HP-HT Phase Behavior of Melt-Castable Energetic of BNFF

High performance melt-castable energetic (MCE) materials offer an attractive alternative to commonly used pressed or cure-cast materials. An efficient application of MCEs requires, however, better understanding of this class of energetics, where a delicate balance between solid and molten states can control sensitivity and performance. Here, a novel, high density melt-castable compound of 3, 4-bis (3-nitrofurazan-4-yl) furoxan (BNFF or DNTF) was subjected to isothermal compression and isobaric heating, using a heated diamond anvil cell in conjunction with vibrational spectroscopy and optical imaging. Crystalline, molten and glassy forms of BNFF were investigated to gain insight into processes governing structural and chemical stability/reactivity over a broad range of pressures and temperatures. P-T domains for the existence of different states of BNFF were thoroughly examined to determine the melting and decomposition curves. The results revealed a robust response of crystalline BNFF to high pressure – structural stability to at least 20 GPa – and a rich response to temperature changes including formation of supercooled fluid. Implications of the observed interplay between different states of BNFF on material reactivity are discussed.