Process for the production of a pressed insensitive explosive mixture

Abstract

An insensitive, yet fully energetic high explosive molding powder using sonochemically aminated 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) as an energetic binder, i.e., adhesive, is provided. The sonochemically aminated TATB is used at a relatively low weight % level (less than 15% by weight) in comparison to conventional crystalline TATB.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A process for producing an insensitive explosive mixture comprising depositing sonochemically aminated 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) onto secondary explosive crystals.  
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the TATB is deposited in an amount of less than 15% by weight.  
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the secondary explosive crystals are selected from the group consisting of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX), cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX), CL-20 (2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-hexaazaisowurzitane, HNIW) PETN (pentaerythritoltetranitrate) and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 3  wherein the secondary explosive crystals are HMX crystals.  
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the secondary explosive crystals are in an ammonia solution.  
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the sonochemically aminated TATB is synthesized from 1,3,5-trichloro-2,4,6-trinitobenzene (TCTNB) by amination with NH 4 OH under the influence of ultrasonic irradiation.  
     
     
         7 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the sonochemically aminated TATB is produced by dropping a solution of trichlorotrianitrobenzene (TCTNB) in toluene into an ammonia solution that is immiscible with the solution of TCTNB in toluene and reacting the same in the presence of an ultrasonic source.  
     
     
         8 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the sonochemically animated TATB is produced in-situ during said depositing step.  
     
     
         9 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said in-situ production comprises providing a suspension of said explosive crystals in an aqueous ammonia solution and adding a solution of 1,3,5-trichloro-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene in toluene dropwise.  
     
     
         10 . The process of  claim 1  further comprising adding an additional. Binder after to said depositing step.  
     
     
         11 . The process of  claim 11  wherein the additional binder comprises a polyacrylic elastomer, a phthalate, calcium stearate, or fumed silica.