Question map
What is the common characteristic of the chemical substances generally known as CL-20, HMX and LLM-105, which are sometimes talked about in media?
Explanation
CL-20, HMX, and LLM-105 are high-energy military explosives used in precision weapons and advanced munitions.[3] The use of high-energy explosives such as CL-20, HMX, and RDX in tactical missiles increased by 14% between 2022 and 2023.[6] DRDO is developing CL-20 as a powerful explosive that can substantially reduce the weight and size of warheads while packing much more punch.[7] While some documents mention these substances have potential applications in missile propellants, their primary and most commonly discussed characteristic is their use as high-energy explosives in military weapons and warheads. They are not refrigerants, nor are they primarily fuels—they are explosive materials designed to detonate and cause destruction in military applications.
Sources- [7] https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=67872
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a classic 'Terms in News' question targeting Defence Technology. It bypasses static books entirely, rewarding aspirants who track DRDO achievements and global military developments (specifically 'High Energy Materials'). The question tests broad categorization (What is it?) rather than technical depth.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: Are the chemical substances CL-20, HMX, and LLM-105 alternatives to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants?
- Statement 2: Are the chemical substances CL-20, HMX, and LLM-105 explosives used in military weapons?
- Statement 3: Are the chemical substances CL-20, HMX, and LLM-105 high-energy fuels used in cruise missiles?
- Statement 4: Are the chemical substances CL-20, HMX, and LLM-105 fuels used for rocket propulsion?
- Explicitly identifies CL-20 and HMX as 'high-energy explosives', placing them in the explosives/munitions context rather than refrigerants.
- If these chemicals are used as explosives in missiles/propellants, that contradicts them being alternatives to HFC refrigerants.
- States CL-20 'has potential both for high energy missile propellants and high explosive warheads', confirming its role as an energetic explosive material.
- Confirms CL-20's application in weapons/propellants, not in refrigeration or as HFC alternatives.
- Describes CL-20 explicitly as a 'powerful explosive' being developed by DRDO, reinforcing its identity as an energetic material.
- Further supports that CL-20 is used as an explosive rather than a refrigerant substitute.
States HFCs are used as refrigerants and describes their typical role and environmental characteristics (long atmospheric lifetime, high GWP).
A student could use this to ask whether candidate alternatives share the functional role (i.e., suitable thermodynamic and safety properties) rather than merely being chemicals.
Mentions examples of alternatives to HFCs such as ammonia and water, implying accepted refrigerant alternatives are certain small molecules/gases.
A student could check whether CL-20/HMX/LLM-105 are similar in chemical class and physical properties to listed alternatives like ammonia or water (e.g., boiling point, phase behaviour).
Gives criteria for CFC substitutes: safe, low cost, energy-efficient, effective refrigerants with low ODP and low GWP; and lists common refrigerant names (R-134a, R-12, R-502).
A student could compare those required properties to known properties of the candidate substances to judge suitability as refrigerants.
Classifies HFCs as a class of powerful but less prevalent greenhouse gases, highlighting the environmental motivations for selecting alternatives.
A student could evaluate whether candidate chemicals would be acceptable on environmental grounds (GWP, atmospheric lifetime) as well as functional refrigerant criteria.
Describes desirable application properties of refrigerant/chlorofluorocarbon-type compounds (non-toxic, non-flammable, chemically stable) that made CFCs useful.
A student could test whether CL-20/HMX/LLM-105 possess these safety and stability attributes required for refrigerants.
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