Performance optimization of core-shell HMX@(Al@GAP) aluminized explosives

Abstract The energy release of aluminized explosives was impeded by the aggregation of aluminum powders, especially for nano-aluminum powders. The core-shell HMX@(Al@GAP) explosives with 5 wt.% to 15 wt.% aluminum were fabricated, with systematical investigation of morphology, mechanical properties, thermal decomposition, combustion and detonation properties. Compared with the physical mixtures, the aluminized explosives with core-shell microstructure showed better creep resistance and mechanical strength. The thermal decomposition of HMX in core-shell HMX@(Al@GAP)was slightly advanced due to good dispersion of Al@GAP particles. Delayed but more vigorous and longer burning during combustion process was witnessed for the core-shell explosive. For HMX@15wt%(Al@GAP) aluminized explosives, the detonation velocity and specific kinetic energy was 8567 m/s and 1.412 kJ/g, which was 1.3% and 5.1% higher than the corresponding physical mixtures. The reaction of the core-shell HMX@(Al@GAP) and the physical mixtures were calculated by ReacFF-/g force field, showing remarkable dependent of the average temperature on the microstructure. Present research might provide new insight for synergistically improvement of mechanical and detonation properties in aluminized explosives.