Abstract: The present invention relates to pressable explosive compositions with enhanced sensitivity characteristics and processability. The explosive compositions are based on crystalline explosive crystals of 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX) Type I alone or in combination with a smaller percentage of 1,3,5-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazacyclooctane (HMX) where the crystals are coated with a binder system consisting of a polyacrylic elastomer to which a plasticizer is added. These explosive compositions are produced in a so-called water-slurry process where the explosive crystals are washed in water whereupon a solution of the binder system is added. After the admixture the solvent is distilled off and the coated product is isolated by filtering.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an explosive composition comprising a paste comprised of hexogen and octogen and in inert binder comprised of dioctyl adipate and polyacrylate elastomer, the binder being present in an amount ranging from about 2% to about 10% by weight, where the weight of dioctyl adipate to polyacrylate of about 1:1 to about 5:1 and whereas the hexogen is present in an amount ranging from about 86% to about 92%, by weight and the octogen is present in an amount ranging from about 4% to about 6% by weight of the composition. It is also directed to the process of preparing said composition.

Abstract: A method for loading and sensitizing a slurry explosive in a borehole or in a cartridge, where a gassing agent is added as a thin string inside the slurry explosive after the explosive has been pumped into a loading pipe, and wherein the slurry explosive and a gassing agent are mixed at the end of the loading pipe and sensitized in the borehole or the cartridge. Optionally the loading pipe is lubricated with water or a water solution to reduce the pump pressure.