Energy Performance of HMX-Based Aluminized Explosives Containing Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Investigation of the energy performance of HMX-based aluminized explosives added with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) oxidizer was undertaken and compared with the PTFE-free aluminized explosive of similar formulation. Firstly, the heat of explosion was measured in a calorimetric bomb, next the underwater explosion was conducted, then the cylinder expansion test was performed, and finally, the detonation reaction zone parameters were determined by the interface particle velocity experiment. Compared with the PTFE-free aluminized explosive, the addition of PTFE into aluminized explosives increases the heat of explosion significantly from the calorimetric data. The PTFE-containing aluminized explosive also yields the longer first bubble oscillation time in the underwater explosion than the PTFE-free and ammonium perchlorate-containing counterparts. From the cylinder test data, the wall velocity and Gurney energy were determined. The aluminized HMX containing PTFE shows an inferior acceleration ability to PTFE-free aluminized HMX, but exhibits a stronger afterburning potential. The addition of PTFE to aluminized HMX decreases detonation velocity and CJ pressure and increases the detonation reaction zone time and length. It has reasons to believe that the PTFE partially decomposes in detonation reaction zone. Conclusions on the potential use and suggestion for future research of PTFE as an oxidizer in aluminized explosives are drawn.