A polymer-bonded explosive, also called PBX or plastic-bonded explosive, is an explosive material in which particles of explosive are set into a matrix of a synthetic polymer ("plastic"). Polymer-bonded explosives have several potential advantages:
- If the polymer matrix is an elastomer (rubbery material), it tends to absorb shocks, making the PBX very insensitive to accidental detonation;
- Hard polymers can produce PBX that is very rigid, and maintains a precise engineering shape even under severe stress; and
- PBX can be cast into a particular shape as a liquid at room temperature, when casting normally requires hazardous melting of the explosive.
