Cyclotol = RDX-TNT

Pentolites are castable expl mixts containing PETN and TNT. The most commonly used blend consists of 50/50 PETN/TNT, but other blends such as 75/25, 40/60, 30/70 and 10/90 have been occasionally employed. Molten TNT dissolves appreciable amounts of PETN as shown in Fig 1. The eutectic in the TNT-PETN system occurs at 76.7° for a 87/13 TNT/PETN mixt. Because correspondingly more PETN than RDX dissolves in TNT, the viscosity of Pentolites at casting temperatures is less than that of comparable Cyclotols (RDX/TNT blends)... 

Both RDX and HMX are substantially desensitized by mixing with TNT to form cyclotols (RDX) and octols (HMX) or by coating with waxes, synthetic polymers, and elastomeric biaders. Most of the RDX made ia the United States is converted to Composition B (60% RDX, 40% TNT, 1 part wax added). Composition A5 (RDX 98.5/stearic acid 1.5) and composition C4 (RDX91/nonexplosive plasticizer) account for the next largest uses. HMX is used as a propellant and ia maximum-performance plastic bonded explosives such as PBX 9401 and PBX N5 and the octols (147—150). 

Until the end of the First World War the main filling for mass ordnance was TNT and its mixtures with ammonium nitrate known as Amatols. During this period improved methods for the manufacture of RDX enabled its inclusion in munitions, usually in formulation with TNT in the form of the Cyclotols. RDX and its mixtures are still the most widely used explosives for military use. 

Chauyaku. A castable mixture of RDX (Cyclo-nite) 50 TNT 50%, corresponding to Amer Cyclotol. Used for loading some Artillery Projectiles. Other RDX/TNT mixtures are listed under Nigotanoyaku Mk 2 (Ref 5, p 364)... 

Cyclotol (50/50—RDX/TNT). Chauyaku Denki bakkan. Electric Primer... 

Examination of nitration acids 167—191 — Examination of finished products propellants, secondary expls and primary expls 192 — Examination of individual expls solid TNT, liquid TNT, Hexogen (RDX), Hexotol (Cyclotol), Hexotonal (RDX/TNT/A1, Torpex), Penthrite (PETN), Bofors Plastic Explosive (BPE), Bonocord, Tetryl, Lead Azide, Lead Styphnate, Mercury Fulminate, Silver Azide and Tetracene]... 

Both RDX and HMX are stable, crystalline solids somewhat less sensitive to impact than PETN. Both RDX and HMX are substantially desensitized by mixing with TNT to form cyclotols (RDX) and octols (HMX) or by coating with waxes, synthetic polymers and elastomeric binders. 

As standardized in the US, early in WWH, Composition B consisted of a mixture of RDX, TNT a desensitizing wax. Compositions consisting of only RDX TNT in proportions varying from 75/25 to 20/80 are called Cyclotols- Properties of Cyclotols and Composition B type expls are described after the preparation... 

Ca silicate => [ 100(C D)] /W, where C= wt of crucible with residue after acetone extraction D wt of empty crucible and W=wt of sample on the dry basis Cyclotols are mixts in various proportions of RDX TNT. Only the specs for 60/40 and 75/25 Cyclotols are available (Refs 3 5) Following are US Military Spec requirements for Cyclotols ... 

In order to use RDX fcr cast loading of projectiles, it must be blended with a relatively low-melting substance, preferably an expl which functions as a liquid matrix at a suitable casting temp. If Cyclonite is blended with a weak-expl compd (such as mononitronaphalene) in which 20% of the RDX is replaced, its power is reduced considerably and approaches that of straight TNT. It is much better to use mixts of RDX TNT, in which 70% of RDX is blended with 30% of TNT as in some German expls or in British American Cyclotols. The following are examples of applications for RDX in expls used in various countries ... 

Tritolita (Cyclotol). Castable compn of 50/50 RDX/TNT used as a bursting chge in ammunition Tritolital (Torpex).< Castable compn consisting of TNT 60, RDX 20 A1 20% used as a bursting chg e in ammunition... 

---