Assessment of Hazard Properties of Tetryl Replacement Formulations

Pilot production batches of three RDXwax compositions proposed as replacements for tetryl in fuze systems have been assessed for hazard properties and sensitivity. All were found to be less sensitive to impact and electrostatic spark than tetryl, and to have similar sensitiveness to friction. Their response to thermal stimuli, including cookoff, was similar to RDX. Shock sensitivity, as assessed by small scale gap test, was in the required range for their proposed applications. The pilot production materials retained their characteristics after twelve months accelerated environmental exposure. Material from one full scale production batch was also tested, and found to be similar to the equivalent pilot production material.