Influences of hydroxylation modifications of lecithin on its surface tension and viscosity of PBX slurry.

• Hydroxylated modification and structural characterization of lecithin. • The ability to reduce surface tension and viscosity is improved. • A more obvious effect on reducing the viscosity of the HMX-based PBX slurry. Reducing viscosity is an important factor affecting the dispersion and forming process of polymer bonded explosive (PBX). In this study, lecithin was modified by hydroxyl reaction in order to enhance its viscosity reduction effect. The structure of hydroxylated lecithin was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), infrared spectrum (IR) and iodine values. The decrease of surface tension of styrene and the decrease of viscosity of HMX-based PBX slurry before and after modification were analyzed. The results showed that hydroxylated lecithin had better effect on reducing surface tension and viscosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]