Surface Chemical Characterization Methods Applied to Energetic Materials

The reaction chemistry of energetic materials is often considered only with respect to the types and quantities of gaseous products formed. For a thorough understanding of the initi reaction steps, that largely determine the sensitivity of the material, both gaseous and solid products must be determined. In addition, it is the solid state partial decomposition intermediates remaining in a damaged material that can lead to increased sensitivity. The preference for the initial reactions to take place at the surface of particles and the low concentrations of intermediates formed demands the use of highly sensitive surface specific chemical probe techniques. State of the art surface chemical techniques will be discussed, focusing on x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and surface mass spectrometry. Principles of operation and performance will be highlighted, comparisons will be made to bulk chemical analysis, and examples of applications will be presented.