The longstanding challenge of the nanocrystallization of 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX).
Research efforts for realizing safer and higher performance energetic materials are continuing unabated all over the globe. While the thermites - pyrotechnic compositions of an oxide and a metal - have been finely tailored thanks to progress in other sectors, organic high explosives are still stagnating. The most symptomatic example is the longstanding challenge of the nanocrystallization of 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). Recent advances in crystallization processes and milling technology mark the beginning of a new area which will hopefully lead the pyroelectric industry to finally embrace nanotechnology. This work reviews the previous and current techniques used to crystallize RDX at a submicrometer scale or smaller. Several key points are highlighted then discussed, such as the smallest particle size and its morphology, and the scale-up capacity and the versatility of the process.
NS3E, UMR 3208 ISL-CNRS-Unistra, Institut franco-allemand de recherches de Saint-Louis (ISL), 5 rue du Général Cassagnou, F-68301 St. Louis, France.
Florent
F
Pessina
NS3E, UMR 3208 ISL-CNRS-Unistra, Institut franco-allemand de recherches de Saint-Louis (ISL), 5 rue du Général Cassagnou, F-68301 St. Louis, France.
Denis
D
Spitzer
1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine; RDX; crystallization; nanoparticles; review; submicrometer