Initial Thermochemical Decomposition Mechanisms of Energetic Ingredients

摘要

The deuterium isotope effect was used to investigate the rate limiting reactions in the decomposition of nitramine propellant ingredients. HMX and RDX and their deuterated analogs were synthesized. These ingredients were decomposed in an isothermal scanning calorimeter that measured the rate of decomposition. Similar experiments were performed in test tubes that were quenched in liquid nitrogen to determine extent of reaction versus time. The magnitude of the observed deuterium isotope effects suggests that the overall rate of decomposition is controlled by the C-H bonds in these ingredients. Keywords: HMX, RDX, Deuterium isotope effect, Decomposition, Reaction mechanisms, Digital scanning calorimetry. (JES)