Highly Concentrated Polymer Bonded Explosive Simulant: Rheology of Exact/Dechlorane Suspension

Abstract

The rheology of highly concentrated polymer bonded explosive (PBX) simulant was studied. An energy material, polyethylene plastomer (Exact TM ) having similar properties to poly(BAMO-AMMO) was selected as a binder. Dechlorane with similar properties to RDX (Research Department eXplosive) was chosen as a filler. Mixing behavior in a batch melt mixer was investigated. During mixing a large amount of heat of viscous dissipation was generated and a continuous decrease in torque was observed when the filler content was above 70 v%. It was believed due to wall slip phenomena. From the SEM images, the fillers were well dispersed and the effect of mixing condition affected slightly on the dispersion. Owing to distinct shear thinning behavior of the suspensions, measuring viscosity of highly filled suspensions was possible in a high shear rate capillary rheometer though it was impossible even in a low shear rate plateplate rheometer.