On the use of energetic compounds containing small molecules occluded in the structural cavities of the crystal

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the possibility of improving the ballistic performance of solid rocket propellants by using the α-modification of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) as a component of solid crystal hydrates or crystal solvates. If small molecules (water, hydrazine, and methanol) occluded in the main material are enclosed in the structural cavity of the crystal of the main component and, consequently, the crystal lattice parameters do not change relative to the original compound, then, there is a real opportunity to improve the ballistic performance of the rocket propellants developed on the basis of the original energetic compound by increasing the density of the component.