Kinetics of β→δ Solid-Solid Phase Transition of HMX

Abstract

In order to calculate the kinetic parameters from DSC data, we have used the generally accepted methods of Bershtein [13]. We have calculated the rate constants for 4 temperatures and the activation energy based on the shift in the transition temperature, {beta} {yields} {delta} for HMX. The values of E{sub a} from this work is 402 kJ/mol compared to previous results by Brill [9] of 204 kJ/mol. Brill and associates measured the phase transition of HMX using FTIR, sodium chloride plates and silicon oil. Given the differences in technique between FTIR and DSC the results found in this work are reasonable. In this investigation a large sample set (16) proved to be statistically valid for the determinations of k. Linear regressions were performed, observed and good fits were obtained, for each temperature. The enthalpy determination of {Delta}H{sub o}, for the {beta} {yields} {delta} phase transition was reproducible with in 3 parts in 100 over the range of this experiment. Thus, the data derived from this experiment k, E{sub a}, and {Delta}H{sub o} are valid parameters for the solid-solid phase transition. Obtaining pure {beta} phase HMX was very important for this investigation. Related to the phase change is the particle sizemore » distribution and is presented in Figure 3. Compared to previous work on HMX, this study utilized very pure {beta} phase material. In addition, the particle size was controlled more rigorously at about 160 {micro}m, giving a more consistent result for {alpha}. Thus, these kinetic results should have less scatter than results with less control of HMX purity and particle size. The kinetic basis of the polymorphic conversion is due to the cohesive forces in the HMX crystal lattice [21]. The energy required to bring about change from chair to chair-chair conformation has been reported by Brill [21] as ring torsion and is essentially a normal mode of the molecule that requires about 4 kJ mol{sup -1}. For the purpose of this investigation the energy of activation found in this work relates to the disruption of the intermolecular interactions with in the crystal lattice of {beta} phase HMX and is much larger (100X) than that of simple conformational changes. The evidence of a straightforward one step mechanism is not supported by this research. Solid-solid phase transition kinetics is very complexed. There are many factors that contribute to an overall reaction mechanism. The initial assumptions that were chosen to allow simple manipulation of the HMX phase transition data prove to be too limiting. The rate constant by definition should in fact be constant, however, our data reflects it is not (refer to k vs time plot in Appendix 2). The assumption of a first order, simple single step reaction is a good starting point for the study of HMX phase transition kinetics, but further analysis should be done with other reaction orders and multiple step mechanisms. Understanding the kinetics of {beta} phase HMX will clearly help the custodian understand the limitations of storage and use of this compound.« less