Abstract: The novel compound, tetranitroglycoluril, is described having a stability under vacuum of 6 cm.sup.3 /g/100 hours at 110.degree. C. The compound exhibits a rate of detonation at least equal to 9,073 meters per second under a density charge of 1.94, has a decomposition temperature of about 200.degree. C. and is stable at a temperature of up to 100.degree. C. at normal pressure. It may be dried at 65.degree. C. The brisance value by the Friedrich's formula is 159.7.times.10.sup.6. The rate of detonation and brisance value are superior to octogen.

Abstract: Ternary explosive compositions of the "hexolite" type are described in which a part of the hexogen is replaced by dinitroglycoluril. The modified hexolites obtained have enhanced shattering properties and are less expensive than conventional hexolites containing the same proportion of trinitrotoluene. Fine octogen and/or hexo-octo, as well as conventional hexolite modifiers, can be incorporated into the compositions.The compositions according to the invention have the same applications as conventional hexolites.

Abstract: The specification describes heat-stable pressure-moulded composite explosives which comprise at least one crystalline explosive having a high rate of detonation and, as a synthetic binder therefor, a cross-linked silicone resin. These composite explosives are produced by coating the crystalline explosive in the presence of water with a thermosetting polysiloxane prepolymer, then drying and cross-linking the moulding powder obtained, and finally cold-compressing the cross-linked moulding powder to form a shaped composite explosive.These explosives have exceptional mechanical strength at elevated temperatures which enables them to be used in all types of explosive charge. The process used provides increased safety and results in a lower cost price.