Open Source Documentation: Aluminized Thermobaric

Explosive Based on Polysiloxane Binder

Stefan K. Kolev, Tsvetomir T. Tsonev

SURT Technologies LTD, 6A Pastar Svyat Str., 1700 Sofia, Bulgaria

Open Source H-TBX Production Documentation

This work is published open source in the name of science, so all scientists can test and
evaluate the formulation. Polymers for full scale industrial production will not be given
here, but the given ones will be good enough for small scale production and testing. H-TBX
is a cast-cured polymer bonded explosive. That is mixed, loaded into ordnance and then cured to
a solid mass with Shore A = 40 hardness.

Polymer bonded explosive H-TBX contains the next components in the next MASS proportions:

16% Silicone polymer (Ecoflex 0030 - both components)

16% Potassium perchlorate
28% Aluminum powder 8 micron
40% White crystalline hexogen powder

That is for 100 grams mixture – 16 grams silicone polymer, 16 grams potassium perchlorate; 28
grams aluminum powder and 40 grams hexogen powder.

When preparing the mixture keep in mind that the density of the polymer Ecoflex 0030 is 1.07
g/cm3 and it is two component silicone and 16% are - component 1 + component 2.

The potassium perchlorate (KP)

Standard for pyrotechnics KP can be used, milled on site to less than 20-30 micron. KP with or
without carb-o-sil anticake agent can be used.
Commercially available:
http://www.highqualitychems.com/potassium-perchlorate-w-cab-o-sil/
Only carb-o-sil or other SiO2 based anticake agent is acceptable, anticake agents based on
phosphates and other chemicals must not be used as they can inhibit the catalyst of the polymer!
Potassium perchlorate alternatively can be ball milled on site to less than 30 micron and used
directly to prepare the H-TBX. In their experience SURT Tech. used mechanical coffee grinders
to mill the KP without problems. Potassium perchlorate must be free of chlorates!

Polymer:
The polymer is the two component liquid platinum cure silicone Ecoflex 0030.
1. Silicone - Ecoflex 0030 of the company Smooth-On:
Company: Smooth-On
http://www.smooth-on.com/

1
Polymer can also be XB-600 or XB-615; 630 is too viscous.
https://sibetter.com/portfolio-item/platinum-cure-moldmaking-silicone-rubber/#tab-id-3

Or from another company: GTSIL-P0

http://www.gtsilicon.com/product/showproduct.php?id=14

Working time of 45mins or 1 hour at 20 C is a good start. Mixing the H-TBX at 15 C and then
curing at 40 C was used usually.
Working time can be extended with similar to this product:
https://www.smooth-on.com/products/slo-jo/

Aluminium powder must be standard spherical 8 micron, (average particle size D50 = 8
micron), uncoated.

2
Hexogen (RDX) must be pure, white crystalline without any additives, coatings or
phlegmatizers. Particle sizes must be below 100 micron. No need to use bimodal RDX.
Hexogen may be replaced by octogen (HMX) with the same particle size distribution if higher
density and thermal resistance is needed.

Fig.1 Ecoflex 0030 manufactured by Smooth-On 0.9 kg and 7.26 kg, components A and B.

Initiation and minimal diameter/quantity

In order to achieve maximum air blast and metal fragmentation/acceleration effect - minimal
diameter of H-TBX to be initiated (from the one side, without central charge) in aluminum pipe
with 1 mm wall is 50 mm and the minimal quantity initiator is 50 gram TNT equivalent or about
35 grams of the modern hexogen based booster explosives. Minimum quantity of H-TBX to be
effectively initiated for maximum air blast metal fragmentation/acceleration effect is 200-300 g.

Example for the manual preparation of H-TBX

This is a description of mixing H-TBX by hand, it was tested in laboratory conditions in

Bulgaria.

The working conditions are as follows: temperature of air and mixing containers 15 оС. Only
polyethylene and vinyl gloves are used as they do not have inhibitory effect on the polymer
hardening catalyst. Use of latex gloves is completely forbidden as latex inhibits the curing of
the polymer! Use of gloves with any powder cover is completely forbidden! Read the next
chapter – Guarding the polymer from curing inhibition.
Aluminum mixing containers are used as well as wooden tools and spatulas.

The needed quantity of silicone is first poured in the container, both components A and B. Then
the A and B components are mixed for 2-3 minutes to full mixing. The hexogen powder is then
added to the silicone for 1 minute and mixed with the silicone for additional 2-5 minutes to
ensure complete coverage of hexogen with the liquid polymer. This is a very important step as
it ensures that the hexogen is phlegmatized by the silicone. Note that the given times are valid
for mixing by hand of quantities 100-5000 grams. After this step, the potassium perchlorate is
added to the mixture, after its mixing with the other ingredients, the aluminum powder is added.
At this point the mixture is difficult to be kneaded with wooden spatula and can be mixed by

3
hand with the proper gloves. After about 10 minutes of mixing by hand the mixture is read to be
loaded into munitions.

When using mechanical mixer to prepare the H-TBX, follow the same order of mixing. Always
mix the polymer first and then the hexogen into the polymer! The hexogen is preferably to be
covered by the polymer by hand, thus phlegmatizing it. Then add the perchlorate and the
aluminum powder.

Especially if the H-TBX should be loaded by injection molding, it is mixed under vacuum or
vacuumed before loading to get rid of trapped air.

Pot life of H-TBX

The time of H-TBX pot life starts to pass after mixing component A and B of the silicone. It is as
follows:

At 23оС – 45 minutes
At 15оС – 75-80 minutes
At 10оС – 120 minutes

We recommend that the working temperature should be 15оС. To prolong the pot life a Platinum
Silicone Cure Retarder can be used (see below).

We recommend that the final polymerization of H-TBX in the loaded ordnance is done at
30оС for 24 hours.

Compatibility of H-TBX

After the H-TBX has hardened it is compatible to be kept in contact with: aluminum, high
melting point parafine, organic polymers and lacquers with high temperature of decomposition
like polyethylene, acrylate etc.
H-TBX must not be kept in contact (stored) with: wood, paper, organic materials with low
decomposition temperature (sugar), sulphur, phosphorous, arsenic!

4
Fig.2. H-TBX polymerized on a polyethylene glove at 15оС for 20 hours and H-TBX
polymerized in 3 aluminum warheads at 50оС for 20 hours. In both cases full polymerization
occurred.

Guarding the polymer from curing inhibition

This is a very important chapter, please read carefully before passing to H-TBX
production.
Platinum catalyst for the curing of silicone polymer can be inhibited by different chemicals and
as a consequence the polymer cannot harden. That calls for working in a clean environment and
keeping away from the catalytical poisons.
Poisons for the platinum catalyst include: sulphur and sulphurous compounds, sulphides,
polysulphides, phosphorous, phosphides, basic amines, tin and tin alloys, silicone with tin
catalyst, all acids, all bases, latex, some epoxy resins, recently produced urethane or polyester
details. Especially dangerous catalytical poison is the powder of the latex gloves! This is the
reason latex gloves are forbidden in places that produce H-TBX! Vinyl and polyethylene gloves
without powder should be used instead. Direct contact between sulphur vulcanized rubber and
the polymer should be avoided.
H-TBX polymerizes without any problem on aluminum and polyethylene. Steel is okay as well,
but because special kinds of steels may contain catalytical poisons, polymerizations test first
with small quantities should be performed.
If compatibility between the H-TBX and the surface is under question, polymerization test with
small quantity should be performed. The layer between the H-TBX and the surface should be
examined for complete polymerization.

5
Fig. 3. Gloves of polyethylene, HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), that can be used to handle
H-TBX.

Platinum Silicone Cure Retarder (Slo-Jo of Smooth-On)

Pot life of H-TBX can be extended by using the product Slo-Jo of Smooth-On. It is added to the
component B of the polymer Ecoflex 0030 (maxм 2%). When added in 1% quantity, the pot life
is extended from 45 minutes at 23 оС to 2 hours at 23оС.

Table 1. Using Slo-Jo with Ecoflex 0030.

When preparing H-TBX, the Slo-Jo must be added to component B of the polymer Ecoflex 0030,
mixed with it, then component A should be added. Mixed with component B and Slo-Jo again
and then the hexogen is added as described above. In quantities 1-2% Slo-Jo does not affect the
mechanical properties of the H-TBX.

We recommend if needed - 1% of component B Slo-Jo to be used and the pot life to be

additionally extended by cooling the H-TBX to 10-15оС. 2% Slo-Jo could also be used to
additionally extend the pot life.

Loading into munitions:

H-TBX is loaded into munitions following the same rules and technology as loading highly
viscous propellant into a rocket engine!

The mixture can be loaded by hand with wooden cylinder stick, small portions at a time. This
manual process can be used only for warheads that do not endure acceleration (hand grenades,
rocket warheads etc).

6
Machine ways of loading H-TBX include injection molding/pressure casting using
hydraulic piston. The same technology as with rocket engines is used. This is the preferred way
of loading as it allows any form/weight/kind of munitions to be automatically loaded.
Additional information about the production process of H-TBX.

