TEX (explosive)
TEX is a dense nitramine high explosive, that derives from the very powerful and sensitive high explosive CL-20. Though related to CL-20 in that is shares the same cage structure, TEX is more easily synthesized in good yield from inexpensive starting materials. Unlike CL-20, TEX is friction insensitive, bears a low impact sensitivity, and possesses a very low shock sensitivity and large critical diameter, making it an interesting explosive filler for insensitive munitions. Its systematic name, 4,10-dinitro-2,6,8,12-tetraoxa-4,10-diazatetracyclo-dodecane derives from its tetracyclic structure.
Synthesis and production
Unlike CL-20, which requires a cumbersome and even costly procedure, TEX is obtained in moderate yield in a one-pot synthesis from 1,4-diformyl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroxypiperazine and mixed acid. The DFTHP undergoes proton-catalyzed hydrolysis and yields glyoxal which reacts as with an intermediate to give TEX.Performance
Based on the Kamlet-Jacobs method, the formal idealistic detonation of TEXat ambient temperature and density of TEX yields a detonation velocity of 8170 m/s and a CJ pressure of 31.4 GPa. Calculations with advanced computational algorithms like EXPLO and CHEETAH predict even higher detonation velocity but about similar values for the detonation pressure, definitely superseding insensitive high explosive NTO. Experimental determination with plastic bonded formulations at high theoretical maximum density exceed the predicted detonation pressures but fall a little short with regards to the detonation velocity if the charge diameter is below 90 mm.