Polymer-bonded_explosive Polymer-bonded_explosive

Polymer-bonded explosive - Definition

A polymer-bonded explosive, also called PBX or plastic-bonded explosive, is an explosive material in which particles of explosive are set into a matrix of a synthetic polymer ("plastic"). Polymer-bonded explosives have several potential advantages:

  • If the polymer matrix is an elastomer (rubbery material), it tends to absorb shocks, making the PBX very insensitive to accidental detonation;
  • Hard polymers can produce PBX that is very rigid, and maintains a precise engineering shape even under severe stress; and
  • PBX can be cast into a particular shape as a liquid at room temperature, when casting normally requires hazardous melting of the explosive.
Some example PBXs
NameCompositionUsage
LX-11095.5% HMX, 4.5% Viton
X-024292% HMX, 8% polymer
EDC-3791% HMX/NC, 9% polyurethane rubber
PBXN-595% HMX, 5% fluoroelastomerNaval shells
PBXN-106RDX, polyurethane rubberNaval shells
PBX-950195% HMX, 2.5% Estane 5703, 2.5% BDNPA-FNuclear weapon initiation
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