Superfine HMX Prepared by a Gas-Solid Method with Reduced Sensitivity and Enhanced Mechanical Performance

Many superfine processing techniques have been applied on desensitization of HMX. However, large-scale production of superfine HMX is still a big challenge due to the overloaded parameters, poor stability and capacity issue. Here, we developed a novel and facile gas-solid method to prepare superfine HMX, based on a process of solvent vapor permeation and removal. Superfine HMX with structure of stacking microcrystalline particles was achieved conveniently. Compared to pristine HMX, the characteristic height for impact initiation of the resultant superfine HMX increased from 23.30 cm to 112.20 cm. Moreover, the largely increased surface area of superfine HMX enhanced the interfacial interaction between HMX and binder, which remarkably enhanced the comprehensive mechanical performance of HMX-based polymer bonded explosives (PBXs). The compressive and tensile strength of the superfine HMX based PBXs were improved by 57.14 % and 120.27 %, respectively. This simple and reliable method can shed light on the design and preparation of energetic materials with better safety performance and optimized mechanical performance.