A novel energetic composite with a special sandwich microstructure: RDX/expanded graphite intercalation composite

Abstract

In this paper, the RDX/expanded graphite (EG) intercalation composites were prepared by solvent/anti-solvent process to recrystallize RDX crystals into the holes, gaps and grooves of EG with controllable embedding ratio (maximum 87.0 wt%) and crystal size. RDX in the composites was in the most stableα-phase, which was benefit for its further application in the military industry. The stability and sensitivity of RDX were improved with higher melting and thermolysis temperature, activation enthalpy (ΔH ^≠), critical temperature of thermal explosion (T _b) and lower mechanical sensitivity. The advanced half-coated parallel multi-sandwiches microstructure of RDX/EG intercalation composites possessed two effects: (i) high heat conduction and (ii) hot spots isolation of the carbon microstructure, which were the key to higher performance.