The Fraunhofer ICT's core competences in the research area of explosives for defence applications are centred on formulation and manufacturing techniques for propellants and explosives with new combinations of properties, which are not yet, or not generally, available. Where these are developed into rocket, gun or gas generator propellants, explosives and pyrotechnical agents, new possibilities and applications in the field of explosive, signal and propulsion technology can be explored.

Rocket propellants

On the basis of both conventional and new energetic materials, high-performance composite, CDB and nitramine propellants with new combinations of properties are being developed. Objectives include the combination of high thermodynamic energy with adjustable, very low or very high burning rates, high long-term stability, good processability and mechanical properties, low signature according to AA or AB classification, low sensitivity and low vulnerability.

Explosives

Using new energetic materials, new formulations for explosives are being developed, produced and characterised. These formulations have a higher performance and lower sensitivity than existing explosives. Examples of products include explosives with a low sensitivity which are bonded to plastics, mouldable plastic charges or underwater explosives.

Gun propellants

On the basis of new energetic materials, temperature-independent, higher-performance propellant powders and foamed propellants for shell-less ammunition are being developed. Under the necessary safety conditions, new propellant powders can be produced in quantities of up to 50 kg, in a discontinuous unit with shear rolls, mixers and extruders, or a continuous twin-screw extrusion unit.

Foamed propellants with high performance and the necessary material properties can be fabricated in any geometry. For their production, a new reaction foam casting mould has been constructed on a pilot scale.

Gas generator propellants

Gas generator propellants developed at the ICT have found broad application in the development of propellants for defence and civil purposes. Examples include: base bleed propellants for gun ammunition, extruded tube gas generators for airbag applications and cold gas generators for underwater rescue systems.

Pyrotechnical compounds

Pyrotechnische Sätze wurden für wehrtechnische und zivile Anwendungen zur Erzeugung spezieller Effekte in Gestalt von Hitze, Licht, Schall und infraroter Strahlungsemission entwickelt.

Thermodynamic database and ICT-Code

Through the thermodynamic calculation of different combustion and reaction processes, and with the help of the ICT Thermodynamic Code and Thermodynamic Database, performance parameters of propellants and explosives can be identified.