R. Meyer J. Köhler A. Homburg Explosives

LX
Depending on available processing methods, binder types such as
thermoset material, thermoplast or gelatinizers can be used. They can
then be formed and cured by chemical or physical means.
For thermoset materials, reactive polymers such as polyesters or
polybutadiene derivatives combined with curing agents (e.g. isocyanates)
are utilized. For thermoplasts one uses long-chained, partially
branched polyether (Movital) or polymeric flouridated hydrocarbons
(Fluorel). An example of a gelatin binder type is celluloseacetobutyrat
(CAB), which is normally used in combination with nitrocellulose.
The production of LOVA powders is dependant on the chosen binder
type. When thermoset materials are used, the system of energy
carrier/binders/curing agents is kneaded together. The same is true
when gelatines are used, however in this case, gelatinizing solvents
(usually alcohol and ether) are added.
Thermoplasts, after being combined with energy carriers, are processed
on hot rollers into a plastic material. The subsequent shaping is
achieved by means of hydraulic mold presses and cutting machines.
Depending on the binder type, the resulting powder kernels are cured
(thermoset material), cooled (thermoplast), or dried by the removal of
solvents (gelatin).
The possible forms of LOVA powders correspond to those of traditional
W Gunpowder and are adapted according to the desired ballistic
characteristics.
LX
Code of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for designated formulations
in production. Examples*) are:
Detonation Velocity,
LX Synonym HMX Additive confined at r =
% % m/s ft/s g/cm 3
–04–1 PBHV–85/15 85 Viton A 15 8460 27740 1.86
–07–2 RX–04–BA 90 Viton A 10 8640 28330 1.87
–09–0 RX–09–CB 93 “DNPA” 7 8810 28890 1.84
–10–0 RX–05–DE 95 Viton A 5 8820 28920 1.86
–11–0 RX–04–P1 80 Viton A 20 8320 27280 1.87
–14–0 95 Estane 5 8837 28970 1.83
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* Data quoted from the publication UCRL-51 319 of the U.S. Department of
Commerce: Properties of Chemical Explosives and Explosive Stimulants,
edited and compiled by Brigitta M. Dobratz, University of California (1974).