Microstructure and performance of octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) crystal clusters obtained by the solvation-desolvation process

ABSTRACT

The microstructure and performance of HMX were adjusted by a solvation-desolvation process. HMX solvates were prepared by recrystallization in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), respectively. Specific microstructures of HMX with microcrystal clusters were obtained by the desolvation of HMX solvates through anti-solvent extraction and vacuum pyrolysis. With different solvents and desolvation methods, the HMX crystals show a variety of morphologies, particle size, and polymorphic stability. The microcrystalline HMX clusters can be easily broken into superfine crystals by ultrasonic dispersion system and have higher β→δ polymorphic transformation temperature than the raw β-HMX. Moreover, microcrystalline HMX clusters have reduced impact and friction sensitivity and are expected to enhance the reliability of small booster charges and improve the overall performance of the HMX-based booster.

KEYWORDS:

• HMX
• solvationdesolvation
• crystal clusters
• microstructure
• porous

Acknowledgments

This work was financially supported by Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 11572295, 11372290) and the Presidential Foundation of CAEP (Grant No. 201501018).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China: [Grant Number 11372290, 11572295]; The Presidential Foundation of CAEP [Grant Number 201501018].