CL-20 (C6N12H6O12)

Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane, also called HNIW and CL-20, is a nitroamine explosive with the formula C6H6N12O12. The structure of CL-20 was first proposed in 1979 by Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics.[1] In the 1980s, CL-20 was developed by the China Lake facility, primarily to be used in propellants. It has a better oxidizer-to-fuel ratio than conventional HMX or RDX. It releases 20% more energy than traditional HMX-based propellants, and is widely superior to conventional high-energy propellants and explosives. Industrial production of CL-20 was achieved in China in 2011, and it was soon fielded in propellant of solid rockets. While most development of CL-20 has been fielded by the Thi...View all