Study on Performance Characteristics of RDX‐based Gun Propellants Using Glycidyl Azide Polymer–Energetic Thermoplastic Elastomer as Energetic Plasticizer

ABSTRACT This study mainly explored the performance characteristics of RDX‐based gun propellants using glycidyl azide polymer‐energetic thermoplastic elastomer (GAP‐ETPE) as an energetic plasticizer by experimental method. Four formulations were selected to prepare test samples based on the formulation of the M26 gun propellant. RDX and GAP‐ETPE were used to replace NQ (Nitroguanidine) and reduce the nitrocellulose content in the formulation of M26 gun propellant. The thermochemical characteristics, explosion heat, chemical stability, impact, friction, and electrostatic spark sensitivities, compressive strength, and combustion performance of these four test samples were determined by various instruments. The experimental results indicated that the addition of GAP‐ETPE can reduce the decomposition temperature and activation energy of RDX in RDX‐based gun propellants. The explosion heat of four RDX‐based gun propellant samples with GAP‐ETPE as the energetic plasticizer is close to that of M26 gun propellant. They have good chemical stability and are less sensitive than M26 gun propellant because they do not contain nitroglycerin. In addition, their maximum stress is close to that of M26 gun propellant, and their maximum strain is better than that of M26 gun propellant. The combustion performance tests indicated that samples A and C have the potential to replace the M26 gun propellant, but further live‐fire tests are needed for verification.