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PBX9404<br />

1. GENERAL PROPERTIES<br />

1.1 Chemical and Physical Description. Plastic-bonded explosive PBX 9404 is<br />

composed of HMX bonded with nitrocellulose (NC) and with tris-beta<br />

chloroethylphosphate (CEF) as the plasticizer. A small quantity of diphenylamine<br />

(DPA) is added to stabilize the NC. The molding powder is off-white at time of<br />

manufacture. As the NC decomposes, the DPA reacts with the decomposition<br />

products, and the color changes from white to light blue, dark blue, and finally a<br />

yellow-brown. The color can be used to estimat,e the temperature storage history of<br />

the powder or molded piece.<br />

1.2 Common Use. PBX 9404 is a high-performance high explosive used in<br />

nuclear ordnance.<br />

1.3 Toxicity.‘J The suggested maximum concentration of HMX in air is 1.5<br />

mg/m*. We have no data on NC toxicity. The toxicity of CEF is unknown; DPA is<br />

highly toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.<br />

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