How Chinese Scientists are Revolutionizing Explosives with Steamed Buns: A Breakthrough in Non-Nuclear Power

Chinese scientists have come up with a clever way to improve the performance of CL-20, one of the world’s strongest non-nuclear explosives. Surprisingly, their method involves using steamed buns, known as mantou. This new technique not only boosts explosive power but also makes it safer by lowering the risk of accidental detonations.

Led by Professor Qiao Xun from Zhongbei University, the research team published their findings last November in the Chinese Journal of Ordnance Equipment Engineering. The scientists discovered that by carbonizing the buns in an oven at 1,100 degrees Celsius for two hours, they could effectively enhance the performance of CL-20 explosives. After carbonization, the buns were mixed with CL-20, creating a safer explosive material.

This innovative use of carbonized mantou helps protect the explosive particles within the compound. The carbonized material fills the tiny pores in the buns, increasing stability and reducing the chances of accidental explosions. The safety of CL-20 has reportedly increased by up to four times with this approach.

An energetic materials scientist from Beijing praised this creative method, saying it feels like a transformation from a volatile “king” of explosives to a safer, more refined “queen”. This breakthrough suggests that scientific research in China is moving toward greater freedom and innovation.

CL-20, or hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane, is known to be the second most powerful explosive after nuclear materials. While adding certain substances can enhance its power, it often makes the compound more unstable. Previous attempts to stabilize CL-20 involved using expensive nanomaterials like graphene, which are not practical for military applications.

With the addition of carbonized mantou, the detonation capabilities of CL-20 improve significantly. This development could enhance the effectiveness of conventional warheads and increase the range of hypersonic missiles by around 20 percent.

The scientists sourced the steamed buns from a cafeteria at their university, costing just one dollar for six. This demonstrates how innovative ideas often come from simple materials.

CL-20 poses a challenge in terms of safety due to its low shock resistance, making it risky to handle and transport. The ability to enhance its stability while also improving its performance marks a significant advancement in explosive technology.

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