Hexogen (RDX), chemically known as cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, is also called cyclone explosive. Its chemical formula is C3H6N6O6. It is a highly explosive substance, capable of combustion and explosion upon contact with open flames, high temperatures, vibration, impact, or friction, and is 1.5 times more powerful than TNT.
Cyclonite (RDX) is a military high-energy explosive, primarily used as a main charge in military applications, detonation sequences, and rocket propellants. Its civilian applications are limited to controlled blasting and special industrial uses, and it is classified as a controlled explosive.
I. Basic Information
Aliases: RDX, RDX, Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine
Chemical Formula: C₃H₆N₆O₆
Detonation Velocity: Approximately 8750 m/s (TNT approximately 6900 m/s), yield is 1.6 times that of TNT
II. Core Military Uses (Primary)
Main Charges: Artillery shells, rockets, missile warheads, torpedoes, mines, bombs (e.g., Composition B: RDX + TNT).
Plastic Explosives (C4/Semtex): RDX accounts for approximately 91%, used for special blasting, obstacle breaching, and counter-terrorism.
Detonation Sequence: Detonator, detonating charge, detonating cord, primer, booster charge.
Rocket and Missile Propellants: High-energy components of composite solid propellants to increase energy density.
Shaped Charges (Armor-Piercing Projectiles): Used for anti-tank, assault, and underwater destruction.
Desensitizing Formula: Added wax/stearic acid to create desensitized RDX, improving storage safety.
III. Civil Applications (Strictly Controlled)
Controlled Blasting: Building demolition, mining (requires approval).
Oil and Gas Well Perforation: Shaped perforation charge for the petroleum industry.
Specialty Industries: Metal processing, explosive welding, seismic exploration sources.
IV. Key Characteristics
High Energy Stability: High detonation velocity, high saturation, stable storage, moderate sensitivity.
Mixability: Can be mixed with TNT, aluminum powder, desensitizers, etc., to form various military explosives (such as Torpex, H6). Strictly regulated: Classified as a Class 1.1 explosive, restricted to military and authorized civilian use only.
V. Comparison with TNT
Yolk Power: RDX (1.6 × TNT) > TNT
Detonation Velocity: RDX (8750 m/s) > TNT (6900 m/s)
Applications: RDX is primarily used in high-energy military applications; TNT is more versatile and lower in cost.
