Effects of pressure on the structure and the thermal decomposition kinetics of RDX

Abstract

High pressure and temperature structural changes for RDX were investigated to 7.0 GPa and 570 K in a diamond anvil cell apparatus using FTIR absorption, optical microscopy, and energy-dispersive powder x-ray diffraction techniques. Three distinct solid phases were observed. The effects of pressure on the thermal decomposition kinetics as a function of RDX pressure were investigated using an infrared absorption technique. Solid phase I was found to have a pressure enhanced reaction rate with an energy and volume of activation of 51 Kcal/mole and -5.6 cc/mole respectively. Solid II was not observed to react and the observed reaction rate of Solid III decreased with increasing pressure.

Key Words:

• RDX
• phase diagram
• thermal decomposition kinetics
• diamond anvil cell
• infrared absorption
• x-ray diffraction