Mechanical Mocks for Insensitive High Explosives

Three mechanical mocks were formulated and tested as replacements for the current mock for insensitive explosives LX-17-1 and PBX 9502 because its binder was no longer available. The three polymers evaluated were a butyl/isobutyl acrylate copolymer, ethyl cellulose and a new fluoropolymer, PFR 91. The glass transitions of these polymers were 35, 130, and −10°C, respectively. Two inert fillers, talc and cyanuric acid, were used in the new formulations. Pressing densities and mechanical and thermal properties were used to characterize these mocks. The mock based on the acrylic copolymer most closely emulated these insensitive high explosives.