Formulation and detonation performance of low-velocity PETN-based plastic explosives

Abstract. This study presents an experimental investigation of plastic explosive (PE) formulations for specific applications such as reactive armor systems and explosive welding. These formulations were engineered to exhibit reduced detonation velocity (VoD) due to the presence of a significant content of inert ingredients. The examined compositions are based on PETN as an energetic component, with a partly-cured polymer binder, and hollow glass microballoons as inert filler for density reduction and VoD attenuation. The proposed formulations with varied content of binder and glass microballoons were prepared in a horizontal kneading homogenizer. Detonation velocity and density measurements were carried out for all formulations and compared with commercially available conventional plastic explosives with standard VoD characteristics: PPE-01 and MPE (Poliex). Also, detonation properties were calculated with an appropriate numerical model, in order to estimate the agreement between the experimental values and the calculated, considering a high content of inert ingredients. Isoperibolic calorimetry was employed to determine the energetic potential of the formulations, enabling a direct comparison of their thermal output associated with explosive decomposition. The results demonstrate that controlled incorporation of inert hollow glass microballoons, in combination with binder content, enables significant reductions in VoD. The experimental findings provide practical guidelines for the formulation of tailored energetic materials with controlled detonation behavior for defense and industrial applications.