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Title: High-pressure vibrational spectroscopy of energetic materials: Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX)

Journal Article · · Journal of Physical Chemistry A
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/jp063150q· OSTI ID:930364

Vibrational spectroscopy has been used to investigate the room-temperature high-pressure phases of the energetic material hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). The pressure-induced alterations in the spectral profiles were studied in a compression sequence to 30.2 GPa using Raman spectroscopy and to 26.6 GPa using far-infrared spectroscopy. At pressures near 4.0 GPa, several changes become immediately apparent in the Raman spectrum, such as large frequency shifts, mode splittings, and intensity changes, which are associated with a phase transition from {alpha}-RDX to {gamma}-RDX. Our study extends the kinetic stability of {gamma}-RDX to pressures near 18.0 GPa. Evidence for a new phase was found at pressures between 17.8 and 18.8 GPa and is based on the appearance of new vibrational bands and associated changes in intensity patterns. The new phase has vibrational characteristics that are similar to those of {beta}-RDX, suggesting the two polymorphs share a related crystal structure.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States). National Synchrotron Light Source
Sponsoring Organization:
Doe - Office Of Science
DOE Contract Number:
DE-AC02-98CH10886
OSTI ID:
930364
Report Number(s):
BNL-81083-2008-JA; JPCAFH; TRN: US200904%%652
Journal Information:
Journal of Physical Chemistry A, Vol. 111; ISSN 1089-5639
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English