A polymer-bonded explosive, also called PBX or plastic-bonded explosive, is an explosive material in which particles of explosive are set into a matrix of a synthetic polymer ("plastic"). Polymer-bonded explosives have several potential advantages:
- If the polymer matrix is an elastomer (rubbery material), it tends to absorb shocks, making the PBX very insensitive to accidental detonation;
- Hard polymers can produce PBX that is very rigid, and maintains a precise engineering shape even under severe stress; and
- PBX can be cast into a particular shape as a liquid at room temperature, when casting normally requires hazardous melting of the explosive.
| Name | Composition | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| LX-110 | 95.5% HMX, 4.5% Viton | |
| X-0242 | 92% HMX, 8% polymer | |
| EDC-37 | 91% HMX/NC, 9% polyurethane rubber | |
| PBXN-5 | 95% HMX, 5% fluoroelastomer | Naval shells |
| PBXN-106 | RDX, polyurethane rubber | Naval shells |
| PBX-9501 | 95% HMX, 2.5% Estane 5703, 2.5% BDNPA-F | Nuclear weapon initiation |
