High‐Pressure Behavior of Mullite: An X‐Ray Diffraction Investigation

Using synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and diamond anvil cells we performed in situ high‐pressure studies of mullite‐type phases of general formula Al_4+2xSi_2?2xO_10?x and differing in the amount of oxygen vacancies: 2:1‐mullite (x = 0.4), 3:2‐mullite (x = 0.25), and sillimanite (x = 0). The structural stability of 2:1‐mullite, 3:2‐mullite, and sillimanite was investigated up to 40.8, 27.3, and 44.6 GPa, respectively, in quasi‐hydrostatic conditions, at ambient temperature. This is the first report of a static high‐pressure investigation of Al₂O₃–SiO₂ mullites. It was found that oxygen vacancies play a significant role in the compression mechanisms of the mullites by decreasing the mechanical stability of the phases with the number of vacancies. Elevated pressure leads to an irreversible amorphization above ~20 GPa for 2:1‐mullite and above 22 GPa for 3:2‐mullite. In sillimanite, only a partial amorphization is observed above 30 GPa. Based on Rietveld structural refinements of high‐pressure X‐ray diffraction patterns, the pressure‐driven evolution of unit cell parameters is presented. The experimental bulk moduli obtained are as follows: K₀ = 162(7) GPa with K₀′ = 2.2(6) for 2:1‐mullite, K₀ = 173(7) GPa with K₀′ = 2.3(2) for 3:2‐mullite, K₀ = 167(7) GPa with K₀′ = 2.1(4) for sillimanite.     

High-pressure behavior and phase stability of Na2B4O6(OH)2·3H2O (kernite)

The high-pressure behavior of kernite [ideally Na₂B₄O₆(OH)₂·3H₂O, a ~ 7.02 Å, b ~ 9.16 Å, c ~ 15.68 Å, β = 108.9°, Sp Gr P2₁/c, at ambient conditions], an important B-bearing raw material (with B₂O₃ ≈ 51 wt%) and a potential B-rich aggregate in radiation shielding materials, has been studied by single-crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction up to 14.6 GPa. Kernite undergoes an iso-symmetric phase transition at 1.6-2.0 GPa (to kernite-II). Between 6.6-7.5 GPa, kernite undergoes a second phase transition, possibly iso-symmetric in character (to kernite-III). The crystal structure of kernite-II was solved and refined. The isothermal bulk modulus (K_V0 = β^-1_P0,T0, where β_P0,T0 is the volume compressibility coefficient) of the ambient-pressure polymorph of kernite was found to be K_V0 = 29(1) GPa and a marked anisotropic compressional pattern, with K(a)₀: K(b)₀: K(c)₀~1:3:1.5., was observed. In kernite-II, the K_V0 increases to 43.3(9) GPa and the anisotropic compressional pattern increases pronouncedly. The mechanisms, at the atomic scale, which govern the structure deformation, have been described.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Thermal Behavior of 3‐(4‐Aminofurazan‐3‐yl)‐4‐(4‐nitrofurazan‐3‐yl)furazan (ANTF)

The energetic material 3‐(4‐aminofurazan‐3‐yl)‐4‐(4‐nitrofurazan‐3‐yl)furazan (ANTF) with low melting‐point was synthesized by means of an improved oxidation reaction from 3,4‐bis(4′‐aminofurazano‐3′‐yl)furazan. The structure of ANTF was confirmed by ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and the crystal structure was determined by X‐ray diffraction. ANTF crystallized in monoclinic system P2₁/c, with a crystal density of 1.785 g cm⁻³ and crystal parameters a=6.6226(9) Å, b=26.294(2) Å, c=6.5394(8) Å, β=119.545(17)°, V=0.9907(2) nm³, Z=4, μ=0.157 mm⁻¹, F(000)=536. The thermal stability and non‐isothermal kinetics of ANTF were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) with heating rates of 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 K min⁻¹. The apparent activation energy (E_a) of ANTF calculated by Kissinger's equation and Ozawa's equation were 115.9 kJ mol⁻¹ and 112.6 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively, with the pre‐exponential factor lnA=21.7 s⁻¹. ANTF is a potential candidate for the melt‐cast explosive with good thermal stability and detonation performance.     