1. Mixing the components

.
The H-TBX components can be mixed either by mechanical mixer devices or (in case of
emergency) by hand, in small batches.
During the mixing and the loading, a temperature range between 10-20оС is recommended. This
means the temperature of air, components and mixing & loading equipment.
The lower temperature guarantees slower polymerization (longer potlife of the unpolymerized
mixture) and vice versa.
The preparation of the composition begins when the two components of the polymer is mixed in
the proportions indicated in the instructions.
The mixing of the two components is done in suitable for the task mixer bowl made from
aluminum or sparkless stainless steel.
All additional equipment (spatulas, etc.) made from wood, aluminum or sparkless stainless steel
is safe and suitable to be used in production.
During and after the addition of the RDX it is obligatory to work only with wooden tools to
avoid metal-to-metal friction.
The use of non-ferrous metals is strongly forbidden.
The entire amount of RDX is added to the already well-mixed polymer, which after that by hand
or by slow stirring in mechanical mixer is fully incorporated into the polymer until no dry areas
of RDX are visible in the mixture.
The presence of powdered hexogen at this stage is unacceptable. This is a very important step
as it ensures that the hexogen is phlegmatized by the polymer.
After the hexogen is completely coated with the polymer, the potassium perchlorate is added in
small batches and after it’s mixing with the other ingredients, the aluminum powder is added
again on small batches.
The added components must be free from lumps or other mechanical impurities.
Especially dangerous are small objects like metal bolts, nuts, etc.
After the mixing, the finished composition has the consistency of molding clay, which is ready to
be load in the chosen products.
Industrial production should only be carried out with specially designed machines of the type
indicated at the end of this document.
This reduces the risk of production accidents and the almost complete eliminate the human factor
in the production process.
The cleaning of the working tools and mixers is extremely important for the industrial safety, as
the presence of residues from already polymerized mixture between the moving elements
(threads, shafts, etc.) can lead to ignition / detonation of the new mixture placed in the mixer.
Suitable for the cleaning process are cotton cloths, white cellulose wipes and / or wooden
spatulas, which are used to clean the working tools or to scrape off any residue from the
polymerized or not yet polymerized mixture.
The main cleaning after the end of the work shift (or if necessary between the working cycles) is
done with the help of a water jet, followed by subsequent drying of the whole equipment.
The use of solvents based on alcohol or ketones is not permitted.
It should be noted that the already polymerized composition is insoluble in any solvents, as the
polymer has crosslinked during polymerization.

7
Keeping everting absolutely clean before and during the production is essential for the properties
of the final product, as the presence of even minimal contaminants can lead to a failed
polymerization of the finished thermobaric composition.
The mixing and the loading of the composition in the chosen products must be organized in such
a way that the production time is shorter than the pot life of the polymer at the respective
temperature.
This is done in order to avoid premature polymerization.
The pot life of the polymer after mixing is proportional to the temperature of the ingredients. At
higher temperatures this time decreases significantly.
In order to increase the working window for the mixture, it is permissible to work at a relatively
low temperature, but not lower than 10o C.

2. Loading the finished composition in different ammunitions.

The loading can be done by hand or by vacuum.
All products with acceleration of less than 3000 G can be loaded by hand.
All other products are loaded only under vacuum.
Loading by hand is done with the help of wooden tools with varying diameters for the specific
product..
Wood is used without the presence of chemical treatment, as the latter can adversely affect the
polymerization of the binder.
It is allowed to load one product with H-TBX from two batches of mixture if this product will
not tolerate acceleration when fired more than 3000 G. For example RPG or S-8KOM.
Additional hermetization and mechanical stability can be achieved with thin layer of pure
polymer between the loaded composition and the walls of the product chosen.
On this layer (or directly on the H-TBX) can be placed / glued "compensator" from porous heat-
resistant polymer or piece of fiberglass with thickness atleast 3-4 mm. This is recommended for
hand-loaded products!
It is forbidden to conduct experiments at high temperature (50-80оС) with products loaded by
hand, tightly loaded with the composition and/or tightly closed!
The loading hole cannot be smaller than 40 mm.
Products with H-TBX with a warhead having an inner diameter of less than 40 mm should not be
designed, as this is the minimum diameter in which the composition works effectively.
The mixing of the ingredients should be done in clean and dry containers, and the resulting
mixture should be loaded into clean and dry products shells.
It is not allowed the mixture to get in contact with threads or other types of joints, where friction
can occur before, during and after polymerization.
The threads must be protected with inserts or for example paper tape, when the product is
loaded.
If an unpolymerized mixture accidentally gets on the thread, it is cleaned from there with cotton
threads until it is completely removed.
It’s advisable this to be done before the polymerization, when this is much easier.
The polymerized mixture is cleaned of threaded connection in the same way - by hand with
cotton threads. If it is impossible to remove the mixture from the thread, the product is discarded.
The use of latex gloves for handling the equipment or mixing the equipment is not allowed,
because latex has a negative effect on the catalyst of the polymer used.
See section 3 for more information on protecting the polymer catalyst from poisoning.
3. Polymerization of the mixture
After the mixing and the loading, the finished products are polymerized in oven at 30 оС for 24
hours.

8
After the loading the product has to be placed at a temperature in the range of 25-30o C within
one hour after the loading. It is not allowed to expose the loaded products to low temperatures
(below 10o С).
Everything possible must be done to prevent any form of condensation on the finished products
or especially on the unpolymerized H-TBX composition.
The following measures can be taken for this purpose: the products shall be kept at the
temperature and humidity at which they were loaded before being placed in the oven.
After the loading, the products are immediately transferred to the oven. Tight screw plastic /
aluminum plugs can be also used to protect the mixture after loading.
Once polymerized, the H-TBX composition is compatible and can be kept in contact with the
following types of materials - aluminum, steel, glass, fiberglass, high melting point paraffins,
organic polymers and high decomposition temp. varnishes such as polyethylene, acrylate, etc.
The H-TBX composition is incompatible and should not be kept in contact with: paper, wood,
cellulose, organic materials with low decomposition temperature, sulfur, phosphorus, arsenic
compounds, etc.

4. Check for full polymerzation

The composition can be considered polymerized, when the hardness is above 35 (Shore A).
A check for the polymerization of the composition can be performed by measuring the hardness
according to "Shore A" after the end of the polymerization period.
After polymerization of the composition, if it will be an artillery or mortar shell, it is
recommended that each loaded product undergo X-ray inspection for air pockets formed.
Products with formed air pockets are discarded.

Fig.7 Zwick company, analog Shore hardness tester

Analog Shore hardness testers meet the requirements of the standards ISO 7619-1, ASTM D
2240, ISO 868, NFT 51109.
Models with or without a trajectory arrow can be supplied for local testing. Trajectory arrow
hardness testers facilitate testing especially in hard-to-reach places, as the measurement value
after the test is indicated by the arrow.

9
Recommended technological equipment
The equipment needed for this purpose is as follows.
1. Grinding the potassium perchlorate (KP)

Regardless of the type of KP used (its particle size, presence or absence of additives such as anti-
caking agents, etc.), the same must be finely ground before use in order not only to improve the
mixing with the other components, but it also to improve the explosive properties of the final
composition.
The presence of large crystals or lumps formed during the storage is unacceptable. They are also
formed during storage in uncontrolled conditions (moisture, sun, etc.), regardless of the presence
or absence of anti-caking agents. In their presence, the process is only slower.
For the milling of the oxidizer ―SURT Technologies LTD‖ recommend professional pyrotechnic
or laboratory ball mills with varying capacity according to the needs of the production, which
after the grinding of the potassium perchlorate allow its sifting through sieves and separation of
individual fractions, in order to further improve the efficiency of the mixing and the performance
of the final composition.
With pilot series up to several hundred kilos, SURT have successfully used spinning
element type coffee grinders with great success. Spinning element professional grinders can
be used instead of ball mills.
We recommend the use of a ball mill similar to the one below:
―XQM‖ ball mill with varying capacity.

We recommend the use of a ball mill similar to the one below:

―XQM‖ ball mill with varying capacity.

Company Changsha Langfeng

Name: Metallic Material Ltd.
No. 506, Kaiyuan Xinyuan, Xingsha, Changsha County,
Operational Address:
Changsha, Hunan, China (Mainland)
Website: http://www.cslfjs.cn
Website on alibaba.com: http://lfjs.en.alibaba.com

https://www.beacheventdronten.nl/ball-mill/xqm/fhfxzgp.html
https://www.alibaba.com/catalog/mine-mill_cid100007001

10
Fig.4 Ball mills of the company Changsha Langfeng Metallic Material Ltd
2. 2 Mixer for the dry components with the liquid polymer used as a binder.
Planetary as well as sigma mixers are used to mix polymer-bonded explosives and polymer-
bonded rocket fuels.
Fins of the mixer have to move freely, without direct contact with the walls of the vessel.
Planetary mixers can be used to mix polymer bonded explosives in amounts from a few hundred
grams to about 600 kilograms per batch. For the mixing of the H-TBX it is recommended to use
a planetary mixer as the presented below.

