Surface Analysis of Beta-HMX

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Abstract:

HMX is an important ingredient in many military and commercial propellants and explosives. Various size classes are available from the vendor and microscopical observations of Class A HMX a large size in cross polarized light showed that many of the large HMX crystals had a nonuniform, dark amorphous coating as well as small particles adhering to the surface of the larger size HMX. The small particles most likely were HMX fines. The nature of the amorphous coating was unknown. Subsequent crushing of large HMX particles made any detection of the coating impossible on the fracture particles. Those particles which escaped fracture retained both fine particles and coating. The coating and fine particles found on the surface of large HMX crystals have now been identified. Infrared analysis showed that the fine crystals adhering to the surface of large HMX was RDX enriched HMX. Transmission electron microscope analysis placed the particle size of these fines in the .05 to .2 micron range. The amorphous coating was identified as a long chain aliphatic ester-oil. Examination of the shipping bags used for HMX showed a long chain aliphatic ester and was identified as beeswax.

Author(s):
Kohlbeck, J. A. ; Stevens, R. E. ; Wickham, A. A.
Author Organization(s):
HERCULES INC MAGNA UT
Supplementary Note:
This article is from 'Joint Symposium on Compatibility of Plastics/Materials with Explosives, Propellants, Pyrotechnics Ingredients Processing (3rd) Held at Phoenix, Arizona on 31 May-2 June 1982,' AD-A151 298, p113-119.
Pagination:
0007

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
XD
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_6.3.3_Spectrum Management; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.3_Net Management; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means
Communities of Interest:
Counter IED
Descriptor(s):
*SURFACE ANALYSIS, *HMX, INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY, SYMPOSIA, ADHESION, AMORPHOUS MATERIALS, BEESWAX, FINES, CRYSTALS, ELECTRON MICROSCOPY, COATINGS, CONTAMINANTS, RDX
Field(s)/Group(s):
Ammunition and Explosives, Atomic and Molecular Physics and Spectroscopy, Solid Rocket Propellants
Keyword(s):
COMPONENT REPORTS
Report Date:
1982 Jun 02