, respectively. Moisture content profiles for LX-17 following accelerated aging studies were obtained by analyzing dry machinings of pressed billets. These data are compared to the total hydrogen produced by materials test units containing pressed LX-17. Moisture released by pressed billets in closed containers was measured indirectly by measuring the amount of H sub 2 produced, as released water reacted with uranium to produce UO sub 2 and H sub 2 . The LX-10 and LX-17 billets were subjected to temperature variations involving thermocycling between -54 exp 0 C and 74 exp 0 C and isothermal aging for periods of 3 to 14 months. Two LX-17 billets were soaked in water for 16 hours, air dried, and re-tested for moisture. These experiments indicate that moisture is very slowly taken up and released by pressed, plastic-bonded explosives in diffusion-controlled processes. The processes are slow enough that several hours of wet machining the parts will not result in a significant moisture content increase. Experimental design data are presented. (ERA citation 09:046550)