Shanghai Konmix Mechanical & Elec. Equipment Tech. Co.,Ltd

Tel: +86 21 60546980, 60627665
Fax: +86 21 61139082
E-mail: [email protected] ;
[email protected]
Address: T1,No.2601 Xietu Road,Shanghai City,China
Zip code: 200030

Name: Planetary Mixer

Category: For mixing substances with high viscosity
Model: KMXJ

Possibilities for mixing under vacuum.

https://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?fsb=y&IndexArea=product_en&CatId=&SearchText=sig
ma+mixers+&selectedTab=product_en

https://www.alibaba.com/products/industrial_Planetary_mixers.html?IndexArea=product_en&cl
usterId=6500032158

https://www.alibaba.com/products/industrial_Planetary_mixers.html?IndexArea=product_en&cl
usterId=6500008283

https://www.alibaba.com/products/industrial_Planetary_mixers.html?IndexArea=product_en&cl
usterId=6500035827

This type of mixer is specially designed for mixing liquid and solid substances with high
viscosity (до 5М сР).
The mixing tools and the bowl are made of stainless steel, which is easy to clean. The mixing
vessel can be either cooled or heated.
The company offers two groups of planetary mixers: laboratory models (2l - 15l) and industrial
models (50l - 1000l). A feature of this type of planetary mixers is the combination of rotating
movements of the mixing elements with planetary movements around the vessel wall.

11
FIG. 5. Planetary mixer of the company Shanghai Konmix Mechanical & Elec. Equipment Tech.
Co.,Ltd

Table 5. List of planetary mixers of the company Shanghai Konmix Mechanical & Elec.
Equipment Tech. Co.,Ltd

Remarks from the manufacturer:

1. When working with explosives (as in this case), the manufacturer must take part in the correct
choice of mixer model.
2. Not all product parameters are listed. For more information, please contact the manufacturer.

12
3. The viscosity of the H-TBX must be measured in unpolymerized state and consult should
be made with the producer of the mixer if such viscosity can be handled.

The design of the planetary mixers allows the addition of the components of the mixture while
mixing is taking place, as there is a separate line from which the feed takes place.
Sigma mixers can also be used to mixing of polymer-bonded explosives and polymer-bonded
rocket fuels. They are usually used when smaller amounts of substances are mixed - up to about
15 kilograms.
An example of this type of mixers is "Industrial Sigma Mixer" by Fabdecon Engineers Kavita
http://www.indiamart.com/fabdeconengineers/industrial-mixer.html#industrial-sigma-mixer

Fabdecon Engineers Kavita – Не работи

Industrial Sigma Mixer – Suitable for mixing polymer-bonded rocket fuels.
http://www.indiamart.com/fabdeconengineers/industrial-mixer.html#industrial-sigma-mixer
Telephone: +91-22-26873626, +91-22-26873789
No. 138, Damji Shamji Industrial Complex, Off Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri East, Mumbai -
400093, Maharashtra, India

FIG. 6 „Industrial Sigma Mixer‖ by Fabdecon Engineers Kavita

For mixing of high viscosity explosive such as the H-TBX a horizontal mixer may be the
better choice than vertical. Again this should be considered with the producer of the mixer.

Cleaning of the mixers

13
The cleaning of the mixers is done in accordance with specific instructions given by the
manufacturer for the specific model of the mixer. It is noted that the mixers work with
explosives. This chapter provides general cleaning information.
The mixer works in batches. After the finished mixture is removed from the mixer vessel, it is
mechanically cleaned with dry cotton threads and wooden tools to obtain a shiny surface without
the visual presence of TB mixture on it.
Wiping the unpolymerized mixture is relatively easy and don’t require much mechanical efforts.
A new batch of mixture can then be prepared again in the cleaned vessel. Great attention is paid
to the cleaning of the rotating parts, making sure that no H-TBX mixture remains on them.
The polymerized mixture is more difficult to clean. A water jet can be used to remove it. After
washing, the mixer must be dried with clean cotton threads.
At the end of the work shift, the mixers are mechanically cleaned with cotton threads as
described, then washed with clean water and rubbed with cotton threads. A water jet is used to
reach hard-to-reach places and remove the mixture from them.
The unpolymerized mixture is easy to clean, while the already polymerized requires more
mechanical effort. It is desirable to clean such polymerized mixture by hand with the help of
wooden spatula and cotton threads as much as possible.
Then, a water jet can be used to remove microscopic amounts of polymerized mixture that have
adhered, for example, into scratches on the vessels. After cleaning, the vessels are carefully dried
and covered so that they are protected from the dust. The use of solvents and alcohols is
prohibited. If necessary, the faucet can be washed with soap and water after it has been
thoroughly cleaned mechanically.

List of H-TBX component suppliers

Aluminum powder, spherical 8 micron
1. Chengdu Huarui Industrial Co., Ltd
2113, 8А, NO.555, Jinfu Road, Chengdu, China
Telephone: +86-18628316667
Skype: youxiaxiaer

2. Hunan Jinhao Aluminum Industrial Co., Ltd

Address：Wuxi Industrial Park, Luxi, Hunan, China.
Tel：+86-743-4225301
Fax：+86-743-4225333
Zip Code：416100
Email：[email protected]
Website：http://en.hnjhtech.com/

Potassium perchlorate
1. Potassium perchlorate 99.5% min
Xiangtan New Sunshine Trade Co., Ltd.
Tel: +86-731-58377417 /55580056
Fax: +86-731-58378838
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

https://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?IndexArea=product_en&CatId=&fsb=y&viewtype=&tab
=&SearchScene=&SearchText=Potassium+perchlorate+

14
2. Potassium perchlorate 99.2% min
Dalian North Potassium Chlorate Co., Ltd.
Telephone: 86-0411-82521111
Fax: 86-0411-82521868
Company Url: http://dltuowei.cn
http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Potassium-Perchlorate-99-2-min_392338262.html

Hexogen (RDX)
1. Dunarit Ruse
Address: Dunarit Corp., POB 12, Ruse 7000, Bulgaria
Tel:+359 82 811 520, Fax: +359 82 811 530
Central: +359 82 811 555
e-mail:[email protected]
http:www.dunarit.com

2. EURENCO
30 avenue Carnot 91300 Massy France
Tel: +33 (0)1 80 00 21 90
Fax: +33 (0)1 80 00 21 91
Mail: [email protected]
http://www.eurenco.com/content/contact/
India
https://www.exportgenius.in/india-exporters-of-rdx

Used literature:

1. Ecoflex; Ecoflex Series;

http://www.smooth-on.com/tb/files/ECOFLEX_SERIES_TB.pdf
2. Slo-Jo; Slo-Jo Platinum Silicone Cure Retarder;
http://www.smooth-on.com/tb/files/SLO-JO_TB.pdf
3. Redstone Arsenal Propellant Mixing and Handling Protocols Manufacture of Castable
Composite Propellant Rocket Motors, Chapter 24;
http://aeroconsystems.com/cart/redstonearsenal-mixfaq
4. Ecoflex; Ecoflex Series MSDS;
http://www.smooth-on.com/msds/files/Ecoflex_Series.pdf
5. Slo-Jo; Slo-Jo Platinum Silicone Cure Retarder MSDS;
http://www.smooth-on.com/msds/files/SLO-JO.PDF
6. RDX (Hexogen) MSDS;
http://www.petroexplo.com/catalog/RDX-MSDS.pdf
7. Potassium Perchlorate MSDS;
http://www.elac.edu/academics/departments/chemistry/chemistrydocuments/docs/P/potassium%
20perchlorate,%20acros.pdf
8. Atomized Spherical Aluminum Powder MSDS;
https://www.smooth-on.com/msds/files/Aluminum%20Powder.pdf
9. Hazardous Reactions of Aluminum Powder with Water in the Propellant, Explosive and
Pyrotechnic (PEP) Industries;

15
 From the publication:
Aluminized Enhanced Blast Explosive Based on Polysiloxane Binder; Stefan K.
Kolev, Tsvetomir T. Tsonev; Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, Volume 47, Issue 2,
February 2022, e202100195, Scopus, IF = 2.134, (Wiley-VCH, USA). With minor changes
by the authors.

Abstract

Drastic measures are taken in order to improve the properties of enhanced blast
explosives. First, a binder with high reactivity as reducing agent is selected. The binder, platinum
cure silicone, generates pyrophoric decomposition products in situ during the detonation. Arising
problems with curing inhibition of the polymer are solved, as nanosized SiO2 is employed as
hardening catalyst carrier. Quantum calculations show specific interactions of the binder and
aluminum, forming the backbone of the composition. Furthermore, particle size distribution of
the main fuel, aluminum powder, is selected so the Al will have enough time to heat, ignite and
burn in the atmosphere, creating the thermobaric effect. Potassium perchlorate is employed as an
oxidizer, as it reacts with detonation products faster than the widely used ammonium perchlorate.
The resulting enhanced blast explosive is denoted as H-TBX. High speed camera results show
similar shock wave velocity 2.5 m from 2.7 kg TNT charge (2 ms after initiation) and 3.5 m from
2.65 kg H-TBX charge (3 ms after initiation). In the open field, the H-TBX generates 1.83 times
higher peak pressure and 2 times higher impulse than TNT. These findings are compared with
data from the literature for Tritonal, PBXN-109 and AFX-757. H-TBX has improved parameters
over the former generations of enhanced blast explosives and is currently used in multiple
weapons systems.

