High Glass Transition Binder Comparison via Compression Testing of TATB-BasedFormulations

The Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) effects the mechanical response depending on the

temperature at which the material is tested whether above or below. These polymer properties

effect the response of composite materials that contain the polymer. For example, plastic-bonded

explosives (PBXs) that contain 3 – 10% polymer binder surrounding explosive crystals exhibit

time-temperature behavior common for pure plastics. In this study, three binders with different

Tg values are formulated with TATB. The three binders are FK-800 (Tg = 27°C), Phenoxy Resin

(Tg = 80°C), and Polycarbonate (Tg = 147°C). Each formulation was die-pressed into cylindrical

specimens 0.75” in diameter by 0.50” tall using a Carver four post hydraulic press. Specimens

were compression tested using an Instron 5567 mechanical load frame at a crosshead speed of

0.075 in/min at 50°C. Compression results of the three materials are compared with

consideration for varying Tg values. LA-UR-25-21029