Replacement of RDX by TKX-50 in a putty-plastic bonded explosive based on Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)

Abstract. Dihydroxylammonium 5,5′-bistetrazole-1,1′-diolate (TKX-50) was synthesized and its crystal morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. TKX-50 was studied as a plastic-bonded explosive using Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer and compared to the RDX-based PBX prepared also with the same polymer. Impact and friction sensitivities were determined, and detonation characteristics were calculated using the EXPLO5 code. From a comparative analysis of the obtained results, it was found that substituting RDX with TKX-50 in the PBX formulations led to reduction in the impact and friction sensitivities. Calculations performed with EXPLO5 indicate that the TKX-50-based PBX has enhanced detonation performance relative to the RDX-based formulation.