Fabrication and Properties of Insensitive CNT/HMX Energetic Nanocomposites as Ignition Ingredients

Cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX)-coated carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites with uniform structures were prepared using the recrystallization method. Characterization (SEM, TEM, XRD, BET, etc.) was performed to determine the micromorphology, crystal structure, and specific surface area. The energetic particles were homogeneously distributed on the surfaces of the CNTs, and the maximum thickness of the coating layer was approximately 120 nm, whereas the average crystal size was less than 50 nm. The test results of the thermal behavior showed that the thermal decomposition temperature decreased as the CNT content increased, and the maximum thermal conductivity was approximately 27.3 times higher than that of pure HMX. The sensitivities of the CNT/HMX nanocomposites to impact, friction, and shock were maximally reduced by 73 %, 29 %, and 74 % compared with those of pure HMX, respectively, which demonstrated a significant safety improvement. In the CNT/HMX nanocomposites, aluminum and ferric oxide were used to fabricate a new type of ignition composition. Based on comparative studies, the results showed that the ignition composition was porous and that its particles were more evenly distributed compared with the conventional counterparts. The thermal conductivity was improved by 21 %. The impact and friction sensitivities were also maximally reduced by 21 % and 27 %, respectively. The combustion heat was also increased by 9 % compared with that of a mixture of the same components.