1. Introduction

The idea behind enhanced blast explosives is to provoke fast and exothermic reaction
between a reducing agent (fuel) and the atmospheric oxygen. Retrospectively, complex
combinations of fuels have been used [1-4]. Usually, enhanced blast explosives (EBX) with
more than 20-25% reducing agent are labeled as thermobaric (TBX). Those are the true cases,
where the aerobic reaction participates in the generation of blast wave.
The first thermobaric weapon, the RPO-A Schmel was fielded in Afghanistan in 1988. It
contains a suspension of isopropyl nitrate (IPN) and magnesium (Mg) [3]. All abbreviations used
in the article, concerning explosive formulations are presented in the Supporting Information,

16
Table S1. The positive and negative features of the formulations are briefly outlined there.
Experimental details on the performance of IPN/Mg and IPN/Mg/Al mixtures were recently
published by Iorga et al. [5]. Later variations of the formulation use IPN, hexogen, aluminum
(Al), and fumed silica as thickener [2,6]. Suspensions based on IPN generally suffer from the
toxicity and volatility of the monopropellant. The lack of mechanical strength renders the
compositions useless in spinning munitions that have to endure acceleration, such as mortar and
artillery.
In order to avoid problems with monopropellants, the next generations of enhanced blast
explosives, developed in USA, use rubbery polymer binders, hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene
(HTPB) in most cases [7]. They can be described as homogenous mixtures of binder (HTPB with
plasticizers), brisant explosive and reducing agent, usually a metal powder. Example of such
explosives is the PBXIH-135, containing octogen, Al and HTPB binder [7], loaded in the
SMAW-D NE grenade [8]. Despite its good mechanical properties and high brisance, PBXIH-
135 performs no better than 10% aluminized EBX in impulse testing based on floating roof [9].
Generally, aluminized EBX based on inert binders cannot burn all the metal fuel in the air and
therefore, the potential energy content is not fully converted to blast impulse [10,11]. Obvious
reason for these drawbacks is the nature of the binder. HTPB pyrolyzes first to butadiene
monomer and dimer and then to lower molecular weight hydrocarbons [12]. At the high
temperature of detonation (>3000 K), hydrocarbons can additionally decompose, forming soot
and hydrogen [13]. The listed decomposition products of HTPB are not pyrophoric and do not
have catalytical activity on the Al combustion, they only hinder the access of oxygen to the Al
particles.
Addressing these drawbacks, additional oxidizer is added to the formulation, to support
the burning of the reducing agent. In almost all cases, this oxidizer is ammonium perchlorate
(AP) [2-4,14,15]. An example of such explosive is the AFX-757 [15], used in the JASSM missile
and similar weapons [16]. It contains hexogen, HTPB, Al powder and AP. The improved
formulation allows a good air blast equivalent to be obtained, namely 1.39 (compared to
Composition B) for the AFX-757 [17]. Similar energetic materials, however, have drawbacks
that do not allow them to be used in a wide variety of munitions. Ammonium perchlorate, apart
from being hygroscopic and unstable at high temperature, decomposes relatively slowly, it
cannot fully react in the detonation front [18]. As a consequence, such explosives are effective
only in high quantities and strong confinement, because they depend heavily on the post
detonation mixing and the reaction of oxidizer with the detonation products. The smallest

17
munition loaded with AFX-757, we are aware of, is the GBU-39 - 190 mm SDB aviation bomb
[19,20]. AFX-757 has rather low brisance, with only 25% hexogen it generates about PCJ = 10
GPa pressure, far too low for decent metal fragmentation and acceleration effect. Very similar to
the AFX-757 is the Russian analogue LP-30T [21], used in the TBG-7V - RPG-7 munition
(marked on the warhead). In LP-30T, the HTPB is substituted by LD-70, a plastigel binder
containing polyacrylate and dinitrodiethyleneglycol (70%), dinitrotriethyleneglycol (30%)
monopropellants [22]. Adding magnesium to similar mixtures generally increases the explosive
power [23], unfortunately, magnesium is incompatible with ammonium perchlorate [24].
Actually, magnesium is incompatible with pretty much any oxidizer used in pyrotechnics, in wet
atmosphere [24].
From the more exotic compositions, the fluorinated aluminum, used in the Hellfire
missile AGM-114N Metal Augmented Charge is worth discussing [25,26]. So far, this is the only
annular design, used in ordnance. The Metal Augmented Charge is pressed around a powerful
octogen booster. Drawbacks of this composition include the toxicity of produced aluminum
fluoride and the bad mechanical properties [25]. If the warhead of AGM-114N was not perfectly
cylindrical, it would be almost impossible to load. Compositions based on exotic reducing agents
like boron, nanomaterials or core-shell particles have also been studied, but for now, they remain
laboratory curiosity without practical use [1,27-31].
The practical need for an enhanced blast explosive, brisant enough and violent in the
aerobic phase, insensitive and loadable in any warhead shape, is the driving force behind the
present work. Also, there is a specific need in the industry - for the replacement of the
hygroscopic and thermally unstable ammonium perchlorate.
Active polymers with oxidizer groups are too sensitive, so we chose an organosilicon
binder, which acts as a powerful reducing agent [32,33]. The binder generates pyrophoric
decomposition products in situ during the detonation. Silicone interacts with the oxide layer of
Al powder in a specific manner, to form the mechanical matrix of the composition. Last but not
least, the organosilicon, used for the first time in thermobaric explosives, has better oxygen
balance than HTPB. Particle size distribution of the main fuel, aluminum powder, is selected so
the Al will have enough time to heat, ignite and burn in the atmosphere, creating the thermobaric
effect. Keeping in mind the drawbacks of AP, potassium perchlorate is chosen as oxidizer. KP
reacts faster with reducing agents, especially at high pressure, because it has much higher
burning rate pressure exponent [34]. The important role of the oxidizer is to provide enough
energy in the initial phase of the explosion, that the majority of the Al powder can heat to 2050

18
K and ignite. All implemented innovations led to a composition with improved properties over
the former generations of enhanced blast explosives. Patent for the present formulation, which
will be denoted as ―H-TBX‖ [35,36], was granted to the authors, Kolev and Tsonev, on
16.05.2018 [33]. After extensive laboratory and field testing, the H-TBX was approved for mass
production and is currently used in multiple weapons systems, such as the TB-22M grenade
(RPG-22 type) for the Bulspike-TB launcher. The H-TBX formulation is produced in Bulgaria
under the abbreviation ―PTBS‖.

2. Materials and methods

Temperature controlled chambers (heat and cool) used in the MIL-STD-2105D, 5.1.1 28-
day temperature and humidity (T&H) test are ILKA type KTK-3000, ILKA type KTK-800,
ILKA type TBV-2000 and Nuve KD 200. High speed photo cameras are Phantom v7.3 at 3000
fps and Olympus i-Speed 3 at 2000 fps. Software packages: i-Speed Viewer V. 3.1.0.7 and
Phantom Camera Control V. 9.2.675.2-C are used to create the detonation snapshots and
measure the shock front velocities. The impact sensitivity tests are performed using 2.5 kg drop
weight machine, assembled on site. Sensitivity to electric discharge is measured using capacitor
banks, charged to 20 kV, 25 kV and 100 kV DC. AVL B250 IPG piezoelectric high pressure
transducers are used for the blast parameters measurements. AISI 1008 carbon steel sheets are
used for the metal acceleration assessment.
Aluminum powder and potassium perchlorate are purchased from Sofiyahim (Bulgaria);
hexogen is purchased from Dunarit (Bulgaria). The used platinum cure silicon has the following
properties: molecular mass 20000±10% g/mol; initial viscosity when mixed 3000 cps; Shore
hardness 00-30; density 1.07 g/cm3; pot life 2 hours at 15°C; elongation at break >500%;
shrinkage after curing < 0.0005 cm/cm; fumed silica content as catalyst carrier 0.1%. The
polymer consists of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chains and the crosslinking is realized by
(methylvinyl)siloxane (MVS) and (methylhydrogen)siloxane (MHS) groups.
It should be noted that platinum cure silicone is sensitive to poisoning of the catalyst.
Certain substances containing sulfur or phosphorus, as well as acids and bases, can inhibit the
curing of the polymer. In clean laboratory conditions, the chance of such substances contacting
the samples is negligible. However, on industrial scale, there is a demand that the polymer is as
resistant to cure inhibition as possible. Our experience shows that using fumed silica (nanosized
SiO2) as a catalyst carrier (instead of just dispersing the catalyst into the polymer), dramatically

19
increases the resistance to cure inhibition. Measuring the extent of the effect remains a task for
future work.
All quantum chemical calculations are performed using the CP2K/Quickstep package
[37,38]. The DFT is applied within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA), using
Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) functional [39]. Double-zeta basis set DZVP-MOLOPT-SR-
GTH is applied for all atoms in the studied systems [40]. Dispersion interactions are taken into
account using DFT + D approach with D3 set [41].

3. Results and discussion

3.1 Formulation

H-TBX is a cast-cured polymer bonded explosive. It is mixed, loaded (extruded) into

ordnance, and then cured to a solid mass with Shore A = 40 hardness. H-TBX contains the next
components in mass proportions:

12-20% Silicone polymer (both components)

15-20% Potassium perchlorate
25-35% Aluminum powder 8 µm
35-50% White crystalline hexogen powder

Potassium perchlorate is milled on site to less than 20 µm (sieve 20 µm) and used directly
to prepare the H-TBX. Potassium perchlorate must be free of chlorates. Aluminum powder is
standard spherical, average particle size D50 = 8 µm, uncoated. Hexogen is pure, white
crystalline without any additives, coatings or phlegmatizers, particle size < 100 µm. There is no
need to use bimodal hexogen.

