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Detection of the alpha and gamma polymorphs of HMX in beta-HMX by Raman spectroscopy

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6502012

The Raman spectra of powders of the beta-HMX (cyclotetramethylene- tetranitramine) polymorph containing 2 to 14% of the alpha- or gamma-HMX polymorphs have been measured. The Raman spectra of each polymorph contains over 40 peaks, but a beta phase peak at 361 cm/sup /minus/1/, an alpha phase peak at 1217 cm/sup /minus/1/, and a gamma phase peak at 1225 cm/sup /minus/1/ are sufficiently isolated from other peaks to be used for concentration measurements. The relatively strong intensities of the peaks indicate that concentrations on the order of 0.1% of alpha or gamma phases in the beta phase should be detectable. Applications of this technique have been qualification of a production batch of HMX and testing for polymorph conversion in aged pellets. 11 refs., 7 figs.

Research Organization:
EG and G Mound Applied Technologies, Miamisburg, OH (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-88DP43495
OSTI ID:
6502012
Report Number(s):
MLM-3558; ON: DE89007305
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English