Cooling crystallization method for preparation of millimeter-scale spheroidized RDX

The millimeter-scales pheroidized RDX is prepared by cooling crystallization using cyclopentanone as a solvent. The effects of process parameters, such as solution concentration, addition of seed, crystallization temperature, cooling rate, and stirring rate, are investigated. The crystal density, axial ratio, bulk density, and mechanical sensitivity are tested. The results show that the millimeter-grade spheroidized RDX has smooth crystal surface and compact structure. The crystal density is 1.813 g/cm3, the axial ratio is less than 1.21, and the bulk density is 1.26 g/cm3. Its mechanical sensitivity is obviously lower than that of ordinary RDX, the friction sensitivity is decreased from 82% to 62%, and the impact sensitivity is decreased from 80% to 52%. © 2015, China Ordnance Society. All right reserved.