Study on oriented induction/suppression modification of crystal morphology for primary explosives

The crystal morphology of energetic materials significantly affects their sensitivity, initiation capability, and flowability, which directly determine the performance of weapons and equipment. Despite great efforts having been devoted to the morphological control of primary explosives, the mechanism insights into morphological modification are still in infancy stage. Herein, combining experimental results with theoretical calculations, we elucidated the morphological control process of a novel environmentally friendly lead-free primary explosive named bis-(ethylenediamine) copper (II) 5-nitrotetrazolate [Cu(EDA) 2 (NT) 2 ]. Through directional suppression/induction by different surfactants on crystal face growth, three completely different shaped crystals of Cu(EDA) 2 (NT) 2 (lamellar, hollow rhombic toroidal, and uniform rhombic block) were prepared, ultimately achieving precise control over the crystal morphology. Among them, the block-shaped crystals of CMC-Cu(EDA) 2 (NT) 2 , modified with carboxymethyl cellulose, exhibited significantly improved stacking density, thermal stability, and initiation capability. This work not only significantly optimized the modification of Cu(EDA) 2 (NT) 2 , but also revealed the complex interaction mechanism between surfactants and crystal surfaces, laying an important scientific foundation for tailoring morphology, and enhancing performance of primary explosives crystals.