3.2 Stability and mechanical properties

For the composition to be stable, every ingredient must be compatible with the other
ones. Before the experimental proving, we did a literature survey on the subject. The next
combinations are discussed:

20
- potassium perchlorate and aluminum powder
- silicone and hexogen
- silicone and potassium perchlorate
- hexogen and aluminum powder
- hexogen and potassium perchlorate
- silicone and aluminum powder

The combination potassium perchlorate - aluminum powder has been studied by Shimizu
[24], concluding that the system is completely storage stable. Pourmortazavi et al. measured the
temperature of decomposition of the mixture, which is higher than 673 K [42]. Ignition
temperature has been measured in the interval of 853.15-888.15 K. The system silicone –
hexogen has been studied by Elbeih et al. [43,44]. Silicone has stabilizing influence on the
hexogen. The measured temperature of pure hexogen decomposition (peak of thermogravimetric
study) is 486.25 K, while for the mixture silicone – hexogen it shifts with 0.5 K to 486.75 K
[43]. Silicone is used in non-polymerized state as a phlegmatizer for hexogen [44]. In
polymerized state silicone decreases the impact sensitivity of hexogen about 3 times (XTX 8004)
[45]. Silicone and potassium perchlorate both have high temperatures of decomposition (silicone
over 573 K, potassium perchlorate over 673 K). Both materials do not give acidic or alkali
reactions. This is the reason the combination of silicone and potassium perchlorate is used in gas
generators [46]. The system hexogen – aluminum powder is historically proven to be stable and
finds use in variety of energetic materials [7]. In the book Engineering Design Handbook;
Explosives Series; Properties of Explosives of Military Interest [47] an explosive HEX-24 is
described, consisting of hexogen, potassium perchlorate, aluminum powder and petroleum based
binding agent. According to the studies it has stability up to 373.15 K heating, despite the low
stability binding agent used. H-TBX on the other hand contains extremely stable binding agent,
which is the silicone. The stability of the system, silicone – aluminum powder, used in
pyrotechnics, is proven by Eisele et al. [48]. The authors come to conclusion that silicone has
higher thermal stability and thermal stabilizing action on rocket propellants than the modern
binders, for example - HTPB.
Knowing what to expect, first we tested the behavior of 20 grams H-TBX samples at low
and high temperature. The low temperature value was selected to represent the coldest weather
conditions that an H-TBX warhead could be exposed to. The high temperature value was
selected, so the compatibility of the components can be tested, without decomposing the

21
hexogen. Tests were conducted from 213.15 K to 393.15 K [35,36]. No physical changes were
observed and no mass change was detected. Next, stability under vacuum test is performed
according to NFT 70-517 French standards. The objective of this test is to measure the volume of
gas released from the heated material. It is done at temperature of 353.15 K for 193 hours. For all
samples (polymer, polymer+perchlorate, polymer+hexogen, H-TBX), released gas volume was
less than 0.1 cm3/g. We conclude that the stability of the composition at high temperature is only
dependent on the decomposition of hexogen. At temperatures approaching hexogen
decomposition, the other ingredients behaved like an inert matrix, so we propose that the
temperature stability can be improved if hexogen is substituted by octogen. Sensitivity to impact
of the composition is found to be in the range of 60-80 cm for 2.5 kg falling weight (hexogen =
20-30 cm). H-TBX is insensitive to static electricity, up to 350 mJ. Consequently, TBG-7V type
of warhead is loaded in order to perform stability assessment in a practical situation, Figure 1.

Figure 1. Three TBG-7V type warheads, loaded with 2.5 kg H-TBX each, ready for testing to be
performed.

Stability of the loaded composition to temperature fluctuations is tested according to the

MIL-STD-2105D, 5.1.1 28-day temperature and humidity (T&H) procedure. Very hard regime is
chosen with temperature variations between 213.15 K (night time) and 348.15 K (day time),

22
Figure 2a, b, c. The loaded warheads passed all criteria of the test, Figure 3a, b. No extrusion of
polymer from the composition and no mechanical damage as cracking was observed. Thermal
expansion and contraction of the loaded explosive are measured equal to ±1 mm, Figure 2d, for
the 270 mm long warhead. Expansion and contraction are measured for the temperature intervals
of 288.15 K - 213.15 K and 288.15 K - 348.15 K. Six TBG-7V type warheads, loaded with H-
TBX, were kept at temperatures equal to 213.15 K, 288.15 K and 348.15 K (two at each
temperature) until thermal equilibrium is reached. The warheads were then detonated in the open
to see if the low and high temperatures have effects on the explosive train (detonator, booster and
the main charge). In all cases full detonations were recorded. Shore hardness is measured equal
to 40A at 293.15 K. Although the theoretical maximum density of H-TBX is 1.84 g/cm3, the
TBG-7V is loaded to 1.75 g/cm3 without vacuum. Vacuum loading will certainly improve
density. Finally the H-TBX is tested to acceleration by firing (>20 shells) in 122 mm shell for D-
30 howitzer (about 15000 G), again passing the test. It should be noted that for an artillery shell
to be non-hazardous when fired, the explosive must be loaded under vacuum (either by casting
or injection molding, depending on the filler viscosity). Then the shell with cured explosive must
pass X-ray testing to prove it is free of cavities. If a cavity is presented, especially at the bottom
of the charge, the firing (setback) acceleration will cause adiabatic compression, and the mix can
react in the gun.
The good mechanical properties of H-TBX can be explained by the binder interactions
with the solid fillers. Every silicone monomer {-Si(R2)O-} has an oxygen atom with partial
negative charge and free electron pairs, available for complexation. These numerous oxygen
atoms can form hydrogen bonds with the CH2 groups of hexogen, electrostatic complexes with
K+ ions of KClO4 or Al3+ ions of the alumina (Al2O3, the passivation layer of Al powder).
Aluminum ion, having 3+ electric charge and free 3-level orbitals, forms coordination complexes
with multiple electronegative centers, thus we expect a strong coordination between oxygen
atoms from the silicone and the available Al3+ at the alumina surface. The system silicone -
alumina surface is studied by quantum chemical calculations, where the expected interactions are
observed (see Supporting Information, page 1 and Figure S1).

23
Figure 2. a), b) and c) Opened and enclosed TBG-7V type warheads as well as H-TBX and
polymer (binder) samples in the temperature controlled chamber during the MIL-STD-2105D,
5.1.1 28-day temperature and humidity (T&H) test. Ice forms during the low temperature period
(c); d) Measuring the thermal expansion of H-TBX in the TBG-7V type warhead.

24
Figure 3 TBG-7V type warheads, loaded with H-TBX; a) Before MIL-STD-2105D, 5.1.1 28-day
temperature and humidity (T&H) test and b) After the test.

3.3 Performance

3.3.1 Brisance, metal fragmentation and acceleration

Brisance characteristics of heterogeneous explosives depend mainly on the fast

detonating energetic materials used [18]. Despite the current advances in the science of energetic
molecules and crystals [49-53], hexogen (and octogen) still remain the best choices as a
combination of performance, reasonable sensitivity and price. Calculations with CHEETAH 2.0
[54,55] are performed in order to assess the detonation velocity and pressure of H-TBX, under
the assumption that 20% of the Al powder reacts initially. Results indicate PCJ = 17 GPa, at
detonation velocity of 7204 m/s. Temperature of the detonation products is equal to 3406 K.
Evaluation of the thermochemical code, performed by Lu [55], shows that it produces results
with only 1.1% error for an explosive (ARX-2010) with the same hexogen content as H-TBX.
However, the H-TBX is expected to have higher detonation velocity than the ARX-2010 as it
uses denser oxidizer and binder, and contains more hexogen per volume.

25
Figure 4 Graphical representation showing the detonation wave movement as a function of time
for the 90 mm H-TBX charge. Slope of the trend line is equal to the detonation velocity.

Detonation velocity of H-TBX is experimentally measured using 5 piezo probes, ~10 mm

apart, as shown in Table S2. The charge diameter was 90 mm. Graphical representation
Distance=f(Time) gives a detonation velocity of 7242 m/s as the slope of the trend line, Figure 4.
With detonation pressure and velocity similar to TNT, we expect similar metal fragmentation
capability. Indeed, the H-TBX loaded in 130 mm shell for M-46 howitzer produced fragments
with mass distribution similar to the original pressed TNT shell [35]. Metal acceleration is
assessed based on 57 mm prefragmented S-5 warheads (for the ―S-5‖ air-to-ground missile)
loaded with H–TBX (650 g + 50 g A-IX-1) and 700g A-IX-1. Both warheads provide 360
fragment elements, 2 g each. The targets, used in this experiment, are sheet metal panels with
thickness varying from 2 to 4 mm respectively, positioned in spiral pattern (from 3 to 7 meters)
around the charge, Figure 5a and Figure S2. The hexogen (A-IX-1) loaded warhead produced
302 hits, which resulted in 302 penetrations. In the same configuration, the H-TBX warhead
produced 248 penetrations from 248 hits, but also managed to drop down few of the steel targets
used. All hits from the fragment elements resulted in penetrations for both warheads, their
distribution as a function of the steel sheets thickness and distance to the target is presented in
Figure 5b. The exact count of penetrations for all sheets is presented in Table S3. Graphical
solution of the Gurney relations [56] gives medium fragments’ velocity of about 1800 m/s for the
H-TBX warhead (assuming that H-TBX has similar metal acceleration abilities to TNT and the
mass of H-TBX is equal to the mass of fragments, 360x2g).

