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PBX9501
1. GENERAL PROPERTIES
1.1 Chemical and Physical Description. PBX 9501 is composed of HMX
bonded with Estane and the eutectic mixture of bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)acetal and
bis(2,2-dinitropropyl)formal (BDNPA/BDNPF). At time of manufacture the
molding powder is off-white. With time, it changes to a light buff.
1.2 Common Use. PBX 9501 is a high-performance explosive more thermally
stable and less hazardous to handle then any other explosive of equivalent energy. It
is used in nuclear ordnance.
1.3 Toxicity. The suggested maximum airborne HMX concentration’ is 1.5
mg/ma. BDNPA/BDNPF is considered slightly to moderately toxic,2 and Estane is
not toxic.
2. MANUFACTURE AND PROCUREMENT
2.1 Manufacture. PBX-9501 molding powder is prepared by the slurry process.
A lacquer of Estane and BDNPA/ BDNPF is prepared in a solvent partially im-
miscible in water. This is added to a solvent-saturated water slurry containing a
bimodal distribution of HMX crystals. During solvent removal by distillation, the
Estane and BDNPA/ BDNPF uniformly coat and agglomerate the HMX crystals in
the water phase. The process variables must be controlled closely to produce
satisfactory agglomerates, composition, and bulk density.
2.2 Procurement. PBX 9501 is purchased from the US Army Armament
Readiness Command under LASL material specification 13Y-109643 Rev. C, dated
March 1,1977. The DOE furnishes the BDNPA/ BDNPF.
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