Thermal behavior and decomposition kinetics of CL-20-based plastic-bonded explosives

The thermal behavior and decomposition kinetics of CL-20-based plastic-bonded explosives (PBXs) composed of main explosive CL-20 and additives were first time explored by means of DSC, TG and ARC techniques. The DSC study at different heating rates was performed and showed the effect of the additives on the exothermic peaks of CL-20-based PBXs. The thermal stability of CL-20-based PBXs was evaluated by DSC, TG and ARC, indicating that the largest influence on lowering the activation energy is the presence of plasticizer. The kinetic parameters after addition of additives were compared with those of raw CL-20 by means of Kissinger and Ozawa methods. Moreover, the mechanical sensitivities of investigated CL-20-based PBXs were supported, which was well consistent with the data from DSC and ARC measurements.