"Polish Semtex", that is the explosive offer of Łukasiewicz and Nitro-Chemu

polska-zbrojna.pl 5 days ago

Researchers from the Łukasiewicz investigation Network developed a plastic explosive which is the first always Polish manufacture to enter mass production. UNIPeX, due to the fact that it is called UNIPeX, is up to 30% stronger than TNT and is to fight for a place on the market, among others, with the Czech Semtex. UNIPeX premiered at the Kielce arms fair.

UNIPeX, called "Polish Semtex", was developed by scientists from the advanced Energy Materials investigation Group at the Institute of Organic manufacture in Warsaw, which belongs to Łukasiewicz investigation Network. The Łukasiewicz investigation Network - Institute of Operation Technology is liable for designing the production line of the fresh “plastic”. The implementation and production of “plastic” is to be carried out by the Chemical Plant “Nitro-Chem” from Bydgoszcz. An agreement on this substance between the Łukasiewicz Network and Nitro-Chem has just been concluded.

Scientists emphasize that their product is simply a revolutionary offer. The Polish manufacture has never produced specified an explosive on a commercial scale. And this 1 prepared by scientists from Łukasiewicz is entirely developed by Polish researchers and is based solely on components that can be supplied by the Polish industry. Moreover, together with the production of UNIPeX in Bydgoszcz, the production of a tracer will besides begin, facilitating the detection of plastic explosives, the technology of which was besides developed by the Łukasiewicz investigation Network – Institute of Organic Industry. This is to guarantee Poland's independency and self-sufficiency in supplying fresh explosives, including for the needs of the army.

RECLAMA

– The UNIPeX prototype has already been obtained and tested under laboratory conditions. Now work is going on to prepare a production line covering the production of the composition and packaging of the finished product – explains Dr. Rafał Lewczuk, the leader of the squad liable for the improvement of the Polish plastic. He explains that the main component of the fresh product is hexogen – a strong explosive, which is supplied on the Polish marketplace by Nitro-Chem. – Hexogen will account for about 88% of UNIPeX mass. peculiar additives will be liable for the consistency of the composition. The plasticizers, which supply flexibility and softness of the material, are supplied by the Polish company Boryszew ERG, and the maker of sticky rubber is Synthos SA from Oświęcim," explains the scientist.

Much stronger than a TNT.

The fresh explosive, like any ‘plastic’, thanks to its plastic-like consistency, makes it possible to importantly increase efficiency by adjusting the form of the charge to the destroyed object and tight adherence to its surface. In addition, it is safe to use, resistant to atmospheric conditions and can be utilized underwater.

His power is no little important. UNIPeX is expected to have an detonation force greater by about 30% than the TNT (TNT equivalent – 1.3). The detonation velocity of the material is about 7500 m per second. “This is far above the requirements that the military puts on plastic explosives,” explains Dr. Inż. Lewczuk.

But that is not all. According to scientists, UNIPeX retains its properties in both a strong cold (at temperatures up to -30°C) and at utmost advanced temperatures (up to +50°C), allowing it to be utilized in various environments and climatic conditions, from winter and mountain to desert.

Another advantage is its advanced safety of use. – Material remains unchangeable during transport, retention and use. It does not detonate during an effort to shoot with a firearm missile, and at the same time it can be stimulated by a standard military electrical detonator – the scientist adds.
An additional advantage is besides expected to be a long life of use. Polish plastic should not lose its durability and explosive properties for at least 10 years.

Polish consequence to Semtex

Today, the most recognizable plastic explosives in the planet include the American C-4 and the Czech Semtex, developed by Czechoslovakian scientists in the late 1950s. It gained large popularity, among others, due to the fact that it was hard to detect and enjoyed media fame due to loud terrorist attacks utilizing this explosive, including Lockerbie in 1988. Semtex is presently produced in the Czech companies Explosia a.s. in Pardubice. It is utilized both civilian – in demolition and engineering works – and military. Its exports are subject to strict control by the Czech Republic and to regulations on trade in materials of strategical importance.

In Poland, plastic explosives were not produced on a larger scale. The supply of plastic explosives for engineering troops is presently limited, depending on demand. – UNIPeX will be the first full Polish plastic explosive, the production of which will satisfy the needs of the army, peculiar services and the civilian sector – says Dr. inż. Rafał Lewczuk.

The president of the Management Board of Nitro-Chem Karol Przybyszewski adds: "In modern times of threats, the key component of UNIPeX's advantage over abroad counterparts is the warrant of continuity of supply for the Armed Forces of Poland. The unique supply chain and production technology make the supply of troops completely resistant to logistical constraints, economical blockades or difficulties resulting from the conduct of classical and hybrid warfare.

Researchers from the Łukasiewicz investigation Network estimation that after developing a production line for UNIPeX production, its production could start in the second half of 2028. The premiere of “Polish plastic” took place during the global Defence manufacture Salon, where Polish explosive fights for the Defender award in the category of solutions for the most innovative technology, defence and security.

Marcin Moneta

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