Particle size effects on the mechanical properties of a polymer bonded explosive

Two RDX/HTPB polymer bonded explosives (PBXs), with different explosive particle size, were studied in a Hopkinson bar system at three different temperatures. Three temperatures were chosen, two above, and one below, the glass transition temperature of the binder material. The PBX consisted of cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) crystals in a hydroxyl-terminated-polybutadiene (HTPB) binder. Overall the larger particle sized material was weaker, and exhibited a more distinct yield point than the finer sized material. Both materials showed temperature sensitivity, the effect being greater in the material with the smaller particles.