1‐Ethoxy‐2,4,6‐Trinitrobenzene as a Potential Melt‐Cast Energetic Matrix: Thermal Behavior, Vapor Pressure, Sensitivity, Compatibility, and Detonation Performance

ABSTRACT 1‐Ethoxy‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene (ETNB) was synthesized and evaluated as a potential melt‐cast energetic matrix. Thermal behavior, vapor pressure, sensitivity, compatibility, and detonation performance were investigated for neat ETNB and ETNB‐based formulations containing NTO and/or RDX. ETNB exhibited a melting point of approximately 78°C, a decomposition onset near 280°C, and low vapor pressure over the relevant processing temperature range, providing a suitable thermal window for melt‐cast processing. Small‐scale sensitivity tests showed that ETNB exhibited impact sensitivity comparable to that of 2,4‐dinitroanisole (DNAN) and lower than that of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT), together with friction sensitivity at least comparable to that of TNT and lower than that of DNAN. Large‐scale gap test results indicated intermediate shock sensitivity between TNT and DNAN for neat ETNB and ETNB‐based formulations, while vacuum stability tests demonstrated acceptable compatibility with NTO and RDX. Detonation velocity measurements showed that neat ETNB exhibited a lower detonation velocity than TNT but a value exceeding that of DNAN, consistently on both a measured and a calculated basis. Incorporation of NTO and/or RDX further increased the detonation velocities of ETNB‐based formulations beyond that of TNT, exceeding those of representative DNAN‐based melt‐cast formulations. These results indicate that ETNB offers a favorable balance between energetic performance and reduced sensitivity, supporting its further development as a melt‐cast energetic matrix for insensitive munition applications.