A Review on IMX‐101 and IMX‐104 Melt‐Cast Explosives: Insensitive Formulations for the Next‐Generation Munition Systems

Abstract

IMX‐101 and IMX‐104 are novel insensitive melt‐pour explosives developed and produced by BAE Systems at the Holston Army Ammunition Plant (HSAAP). The U.S. Army has selected these two explosives as common low‐cost replacements for legacy explosives TNT and Composition‐B used in indirect fire weapons such as artillery and mortar munition systems. This paper will review the literature related to the properties and manufacturing processes of IMX‐101 and IMX‐104, including their physicochemical, thermal, explosive, and sensitivity properties as well as their behavior in Insensitive Munition (IM) tests specifically designed to simulate real threats and hazards faced by a munition on the battlefield. IMX‐101 has been qualified and is currently fielded in the 155 mm M795 and the 105 mm M1 rounds. IMX‐104 has been integrated into various mortar projectiles including the 60 and 81 mm rounds and is being evaluated as a main explosive charge in the next‐generation 155 mm family of ammunition, which includes the XM1128 Extended Range High Explosive round and the XM1113 Rocket Assisted Projectile (RAP).

Electrochemical Destruction of Insensitive High Explosives Using Magnéli Phase Titanium Oxide Reactive Electrochemical Membranes

“…7−10 IMX-101 is a well-known insensitive explosive formulation that is currently being produced, which contains 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN), nitroguanidine (NQ), and 3-nitro-1-2-4-triazol-5-one (NTO). 11 As IHEs replace legacy munitions for safety, wastewater treatment remains a challenge due to their increased water solubility, emphasizing the need for improved treatment methods for formulations like IMX-101.…”

“…Insensitive high explosives (IHEs) are a class of compounds that are replacing legacy munitions (e.g., 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene), due to their lower susceptibility to unintended detonation. , However, there are challenges associated with the treatment of the wastewater generated during the manufacturing and load-assemble-pack processes of IHEs, since existing treatment systems were originally designed for legacy munitions. In general, IHEs have higher water solubilities compared to legacy munitions, which renders traditional granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment systems largely ineffective. − If released into the environment, IHEs can have a harmful impact on aquatic organisms and ecology of the surrounding environment. − IMX-101 is a well-known insensitive explosive formulation that is currently being produced, which contains 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN), nitroguanidine (NQ), and 3-nitro-1-2-4-triazol-5-one (NTO) . As IHEs replace legacy munitions for safety, wastewater treatment remains a challenge due to their increased water solubility, emphasizing the need for improved treatment methods for formulations like IMX-101.…”

Research on the Output Characteristics of Energy Conversion Elements under External Excitation

“…As a key component of initiating explosive (IE) devices for energy conversion, energy conversion (EC) elements have always been the focus of research in IE devices, and directly affect the comprehensive performance of an IE system [ 1 , 2 ]. In modern environments, the application scenario of explosives has become more complex [ 3 ].…”

“…Enhancing the output characteristics of the EC elements is the main way to improve the ignition and insensitivity of IE devices [ 1 , 4 ]. To optimize the output performance of the EC elements, micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology has been introduced into IE devices, leading to the generation of high-performance micro EC elements [ 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

Energetic Metal Salts of 3-(5-Amino-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-nitramide: Promising Alternatives for Environmentally Friendly Pyrotechnic Components

“…The potential applications of nitrogen-rich heterocycle-based energetic materials in the fields of primary explosives, secondary explosives, gas-generating agents, and propellants have been explored and widely studied. For example, 5-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (NTO), as insensitive ammunition with high energy ( D = 6880 m·s –1 ), low vulnerability, and enhanced stability, has been used in a variety of explosive charges (including melt-cast explosives and PBX explosives). − Another typical example is dihydroxylammonium 5,5′-bistetrazole-1,1′-diolate (TKX-50). As a new environment-friendly energetic material with excellent detonation velocity ( D = 9698 m·s –1 ), low sensitivity (IS = 20 J), good thermal safety ( T d = 221 °C), and clean gaseous products (N 2 ), TKX-50 is regarded as a potential component in melt-cast explosive formulations and propellants. , Recently, due to environmental pollution, the application of traditional pyrotechnic compositions has been limited, leading to the exploration of the application of nitrogen-rich heterocycle-based materials in the field of pyrotechnics. − Many traditional pyrotechnic formulations contain various toxic and harmful substances, such as perchlorate, nitrate, and chlorinated organic materials, which release hazardous and poisonous products in the form of gas or smoke during combustion and deflagration, causing pollution to the environment and affecting human health. − Given the environmental restrictions, it is highly desirable to develop novel environmentally friendly pyrotechnic compounds and formulations.…”