Incorporation of CL-20 into TKX-50 to improve thermal reactivity

Dihydroxylammonium 5, 5′-bistetrazole-1, 1′-diolate (TKX-50) is a promising new nitrogen-rich energetic material with considerable properties and low sensitivity, but unfortunately inadequate energy release may restrict its application. To enhance the reactivity of TKX-50 in the energetic materials, TKX-50/CL-20 composite material was constructed by using a facile fabrication method. Further, thermal decomposition analysis, constant-volume combustion cell test and laser ignition experiment were conducted to study the thermal behavior. The results showed that the incorporation of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12 -hexaazaisowurtzi-tane (CL-20) advanced the exothermic peak temperature for the decomposition of TKX-50, and significantly reduced the apparent activation energy obtained by the thermal decomposition kinetic methods. Moreover, CL-20 could promote the combustion and energy release rate of TKX-50 that is reflected on the increased pressurization rate, as well as the stronger and brighter flame that appeared during the combustion process. The obtained results indicated that CL-20 participated in the thermal behavior of TKX-50 and improved its overall reactivity.