LOVA propellants based on RDX and GAP energetic plasticizers

Abstract. In this study RDX (cyclotrimethylene trinitramine) as an energetic filler and CA (cellulose acetate) plasticized with GAP (glycidyl azide polymer) as binder matrix were evaluated for low vulnerability ammunition (LOVA) gun propellants. A novel technique of precipitation was developed for the formation of micronic RDX crystals and simultaneous incorporation into the polymeric matrix. Initial ballistic investigations using close vessel firings were also performed, in order to comparatively evaluate the ballistic parameters of the new propellant.