26
Figure 5 a) H-TBX loaded 57 mm prefragmented S-5 warhead in front of the steel sheets before
initiation; b) Graphical representation of the penetrations count as a function of the steel sheets
thickness (l in mm) and distance to the target (s in m) for both tested explosives.

3.3.2 Aerobic combustion

The use of organometallic compounds for incendiary or enhanced blast purposes is not
new, for example the American weapon M202 Flash uses triethylaluminum (TEA) [57].
Obviously, the high reactivity of organometallics makes them very suitable for that purposes, far
superior than the inert HTPB. Anyway, room temperature pyrophoric compounds like TEA have
safety issues, they will burst in flames at the slightest decapsulation of the container. This is the

27
reason their practical implementation is extremely unwanted. So, for a practical application, we
need an organometallic that combines stability to at least 573 K, with very high, even pyrophoric
reactivity far above that temperature. Our idea was to use an organoelemental compound with
some of the chemical bonds at the element (metal) center already oxidized, to reduce the
reactivity. Such compound is found to be the organic silicone (PDMS for example). With a
formula {-Si(R2)O-}n , it has half (two) of the chemical bonds at the silicon atom formed
(oxidized) with O atoms, but the other (two) remaining electrons participate in bonds with
organic groups (R). We expect the bonds Si-R to be easily attacked by oxidizing species at the
high temperature of detonation. Scission of the Si-R bond will produce radicals (Si and R
containing). Scission at the main chain will also produce reactive O(R2)Si radicals. Atoms
regrouping will produce pyrophoric silanes. The thermal decomposition of PDMS has been
theoretically studied employing molecular dynamics with ReaxFF reactive force field - at 3500
K [58]. In the decomposition products, the authors find silicon tetrahydride (SiH4), which has
pyrophoric properties. Other highly reactive organic substituted silanes, including C6H11Si and
C3H9Si, have also been found. By this mechanism, the otherwise thermally stable silicone
produces in situ reactive pyrophoric products. Organic silicone is oxidized to produce silicon
dioxide (SiO2), carbon dioxide and water, releasing 25 MJ/kg, the same amount of energy as
magnesium. Inorganic silicone is also readily oxidized in air, it is even suspected in participating
in electrical phenomenon such as ball lightning [59].
Organic silicone is found to enhance the burning rate of rocket propellants when used
instead of the classical hydrocarbon binders [48]. We propose that this effect is caused by the
ability of intermediary silicon species to react with the oxide layer of Al particles and disrupt it.
For example, reactive O(CH3)2Si species can initially form Si-O-Al bridges, and subsequently
glassy alumosilicate layer with low melting point and low mechanical properties, that is easily
removed, exposing the metallic Al. For the discussed processes to take place, temperature over
823 K is needed, as this is the heat resistance point of silicone film on aluminum [60]. This
process is beneficial for the aerobic combustion of Al in H-TBX, without increasing its
sensitivity. Similar effect was already studied as the catalytical action of silicon dioxide on the
aluminum combustion. The mechanism was proven to be the disruption of the passivation Al2O3
film [60].
For the burned fuel to participate in blast enhancement, the burning must take place
during the positive phase of the pressure wave (t+) [56]. With other words, during t+, the Al
particles must heat to 2050 K (ignition temperature) and burn completely.

28
 Equations (1) and (2) give practical approximations for the heating time of the Al particle
in a gas environment with temperature, equal to 3000 K (th); and the burning time (tb) [56]
th = 0.0025(d1.95) (1)
tb = 0.003(d1.99) (2)
where d is the diameter of the particles in μm; th and tb in ms.

For the 8 μm Al particles th + tb = 0.33 ms. The positive phase duration (t+) depends on
the TNT equivalent of the explosion and the distance from the charge. We were unable to find in
the literature at what distance t+ should be calculated. Assigning this variable is another novelty
of the present work.
Experimental work follows theory. The loaded TBG-7V type warheads (Figure 1) are
detonated in the open (20 cm from the ground) and the events studied by high speed camera,
Figure 6a, b, c. Comparative testing is done with 2700 g trinitrotoluene (TNT) charge, Figure 6d.
Charge diameter for H-TBX and TNT is 100 mm; drawings of model 2.5 kg and 1 kg H-TBX
charges are available in the Supporting Information, Figures S3 and S4. During detonation,
neither H-TBX, nor TNT behave like ideal explosives. H-TBX is loaded with dense solid Al
particles and TNT forms carbon soot, also in the form of solid particles. For the TNT explosion,
we see the blast wave detaching from the glowing surface of detonation products at the 2nd ms
from the initiation. The longest radius of the glowing spheroid is 2.5 meters (2nd ms). For the H-
TBX, the blast wave detaches from the glowing sphere at the 3rd ms from the initiation, 3.5
meters from the charge initial position. So, the time Al particles have, to burn and enhance the
blast, should be equal to the time needed to reach the point - where the blast wave detaches from
the glowing products, plus the duration of the positive phase at that point. So, for the 2500 g H-
TBX (plus 150 grams A-IX-1 booster) we have 3 ms + 2.9 ms (duration of the positive phase
calculated for 7.4 kg TNT, see equation (3) [61] and below), or 5.9 ms in total. If oxygen is
available, there is more than enough time for the main fraction of 8 μm Al particles to participate
in blast wave enhancement as th + tb = 0.33 ms.
Further analysis of the H-TBX and TNT explosions is performed using data from the high
speed camera. The blast wave detaches from the detonation products in a very special point. This
is the last point from the initiation, where the velocities of expanding products and blast wave
(shock front) are equal. For the TNT charge, the shock front velocity vs (TNT) (at that point, at 2.5
m) is equal to 733 m/s, measured with the high speed camera. The calculated vs (TNT) for the same

29
charge at the same point, using Rankine-Hugoniot equation [62-64], is 742 m/s, equation (4).
The needed overpressure is calculated in equation (5).

√ √ (3)

√ (4)

) (5)

Where vs is the the shock front velocity in m/s; p is the overpressure in kPa (ambient
pressure = 101.325 kPa); m is the explosive (TNT) mass in kg and r is the distance from the
charge in m.

The shock front velocity for the H-TBX charge vs (H-TBX) (at the discussed point, at 3.5 m)
is equal to 767 m/s, measured with the high speed camera. This result is very close to the TNT
shock front velocity at 2.5 m. As the shock front velocity is a function of the overpressure, vs =
f(p), equation (4), we should have equal overpressure 2.5 m from the TNT charge and 3.5 m
from the H-TBX charge. According to the revised Sadovsky formula, equation (5) [61], the
overpressure of 2.7 kg TNT at 2.5 m is 433.7 kPa. The same overpressure is generated by 7.4 kg
TNT at 3.5 m. Difference in fireball shapes on Figure 6a and 6c are caused by booster
placement, but it had no influence on detachment time or fireball radius. The frames on Figure
6a and 6b are identical with only difference in brightness and contrast adjustments.

30
Figure 6 a), b) and c) Detonation of 2.5 kg H-TBX + 0.15 kg A-IX-1, 3 ms after initiation, d)
Detonation of 2.7 kg TNT, 2 ms after initiation. In all frames, the blast wave is situated on the
surface of the fireballs; a), b) and d) are recorded with Olympus i-speed 3 camera and c) with
Phantom V7.3 camera; The contrast is increased and brightness decreased (b) in order to
measure the dimensions of the fireball; Distance between poles in a), b) and d) is 10 m.

Parameters of the TNT and H-TBX charges are fitted in the Sedov–Taylor blast model,
equation (6) [65].

) (6)
)⁄ )
)
( )
( )

( )

Where Rs is the radius of the shock front in m; t is the time from initiation in s; Ed is the
energy of detonation in J; τ0 - time scale of the energy release in s; ρ is atmospheric density in
kg/m3; m is the explosive mass in kg; n is the dimensionality of expansion: (n=1) planar

31
expansion, (n = 2) cylindrical expansion, and (n=3) spherical expansion; s is the energy release
factor, (s=0) instantaneous energy release and (s=1) constant-rate energy release; lo is the length
scale in m.

TNT detonation is characterized by cylindrical expansion, n=2, Figure 6d (shape of the

charge is also cylindrical), and instantaneous energy release, s=0. Energy release for TNT is
chosen as 4 MJ/kg. Calculations show that 2 ms after 2.7 kg TNT initiation, the blast wave has
traveled 2.43 m (Rs=2.43 m). For the H-TBX charge we chose spherical expansion, n=3 and
constant-rate energy release, s=1. These parameters are common for large aluminized charges.65
Energy release for H-TBX is considered as 4x2.79=11.16 MJ/kg. This is the energy released by
1 kg TNT x 7.4/2.65, where 7.4 is the amount of TNT needed to generate the same overpressure
as the 2.65 kg H-TBX warhead, see previous paragraph. For Rs=3.50 m (the experimental value
at 3 ms), τ0=1.24 ms. This value for τ0 corresponds to the period with the brightest light output,
seen using the high speed camera. Result of the fit show that the first 1.24 ms after initiation
contributes the most for the blast wave generation, with the release of energy equal to 11.16
MJ/kg.
To test if the difference in detachment times (from the detonation products) is influenced
by the 2 mm aluminum alloy casing of the H-TBX charge (TBG-7V type warhead has Al casing,
in the previous experiment TNT was detonated without a casing), we use the same S-5 warhead
as in metal acceleration, see 3.3.1. Prefragmented rings of S-5 are dismantled in this test. So, two
identical 1 mm Al alloy cylinders with 45 mm internal diameter are loaded with 700 g A-IX-1
and 50 g A-IX-1 + 650 g H-TBX. The blast waves detach from fireball at 1.3 ms (A-IX-1),
Figure 7a, and 1.7 ms (H-TBX), Figure 7b. This experiment proves that detachment times’
differences indeed depend on the types of explosives used.

