This study established a kinetic model of the thermal decomposition properties of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) and cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX) using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and kinetic evaluation simulations. The goal was to analyze the thermokinetic parameters of CL-20 and HMX by DSC and then to compare thermal decomposition energy parameter simulations under various conditions using a kinetic model. The experimental results that were obtained depend strongly on the reliability of the applied kinetic model, which is essentially defined by the suitable selection of a mathematical model and the accuracy of the methods used in the kinetic evaluation. This study resulted in a quick and efficient procedure for obtaining information about the thermal decomposition characteristics and the reaction hazards of CL-20 and HMX. This procedure could be applied to develop inherently safer reaction designs under normal or extraordinary operating conditions.
Relation:
International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering; 8(1)
