Comparison of DAAF Based Formulations with Different Binders in Quasi -Static Compression

Different binders for plastic bonded explosives with 3-3’-diamino-4,4’-axoxyfurazan (DAAF) are being

researched to develop a process for binder selection. Development of a new process for selection of

DAAF-based formulations was of interest to improve existing formulations without the need to conduct

extensive testing prior to determining acceptability. A binder and explosive property of interest is surface

free energy (SFE). The binders for this study were down selected based on desirable parameters then five

were chosen based on their SFE match to DAAF, with one outlier selected for contrast. The materials

were formulated using resonant acoustic mixing (RAM), pressed, and compression tested to obtain

mechanical strength. After comparing the mechanical strength of the five formulations, it was determined

that there was no significant correlation between SFE match and mechanical strength. Compression

results and factors that contributed to the lack of correlation will be discussed. LA-UR-25-20738