Hydrostatic Compression Curve for Triamino‐Trinitrobenzene Determined to 13.0 GPa with Powder X‐Ray Diffraction

Using powder X‐ray diffraction in conjunction with a diamond anvil cell (DAC), the unit cell volume of triamino‐trinitrobenzene (TATB) has been measured from ambient pressure to 13 GPa. The resultant isotherm is compared with previous theoretical (Byrd and Rice and Pastine and Bernecker) and experimental (Olinger and Cady) works. While all reports are consistent to approximately 2 GPa, our measurements reveal a slightly stiffer TATB material than reported by Olinger and Cady and an intermediate compressibility compared with the isotherms predicted by the two theoretical works. Analysis of the room temperature isotherm using the semi‐empirical, Murnaghan, Birch–Murnaghan, and Vinet equations of state (EOS) provided a determination of the isothermal bulk modulus (K_o) and its pressure‐derivative (K_o′) for TATB. From these fits to our P–V isotherm, from ambient pressure to 8 GPa, the average results for the zero‐pressure bulk modulus and its pressure derivative were found to be 14.7 GPa and 10.1, respectively. For comparison to shock experiments on pressed TATB powder and its plastic‐bonded formulation PBX 9502 (95% TATB, 5% Kel‐F 800), the isotherm was transformed to the pseudo‐velocity U_s–u_p plane using the Rankine–Hugoniot jump conditions. This analysis provides an extrapolated bulk sound speed, c_o=1.70 km s⁻¹, for TATB and its agreement with a previous determination (c_o=1.43 km s⁻¹) is discussed. Furthermore, our P–V and corresponding U_s–u_p curves reveal a subtle cusp at approximately 8 GPa. This cusp is discussed in relation to similar observations made for the aromatic hydrocarbons anthracene, benzene and toluene, graphite, and trinitrotoluene (TNT).     

High‐pressure behavior of (Cs,K)Al4Be5B11O28 (londonite): A single‐crystal synchrotron diffraction study up to 26 GPa

The compressional behavior and the P‐induced deformation mechanisms at the atomic scale of (Cs,K)Al₄Be₅B₁₁O₂₈ (londonite, a ~7.31 Å and space group P3m) were investigated by in situ single‐crystal synchrotron X‐ray diffraction with a diamond anvil cell up to 26 GPa. No phase transition was observed within the P‐range investigated: this material exhibits isotropic compression (i.e., with cubic symmetry) in response to the applied pressure. Fitting the P–V data with a Birch‐Murnaghan isothermal equation of state, we obtained: V₀=390.8(3) ų, K_P0=212(7) GPa (β₀=1/K_P0=0.0047(1) GPa^?1) and K′=4.6(6). A series of structural refinements, based on the high‐pressure intensity data, were performed. The stiffness of londonite (similar to that of carbides) is governed by its close‐packing structure, and in particular by the very low compressibility of B‐ and Be‐tetrahedra and the modest compressibility of the Al‐octahedra. The Cs‐polyhedra are the most compressible units of the structure. The effects of pressure can be accommodated by intrapolyhedral compression or deformation, leading to a modest bulk compression. The high amount of boron in londonite (B₂O₃ ~50 wt%) makes its synthetic counterpart a potential neutron absorber. In addition, the high content of Cs makes londonite‐type materials as potential hosts for nuclear waste.     

Synthesis and Characterization of 3,4,5‐Triamino‐1,2,4‐Triazolium 5‐Nitrotetrazolate

3,4,5‐Triamino‐1,2,4‐triazolium 5‐nitrotetrazolate ( 2 ) was synthesized in high yield from 3,4,5‐triamino‐1,2,4‐triazole (guanazine) ( 1 ) and ammonium 5‐nitrotetrazolate. The new compound 2 was characterized by vibrational (IR and Raman) and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁵N), elemental analysis and single crystal X‐ray diffraction (triclinic, P(‐1), a=0.7194(5), b=0.8215(5), c=0.8668(5) nm, α=75.307(5), β=70.054(5), γ=68.104(5)°, V=0.4421(5) nm³, Z=2, ϱ=1.722 g cm⁻¹, R₁=0.0519 [F>4σ(F)], wR₂(all data)=0.1154). The ¹⁵N NMR spectrum and X‐ray crystal structure (triclinic, P‐1, a=0.5578(5), b=0.6166(5), c=0.7395(5) nm, α=114.485(5)°, β=90.810(5)°, γ=97.846(5)°, V=0.2286(3) nm³, Z=2, ϱ=1.658 g cm⁻¹, R₁=0.0460 [F>4σ(F)], wR₂(all data)=0.1153) of 1 were also determined.     

The High‐Pressure Characterization of Energetic Materials: Diaminotetrazolium Nitrate (HDAT‐NO3)

In‐situ high‐pressure room temperature synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and optical Raman and infrared spectroscopy were used to examine the structural properties, equation of state, and vibrational dynamics of diaminotetrazolium nitrate (HDAT‐NO₃). The X‐ray measurements show that the pressure–volume relations remain smooth to 12 GPa. X‐ray diffraction measurements at pressures above 12 GPa were not possible in this study because of sample decomposition resulting from several factors. X‐ray diffraction reveals no indication of a phase transition to at least 12 GPa, but slight variations in the c/b unit cell ratio suggests modifications within the hydrogen bonding sub‐lattice. Vibrational measurements show the ambient phase of HDAT‐NO₃ to remain the dominant phase to 33 GPa.     

