A far- and mid-infrared study of HMX (octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) under high pressure

We report two separate synchrotron FTIR measurements of the high explosive HMX at ambient temperature and static high pressure in the far- (100–500 cm−1) and mid- (500–3200 cm−1) infrared (IR) regions up to ∼30 GPa. The sample for the far-IR experiment was loaded with no pressure-transmitting medium and the sample for the mid-IR study utilized a KBr pressurizing medium. Two possible phase transitions were observed near 5 and 12 GPa (likely into the ∈ phase). A phase transition was observed near 25 GPa probably into the δ phase. Pressure cycling in both experiments found no irreversible damage within this pressure range.