Multidimensional synergistic modification of CL-20 for energy-sensitivity balance

Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20, HNIW) possesses attractive high-energy characteristics, but its high mechanical sensitivity severely limits practical applications. To address the substantial energy loss caused by current desensitization treatments, this study employs a multidimensional synergistic modification strategy involving refinement, spheroidization, and surface coating to desensitize CL-20, aiming to achieve near-zero energy loss. Molecular dynamics simulations and EXPLO5 calculations identified cis-polybutadiene rubber (BR) as the optimal coating material based on interfacial compatibility and process feasibility. The resulting modified CL-20 particles were prepared via spray drying, exhibiting spherical morphology with a controlled size distribution (1–10 μm) and a CL-20 content of 92.7%. The BR formed a continuous and complete coating layer on the CL-20 surface. The modified particles demonstrated significantly reduced sensitivity (impact sensitivity: 36%; friction sensitivity: 24%) without compromising thermal stability, while maintaining over 97% of the detonation velocity and energy output of raw CL-20. These results indicate that the spray-drying process enables rapid surface treatment of high-energy explosives while largely preserving their reactive performance advantages. This study provides a new paradigm for reconciling the energy–safety contradiction in explosives.