Physical Properties of La1−xEuxPO4,0 ≤ x ≤ 1, Monazite‐Type Ceramics

Synthetic La_1?xEu_xPO₄ monazite‐type ceramics with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 have been characterized by ultrasound techniques, dilatometry, and micro‐calorimetry. The coefficients of thermal expansion and the elastic properties are, to a good approximation, linearly dependent on the europium concentration. Elastic stiffness coefficients range from 182(1) to 202(1) GPa for c₁₁ and from 53.8(7) to 61.1(4) GPa for c₄₄. They are strongly dependent on the density of the sample. The coefficient of thermal expansion at 673 K is 8.4(3)  × 10^?6 K^?1 for LaPO₄ and 9.9(3)  × 10^?6 K^?1 for EuPO₄, respectively. The heat capacities at ambient temperature are between 101.6(8) J·(mol·K)^?1 for LaPO₄ and 110.1(8) J·(mol·K)^?1 for EuPO₄. The difference between the heat capacity of LaPO₄ and the Eu‐containing solid solutions is dominated by electronic transitions of the 4f‐electrons at temperatures above 75 K.     

High‐Temperature Properties and Ferroelastic Phase Transitions in Rare‐Earth Niobates (LnNbO4)

Phase transition and high‐temperature properties of rare‐earth niobates (LnNbO₄, where Ln = La, Dy and Y) were studied in situ at high temperatures using powder X‐ray diffraction and thermal analysis methods. These materials undergo a reversible, pure ferroelastic phase transition from a monoclinic (S.G. I2/a) phase at low temperatures to a tetragonal (S.G. I4₁/a) phase at high temperatures. While the size of the rare‐earth cation is identified as the key parameter, which determines the transition temperature in these materials, it is the niobium cation which defines the mechanism. Based on detailed crystallographic analysis, it was concluded that only distortion of the NbO₄ tetrahedra is associated with the ferroelastic transition in the rare‐earth niobates, and no change in coordination of Nb⁵⁺ cation. The distorted NbO₄ tetrahedron, it is proposed, is energetically more stable than a regular tetrahedron (in tetragonal symmetry) due to decrease in the average Nb–O bond distance. The distortion is affected by the movement of Nb⁵⁺ cation along the monoclinic b‐axis (tetragonal c‐axis before transition), and is in opposite directions in alternate layers parallel to the (010). The net effect on transition is a shear parallel to the monoclinic [100] and a contraction along the monoclinic b‐axis. In addition, anisotropic thermal expansion properties and specific heat capacity changes accompanying the transition in the studied rare‐earth niobate systems are also discussed.     

Phase relations in silicon and germanium nitrides up to 98 GPa and 2400°C

Phase relations in silicon and germanium nitrides (Si₃N₄ and Ge₃N₄) were investigated using a Kawai-type multianvil apparatus and a laser-heated diamond anvil cell combined with a synchrotron radiation. The pressure-induced phase transition from the β to γ (cubic spinel-type structure) phase was observed in both compositions. We observed the coexistence of the β and γ phases in Si₃N₄ at 12.4 GPa and 1800°C, while the appearance of single phase γ-Ge₃N₄ was observed at pressures above 10 GPa. Our observations under higher pressures revealed that γ-Si₃N₄ and γ-Ge₃N₄ have wide stability fields and no postspinel transition was observed up to 98 GPa and 2400°C in both compositions. Using the room-temperature compression curves of these materials, the bulk moduli (K₀) and their pressure derivatives (K′₀) were determined: K₀ = 317 (16) GPa and K′₀ = 6.0 (8) for γ-Si₃N₄; K₀ = 254 (13) GPa and K′₀ = 6.0 (7) for γ-Ge₃N₄.     

A High‐Temperature Neutron Diffraction and First‐Principles Study of Ti 3 AlC 2 and Ti 3( Al 0.8 Sn 0.2) C 2