32
Figure 7 a) Detonation of 700 g A-IX-1, 1.3 ms after initiation; b) Detonation of 50 g A-IX-1 +
650 g H-TBX, 1.7 ms after initiation. In both frames the blast wave is situated on the surface of
the fireballs.

Table 1. Measured blast wave parameters for the TBG-7V type warheads, loaded with 2.5 kg H-
TBX and 150 g A-IX-1.
Distance Max Pressure Impulse Duration
m kPa kPa*ms ms

2 962.6 496.5 2,4

3 374.9 304.0 2.9
4 172.3 121.6 3.1
5 152.0 121.6 3.8
6 111.5 121.6 4.7
7 70.9 111.5 4.7
8 60.8 81.1 4.7
10 50.7 70.9 7.0

Blast wave parameters (open field) for the 2.65 kg H-TBX warhead are measured using
piezoelectric pressure transducers Table 1, Figure S5. The sensors are placed 1 meter apart at
distances 2-10 meters. Three sensors were used at a time (placed at 2,3,4 ; 5,6,7 and 8,9,10 m)
and three identical warheads were detonated. Data for 9 m is not presented because of a sensor
malfunction. As expected, the peak (max) pressure drops quickly, from 962.6 kPa at 2 m to 50.7
kPa at 10 m. The generated impulse also decreases with the distance, and the duration of the
positive phase increases. We can compare the blast wave parameters of H-TBX with those,

33
obtained by 2.7 kg TNT charge at 6 meters. For the TNT (6 m from the charge) we have
measured max pressure of 60.8 kPa, impulse 60.8 kPa*ms and positive phase duration equal to
3.4 ms. The H-TBX charge generated 1.83 times higher peak pressure and 2 times higher
impulse than the TNT. Positive pressure phase was 1.3 ms longer in the case of H-TBX. Using
equation (5), we can calculate that at 6 m, 6.2 kg TNT is needed to generate the same peak
pressure as the H-TBX (111.5 kPa). This value is 16% lower than the result obtained with the
high speed camera (7.4 kg TNT). Obtained results are compared with literature data on the air
blast performance of other mass produced (cast) enhanced blast explosives. Nicolich and Niles
[17] give the following equivalents: for Tritonal - 1.30, PBXN-109 - 1.42 and for AFX-757 -
1.65 (all compared to TNT [61]). The authors do not specify if the equivalents are calculated by
using data on impulse or peak pressure.

4. Conclusions

Novel enhanced blast explosive formulation (H-TBX) is created by using a silicon binder
that serves multiple roles. The binder generates in situ pyrophoric products and decomposes to
silicon dioxide, which has a catalytic effect on the aluminum combustion. Experimental and
theoretical results prove the good stability of the final product, with thermal stability only
depending on the used brisant explosive. Experimental results show that H-TBX can endure
heavy thermal cycling, namely MIL-STD-2105D, 5.1.1 28-day (T&H) test with temperature
variations between 213.15 K (night time) and 348.15 K (day time). Quantum calculations
explore the interactions between the binder and Al powder in the composition, shedding light on
coordination Al-O bonding and the formed weak hydrogen bonds. Binding energy between Al
and the binder is calculated, equal to 268 kJ/mol for 1500 pm long silicone chain, compared to
215 kJ/mol for 1500 pm long polybutadiene chain. The high density and relatively high content
of brisant explosive provide metal fragmentation and acceleration effects no worse than TNT. H-
TBX is primarily designed for air blast. Aluminum powder grains size is chosen so the fuel has
time to heat and burn with high yield during the positive pressure phase, creating the thermobaric
effect. High speed camera results show similar shock wave velocity 2.5 m from 2.7 kg TNT
charge (2 ms after initiation) and 3.5 m from 2.65 kg H-TBX charge (3 ms after initiation). In the
open field, the H-TBX generates 1.83 times higher peak pressure and 2 times higher impulse
than TNT. These results are compared with data from the literature for Tritonal, PBXN-109 and
AFX-757. With a combination of good stability, metal fragmentation and thermobaric effect, the

34
H-TBX was chosen as the thermobaric explosive for multiple weapons systems, currently
produced in Bulgaria. They include RPG-22 and RPG-7 types of warheads as well as 120 mm
mortar shells.

Quantum calculations of the system silicone – alumina surface

In order to perform investigation in atomistic resolution, quantum-chemical calculations

of the binder interactions with the alumina surface are performed. Computational details are
available in the Materials and methods section. The initial structure contains the elementary
hexagonal cell of α-alumina (corundum, 60 atoms) and 1500 pm long polydimethylsiloxane
(PDMS) chain. After geometry optimization, the alumina cluster differs from crystallinity
because of the interactions with the polymer, Figure S1a. Thus obtained amorphous alumina
represents exactly the surface of Al particle. It is known that low temperature oxidation
(passivation) of Al yields amorphous oxide layer. As expected, the coordination bond between
Al3+ center and oxygen atom from the silicone is observed, Figure S1a, with a bond length of
189 pm. Radial distribution function for the Al-O distances of the alumina cluster, Figure S1c,
starts at 165 pm, peaking at 175 pm and ends at 210 pm. The coordination Al-O bond has length
within this range. Oxygen atoms of the alumina can also form weak hydrogen bonds with CH3
hydrogen atoms from the silicone. In the case of silicone, their lengths start from 210 pm, Figure
S1d, up to the accepted hydrogen bond cutoff distance of 400 pm. For comparison, the
interactions of polybutadiene (1500 pm long chain) and alumina are also studied, Figure S1b.
Hydroxyl groups are not added to the polybutadiene chain as they exist in negligible quantities in
the commercial HTPB binder. Similarly, polybutadiene can interact with alumina in two ways:
via π – Al3+ bonding and hydrogen bonds. The first type of interaction is realized when π
electron density of a double bond (C=C) interacts with Al3+ ion, Figure S1b, with shortest C-Al3+
distance of 220 pm. In the case of polybutadiene, the hydrogen bonds’ lengths start from 243 pm,
up to 400 pm, Figure S1e. In the case of silicone, hydrogen bonds are shorter because of the
inductive effect of oxygen atoms and the CH3 groups, pointing out of the main Si-O chain, that
easily make contact with available O atoms of alumina. Calculated binding energy between
silicone and alumina is equal to 268 kJ/mol for 1500 pm long silicone chain. The corresponding
value for polybutadiene–alumina system is 215 kJ/mol, for polymer chain of the same length.

35
Figure S1 a) Geometry optimized complex of PDMS and alumina, only one hydrogen bond is
shown - as dotted blue line, Al3+-O(PDMS) bond is shown with solid line. Hydrogen atoms are
represented in cyan, carbon in grey, oxygen in red, silicon in green and aluminum in light pink;
b) Geometry optimized complex of polybutadiene and alumina, only one hydrogen bond is
shown for clarity, Al3+-C bond is shown with solid line; c) Radial distribution function for the
Al-O distances of the alumina cluster (PDMS-alumina system); d) Radial distribution function
for the O-H distances (hydrogen bond lengths of PDMS-alumina system); e) Radial distribution
function for the O-H distances (hydrogen bond lengths of polybutadiene-alumina system).

Table S1 Abbreviations of explosives and compositions used throughout the article. In the table
IPN stands for isopropylnitrate; HTPB is hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (including
plasticizers and additives); LD-70 is a plastigel binder containing polyacrylate and
dinitrodiethyleneglycol (70%), dinitrotriethyleneglycol (30%) monopropellants; AP –
ammonium perchlorate; Al – aluminum powder; VoD – velocity of detonation. More
information on the compositions, including the literature sources can be found in the
Introduction section.

36
Abv. Composition Positive features Negative features

А-IX-1 Hexogen 95-96%, Composition for Low mechanical properties

Wax 4-5% boosters and shaped (brittle).
charges, high VoD.
Hexogen/IPN/ IPN 53 %, Cheap, mass produced Use of toxic and volatile
Al (HAI) Hexogen 29 %, components. monopropellant. Lack of
Al 14,5%, brisance. Low thermal,
Cab-o-sil 3,5 % mechanical and storage
stability.
PBXIH-135 Octogen 45 %, Good combination of Octogen, used to achieve
Al 35 %, air blast and brisance. high VoD is expensive.
HTPB 20 %
AFX-757 Hexogen 25%, Additional oxidizer Large critical diameter. Low
AP 30%, Al 33%, helps to burn the Al. brisance.
HTPB 12%
LP-30T Hexogen 23%, Cheap, mass produced Low thermal, mechanical
Al 29%, AP 32%, components. Powerful and storage stability.
Binder (LD–70) 16 % composition.

