Control of the Particle Size of Submicron HMX Explosive by Spraying in Non-Solvent

Preparation and characterization of cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX; octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) submicron particles by spraying in non-solvent technology at different process parameters was investigated in this article. The results indicated that the process parameters, such as addition of surfactant, slurry, and anti-solvent temperatures; compressed air flow rate; slurry flow rate; stirring the anti-solvent; and nozzle diameter played important roles in controlling the performance of HMX submicron particles, such as particle size, size distribution, etc. The produced HMX particles by spraying in a non-solvent method were identified and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that this method is simple for micronization of energetic materials and would be an effective method for large-scale preparation of submicron particles of HMX explosive. Finally, the optimum condition for the preparation of fine powder of HMX by spraying in a non-solvent method was proposed.