Mechanistic Investigations of Condensed Phase Energetic Material Decomposition Processes Using the Kinetic Deuterium Isotope Effect.

摘要

The condensed phase kinetic deuterium isotope effect (KDIE) approach directly reveals the rate-controlling mechanistic step that ultimately determines the rate at which energy is released by an energetic material's thermochemical decomposition process. This paper reviews the KDIE concept and discusses previous condensed phase KDIE mechanistic investigations conducted during the thermochemical decomposition process of various nitroaromatic (TNT, HNBB, TATB) and nitramine (HMX, RDX) compounds using isothermal DSC and TGA analyses. Isothermal DSC evaluation methods used for obtaining an energetic compound's KDIE and in determining its rate-controlling step are outlined, and the possible dependence of the rate-limiting step on a energetic compound's physical state during the thermochemical decomposition process is considered. Reprints. (js)