CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATIONS OF FOX-7

Abstract

FOX-7 (1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitro-ethylene, (NO2)2-C=C-(NH2)2), has similar properties to those of RDX, but it is less sensitive. For this reason FOX-7 can be considered as a substitute for RDX in formulations like plastic bonded explosives (PBX) and low vulnerability ammunition (LOVA) in order to improve the insensitivity or LOVA properties of the munitions. In this paper, the characterization of FOX-7 (chemical analysis, thermal analysis, sensitivity, compatibility with other ingredients, etc.) is described and several preliminary results are reported on the application of FOX-7 in a LOVA gun propellant, partially replacing RDX, and as a main ingredient in PBXs.