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XTX8004
1. GENERAL PROPERTIES
1.1 Chemical and Physical Description. XTX (Extex) 8004 consists of RDX
coated with a low-temperature vulcanizing silicone resin, Sylgard 182. Uncured
XTX 8004 is putty-like and can be extruded through small openings at modest
pressures. After curing, it is white and rubbery.
1.2 Common Use. XTX 8004 is used in special applications that require more
thermal stability than XTX 8003 can give. The detonation failure diameter is
slightly greater than that of XTX 8003.
1.3 Toxicity. Sylgard 182 is not known to be toxic. Workers who inhaled RDX
dust for several months have become unconscious with loss of reflexes. The sug-
gested maximum permissible airborne concentration of RDX is 1.5 mg/ms (Ref. 1).
2. MANUFACTURE AND PROCUREMENT
2.1 Manufacture. Sylgard 182 resin and its curing agent are mixed with RDX in
a high-shear vertical mixer to the consistency of wet sea sand. This material is
passed through a three-roll differential paint mill until it reaches the consist,ency of
glazier’s putty. Milled XTX 8004 has a 24-h shelf life at 25°C. Storage at -30°C in-
creases the shelf life to 8 months. When it is to be used, the XTX 8004 is extruded
into molds of the desired configuration. Curing or polymerization is achieved by ex-
posure to 65°C for 8-12 h.
2.2 Procurement. XTX 8004 can be purchased from the DOE under LASL
material specification 13Y-189496 Rev. A, dated November 22, 1978.
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2.3 Shipping.2 Cured or uncured, XTX 8004 is shipped as a Class A explosive.