Table S2 Distances of the P2, P3, P4 and P5 piezo probes from the P1 probe; and the relative
times for the detonation wave arrival at each probe. All necessary data used to measure the
detonation velocity of H-TBX.
Probes P1 P2 P3 P4 P5
Distance, mm 0 10.046 20.005 29.983 39.841
Time, μs 0 1.314 2.434 4.26 5.571

Table S3 The penetrations count as a function of the steel sheets thickness (in mm) and distance
to the target (in m) for both tested explosives.
Distance, m Thickness, mm A-IX-1 H-TBX
3 2 4 0
3 3 109 79
4 2 18 44
4 3 22 6
5 3 88 25
5 4 8 47
6 2 24 25
6 3 5 2
7 2 18 19
7 3 6 1
Sum 302 248

37
Figure S2 Steel sheets assembly used in the metal acceleration experiments with the S-5
warheads. Distances to the warheads are marked in red squares.

38
39
40
Figure S3 2.5, 5 and 10 kg H-TBX charges. All dimensions in mm.

41
Figure S4 1 kg H-TBX charge. All dimensions in mm. H-TBX = 1 kg (at 1.75 g.cm-3), booster =
71 g (at 1.5 g.cm-3). Booster of the original charge was A-IX-1 (pressed 95% hexogen 5% wax)
but any modern hexogen/octogen booster explosive can be used. Modern ―insensitive‖ booster
formulation can and should be used.

42
Figure S5 View of a piezo sensor, used in the blast wave parameters measurements, and the
TBG-7V type warhead, loaded with H-TBX.

History of H-TBX use in the hot spots (OSINT).

The obsolete H-TBX formula is already in production in Bulgaria. We have also sold a ―test
licenses‖ in France and South Korea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzD_Ie6nyb4&t=470s
Video of Bulspike TB

For the explosive H-TBX (obsolete variety, marked as PTBS on the warheads) a testing only
license was granted to VMZ Sopot (2013). The technology was implemented in production after
passing test cycle (MIL-STD-2105D). At the moment, a wide range of products is produced.
Including: HG-32T thermobaric hand grenade; ammunition for RPG-7: TB-7V, TB-7S, TB-7M;
ammunition TB-22M for grenade launcher Bulspike-TB; thermobaric fragmentation grenade
TBFG-9VMZ for heavy anti-tank grenade launcher SPG-9M; as well as NURS UAR-57TB and
UAR-80TB. Freely available data shows some of the economic effect of the implemented
development. For example, in 2020, sales of the TB-7V product resulted in worth USD 500 000.
By the third quarter of 2021, sales revenues of USD 19 000 for the TB-7V product and USD 18
000 for the HG-32T were recorded. This however is too undercalculated as it is only for 2 years
and 2 products. For 2022 the sales of TB-7V surpassed 9 M USD.

43
(ТБ-7В) TB-7V; 18 M leva = 9M USD

Our work was also presented at the 46th annual conference of Fraunhofer ICT in Karlsruhe,
Germany, June, 2015.

http://www.ict.fraunhofer.de/content/dam/ict/de/documents/veranstaltungen/2015/Programm_Ja
hrestagung_2015_web.pdf

Presentaton V10

Our most recent publication.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/prep.202100195

Let us start with the testing:

In Dec, 2014, the U. S. Army Contracting Command - New Jersey, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ, in
support of Product Director Non-Standard Ammunition (PD-NSA) bought for testing 50 pieces
of TBFR-9VMZ (73mm), loaded with H-TBX. This is thermobaric smooth bore artillery.

44
https://govtribe.com/opportunity/federal-contract-opportunity/acquisition-of-non-standard-
ammunition-w15qkn15t6685

TBFR-9VMZ

45
More recently from Ukraine…

1. Part of the TB-7V thermobaric warhead (the powder) captured by Russian forces in Ukraine,
follow the red circles.

I finally have a 100% proof that the energetic material we were talking about (H-TBX) has
Technology readiness level (TRL) of 9 (max). Or in the context of munitions - that it is used on
terrain.

The link (16+) (Available on Youtube)

https://t.me/astrahandm/1908

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3S-PIXhkgbM

is of captured in Ukraine gunpowder charge TB-7P for the munition TB-7V

This is the munition:
https://vmz.bg/bg/production/ammunition-for-rpg-7v-portable-anti-tank-rocket-propelled-
grenade-launcher/izstrel-tb-7v-s-termobaricna-granata-tb-7

46
2. The warhead TB-7V is shown captured in this video:
https://t.me/voenkorKotenok/38647
It is the one with the bigger frontal fuse.

47
3. TB-7 on the warhead, TB-7P on the powder (TB-7V warhead)
https://t.me/Oleg_Blokhin/55389

48
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2zK0jC8x3U&t=56s
7 times TB-7(V)

49
And one more TB-7(V) from the same soldiers likely.
https://t.me/warhistoryalconafter/102444

50
5. Again TB-7V:
https://twitter.com/blueboy1969/status/1575055483832266754

51
Obviously TB-7V!

6. Bulspike TB
https://twitter.com/i/status/1631225019316543488

52
Video for Bulspike-TB use. The flash is from the actual explosion of the warhead!

53
7. Also the Bulspike-TB munition was captured:
https://t.me/globalwarzone/12325
https://twitter.com/war_noir/status/1561986649092931586

…an uncommon "Bulspike-TB" Launcher (loaded with TB-22M thermobaric rocket) can be
seen

54
8. Again Bulspike-TB.
https://www.reddit.com/r/UkraineWarVideoReport/comments/1166dfs/unpacking_a_swedi
sh_at4_disposable_grenade/
(The first soldiers unwraps Bulspike-TB and the second is holding AT-4.)

55
9. Bulspike-TB, shot by 93 ОМБр in Ukraine.
The empty tube is sold in auction:
https://reibert.info/lots/bolgarskiy-ruchniy-granatomet-bul-spike.1089968

Лот проданий 16 лип 2023 у 01:53 користувачу з максимальною ставкою 4000 грн.
тубус люб"язно наданий бійцями 93 ОМБр з східного напрямку.
Всі вилучені кошти спрямовуються на ремонт автівок ЗСУ.

56
10. Another Bulspike-TB, shot by VSU at Bakhmut.
The empty tube is sold in auction:
https://reibert.info/lots/tubus-vid-bolgarskogo-ruchnogo-granatometu-bul-spike-porozhnij-
bulspiketb.1121987/

57
11. Data from the United Nations on Bulgarian export from 2022.

The UN Source!
https://www.unroca.org/bulgaria/report/2022/

1075 Bulspike-TB for Poland and 250 for Czech republic.

58
12. Bulspike-TB already in the military folklore (26.10.2023).

https://armyinform.com.ua/2023/10/26/za-ukrayinu-ne-potribno-vmyraty-treba-vyzhyty-j-
znyshhyty-yakomoga-bilshe-vorogiv-toha/

Було таке відчуття, що ми не втримаємо позицію. Кажу в ефірі, що нічого не видно в

тумані, чуємо техніку. Командування наказало тримати позицію. Я просунувся на 30
метрів уперед у понівечену посадку. Майже одразу, метрів за п’ятдесят, з’явилася БМП-1.
Зупинилась… Знаю, що вона зупиняється, щоб вистрілити, бо там відсутній стабілізатор
гармати. Я не роздумуючи стріляю зі «спайка» (термобаричний гранатомет
BulSpikeTB) прямо в башту. Вибух, з башти щось полетіло — не побачив через туман, що
саме. «Копійка» так і не вистрілила — мабуть, навідника контузило. Механік-водій того
БМП на «холостих» починає здавати назад, кудись в туман.

59
13. TB-7V; 30.10.23
https://t.me/warhistoryalconafter/129532

Follow black circle.

60
61
14. 03.02.2024
https://t.me/pushilindenis/4247

TB-7V that was on Ukrainian FPV Drone

62
15. 08.04.24 https://t.me/combat_engineer/6634

TB-7V marked as GTB-7S

63
 16. Bulspike-TB 12.03.24 importkey.com BOL :
MLBGSPIEBGBWIL01

BILL OF LADING

SUPPLIER/SHIPPER BUYER/CONSIGNEE

AQUIS LTD GENERAL DEFENSE CORP

2 PROF ALEXANDER FOL STR 1700 SOFIA REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA 4960 SW 52ND STR., BAY 413 DAVIE, FL 33314, USA

ORIGIN DESTINATION PLACE OF RECEIPT

48702 Bourgas, Bulgaria 1501 Wilmington, North Carolina BOURGAS, BULGARIA

NOTIFY PARTY NAME BILL TYPE House Bill BOL

GENERAL DEFENSE CORP. REGULAR BILL MLBGSPIEBGBWIL01

Actual Arrival Date Vessel Name Container Number Estimate Arrival Vessel Country
Date Code

2024-03-12 SPIEKEROOG TEMU6356761 2024-03-12 AG

Piece Count WEIGHT Manifest Quantity Manifest# Voyage Number

64
0000001100 00000099200 00000007500 000001 2701

Trade Update Date Carrier Code Conveyance Id Conveyance Id Qualif

2024-03-07 MLBG 9506148 03

Foreign Port Of Lading Qualifier Record Status Indicator Mode Of Transportation

K N VESSEL, non-container

Container Description Container Info From Type 20 Record

Sequence Number

001 CN=TEMU6356761 L=00000 H=00000000 W=00000000 LOAD-STATUS=L

Generated by https://importkey.com

65
Final conclusions
This work started in 2002 and was published as an open source in 2024.

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