Efficient 3D printing of RDX composites with high relative density via photocuring energetic polymers

Abstract

Various countries have highly valued 3D printing technology due to its ability to achieve precise control and accurate formation of specialized and functional explosive structures, which changes the traditional manufacturing concept and improves the level of continuous, automated, integrated, and flexible manufacturing of explosives. However, the energy loss during 3D printing of energy-containing materials and the destruction of the inter-particle network during extrusion have become key issues restricting their development. As one of the key components of explosives 3D printing, the binder has a critical role in the molding speed, stability, and structural stability of explosives formulations. In this paper, the energy loss of the explosives’ printing process was effectively weakened by the addition of an energy-containing binder. The UV-assisted direct ink writing is used for 3D printing of PUA/PGN/RDX explosive formulations, which effectively avoids the problem of easy destruction of the particle network when the material is extruded. The experimental results show that the formulation has good rheological properties and high relative density. The printed samples are tightly linked and uniformly dispersed between particles under SEM observation, and the formulation has excellent exothermic properties, as demonstrated by DSC and combustion tests. The introduction of energy-containing binders can stimulate the development of extensive 3D printing of energy-containing materials and diverse printing methods.