Process for spheroidization of RDX crystals

Abstract

A technique for the spheroidization of angular RDX crystals. The technique onsists of agitating such angular RDX crystals in a cyclohexanone medium saturated with RDX, during which time the temperature is raised to and then maintained at a predetermined level. When the desired degree of spheroidization obtained by partial dissolution and erosion is reached, the suspension is discharged to the centrifuge and washed. The process is carried out entirely in liquid media, which minimizes explosion hazards. It gives a high degree of spheroidization when crystals larger than about 70 microns are used. The use of such spheroidized RDX crystals increases the mix fluidity of composite explosives, thereby permitting the production of explosives having very high solid loadings in liquid binder or molten form.

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