Chinese scientists have developed a surprisingly simple method involving steamed buns (mantou) to increase the overall performance of CL-20, the world's most powerful non-nuclear explosive. According to the South China Morning Post, this novel approach not only enhances the explosive power but also reduces the risk of accidental explosions.
A research team led by Professor Qiao Xun from Zhongbei University introduced this technology in a peer-reviewed paper published last November in the Chinese Journal of Ordnance Equipment Engineering. The scientists revealed an unexpected solution found in an ordinary substance: steamed buns. They placed several mantou in an oven at 1,100 degrees Celsius for two hours to carbonize them before mixing them with CL-20 explosives.
By using carbonized mantou, the researchers increased the overall performance of CL-20 while providing reliable protection to explosive particles. The carbonized material entered the micropores of the buns, which reduced the risk of accidental explosion, reported ProTV News. The safety benchmark of CL-20 increased by up to fourfold, reducing the risk of accidental explosion.
"It's as if a magician has turned the angry king of explosives into a beautiful queen—and the magic wand he used costs less than a dollar," a Beijing-based energetic materials scientist commented, according to the South China Morning Post. The same scientist also said, "I really like this creative approach. It can be a sign that scientific research in China is entering the kingdom of freedom."
CL-20, known as hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane, is the second most powerful substance after nuclear weapons. The explosive power of CL-20 increases when specific substances are added, but this increases its instability. To address the instability issue, scientists have used nanomaterials like graphene, but these materials are not cost-effective for large-scale military use, as reported by Chosun Ilbo.
When carbonized mantou is mixed with CL-20 explosives, the detonation performance is enhanced. This development promises to enhance the lethality of conventional warheads and increase the range of hypersonic missiles by 20 percent, reported the South China Morning Post.
The scientists purchased steamed buns from a cafeteria at Zhongbei University for research, costing only 1 dollar for six, reported Chosun Ilbo.
CL-20 is a dangerous substance with low shock resistance, making it hazardous to transport and use. Therefore, the ability to improve its stability while enhancing performance is a breakthrough.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.