COMPOSITION – 31.3 % RDX (Formulation including nitrocellulose, calcium chloride, and calcium silicate), 29% TNT, 34.8% Aluminum, 4.9% D-2 Wax and lecithin
MOLECULAR WEIGHT – 64
DENSITY – 1.86 g per ml
NORMAL STATE – Grainy solid
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE/COLOR – Slate grey
INITIATION – 0.20 g Lead azide, 0.10 g Tetryl
SENSITIVITY – 70% as sensitive to impact as TNT, 90% detonations from 7.62mm (30 cal) rifle bullet impact, in 10% of impact tests the sample burns.
STABILITY – Stable when dry, reacts very slightly with copper, brass, and steel. In the presence of moisture it attacks all metals except aluminum and stainless steel
DETONATION VELOCITY – 6,917 m/s (22,694 fps)
RE FACTOR (BRISANCE) [TNT=1.0] – 1.11
TOXICITY – Toxic if ingested, dangerous level of toxic fumes when detonated
MELTING POINT – 84o C.(183o F.)
IGNITION POINT – 200o C.(392o F.) Explodes at 243o C.(469o F.)
SOLUBILITY – Insoluble in water
APPLICATIONS – PRINCIPLE USES – High explosive charge for underwater munitions
This High Blast Explosive formulation is intended to replace some earlier underwater explosives. The aluminum greatly increases the explosive power of the mixture. An alternative manner of manufacturing the HBX explosives is to add a measured amount of molten TNT to molten Composition B to reach the desired proportion of TNT to RDX. Then the appropriate amounts of the other ingredients can be added to the mix. Original testing showed that the HBX formulations would outgas and build up pressure within ordnance when stored. With the addition of Calcium chloride, moisture was absorbed and the production of gas eliminated. This HBX formulation is primarily used as the explosive filler for underwater mines and torpedo warheads.
