The thermal decomposition of (Beta)-HMX.

Abstract

Although HMX exists in four conformational forms, α, β, γ, and δ, in the crystalline state, the most stable polymorph at room temperature is the β form [1] . Therefore, this form was used for this study. Kinetic data obtained from Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) changes in heating rates and at isothermal conditions showed differences in the observed activation energies in the three temperature ranges, namely, 473°-506°K, 506°-514°K, and above 514°K at one atmosphere. Calculations have been made of the rate of reaction as a function of time in each of these temperature regimes based upon the best available model and compared with the experimental result.