Herein, we report on the temperature‐dependent crystal structures of Ti ₃ AlC ₂ and Ti ₃ Al _0.8 Sn _0.2 C ₂ in the 373–1273 K temperature range, as determined by Rietveld analysis of high‐temperature neutron diffraction time‐of‐flight data. The compositions are 86(1) wt% Ti ₃ AlC ₂ and 14(1) wt% TiC _0.92(2) for the sample with no Sn , and 95(1) wt% Ti ₃( Al _0.8 Sn _0.2) C ₂ and 5(1) wt% Ti ₂ AlC for the solid solution with Sn . The average linear volumetric thermal expansion is 8.0(2) × 10^?6 K ^?1 for Ti ₃ AlC ₂ and 8.2(5) × 10^?6 K^?1 for Ti ₃( Al _0.8 Sn _0.2) C ₂. The average linear thermal expansion in the a and c directions, respectively, are 7.6(2) × 10^?6 K^?1 and 8.9(2) × 10^?6 K^?1 for Ti ₃ AlC ₂. For Ti ₃( Al _0.8 Sn _0.2) C ₂, the respective values are 8.0(5) × 10^?6 K^?1 and 8.6(6) × 10^?6 K^?1. In the case of the solid solution, the quadratic thermal expansion coefficients are also given. Detailed bond lengths analysis shows that the thermal expansions along the a and c directions are controlled by the thermal expansions of the Ti – C , and Ti – Al bond lengths, respectively. The atomic displacement parameters (ADPs) show that the Al and Sn atoms vibrate with a higher amplitude than the Ti and C atoms. Consistent with first‐principles calculations, the ADPs of the Al/Sn site(s) in Ti ₃( Al _0.8 Sn _0.2) C₂ are lower than the ADPs of Al in Ti ₃ AlC ₂.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Thermal Behaviors of 3‐Nitro‐1,5‐bis(4,4′‐dimethylazide)‐1,2,3‐triazolyl‐3‐azapentane (NDTAP)

The energetic material, 3‐nitro‐1,5‐bis(4,4′‐dimethyl azide)‐1,2,3‐triazolyl‐3‐azapentane (NDTAP), was firstly synthesized by means of Click Chemistry using 1,5‐diazido‐3‐nitrazapentane as main material. The structure of NDTAP was confirmed by IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy; mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The crystal structure of NDTAP was determined by X‐ray diffraction. It belongs to monoclinic system, space group C2/c with crystal parameters a=1.7285(8) nm, b=0.6061(3) nm, c=1.6712(8) nm, β=104.846(8)°, V=1.6924(13) nm³, Z=8, μ=0.109 mm⁻¹, F(000)=752, and D_c=1.422 g cm⁻³. The thermal behavior and non‐isothermal decomposition kinetics of NDTAP were studied with DSC and TG‐DTG methods. The self‐accelerating decomposition temperature and critical temperature of thermal explosion are 195.5 and 208.2 °C, respectively. NDTAP presents good thermal stability and is insensitive.     

γ‐FOX‐7: Structure of a High Energy Density Material Immediately Prior to Decomposition

1,1‐Diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethene, C₂H₄N₄O₄ (FOX‐7), is a novel high energy density material with low friction and impact sensitivity and a high activation barrier to detonation. In this study, the previously unknown crystal structure of the γ‐polymorph of trimorphic FOX‐7 is reported. γ‐FOX‐7 is stable from ∼435 K until the compound decomposes just above 504 K. A single crystal of α‐FOX‐7 (P2₁/n, Z=4, a=694.67(7) pm, b=668.87(9) pm, c=1135.1(1) pm, β=90.14(1)°, T=373 K) was first transformed into a single crystal of β‐FOX‐7 (P2₁2₁2₁, Z=4, a=698.6(1) pm, b=668.6(2) pm, c=1168.7(3) pm, T=423 K) and then into a single crystal of γ‐FOX‐7 at 450 K. The γ‐FOX‐7 crystal was then subsequently quenched to 200 K. The structure of γ‐FOX‐7 (P2₁/n, Z=8, a=1335.4(3) pm, b=689.5(1) pm, c=1205.0(2) pm, β=111.102(8)°, T=200 K) consists of four planar layers, each containing two crystallographically independent FOX‐7 molecules found in the asymmetric unit.     

Structural Transition of the 2‐Nitropropane Organic Compound at Low Temperature

Structural investigation of the crystallized 2‐nitropropane compound (C₃H₇NO₂) was performed by X‐ray powder diffraction at low temperature. A first crystalline phase, called phase α, is observed below 172 K. This form exhibits a triclinic symmetry with P‐1 space group (a=1.0313(3) nm, b=0.5873(2) nm, c=1.6146(4) nm, α=90.17(2)°, β=92.17(2)° and γ=90.09(2)°), and Z=8). At T_t=172 K, a structural transition is observed which brings to another phase, called phase β (above T_t). This one contains four molecules per unit cell and shows a Pc2₁n symmetry (a=1.0141(3) nm, b=0.5855(2) nm, and c=0.8319(4) nm). In addition to the doubling of the c‐axis, structural networks differ by the different conformations of NO₂ nitro groups and by the orientation of the propyl group in the unit cell. Both crystal structures can be described using infinite zigzag chains of C₃H₇NO₂ molecules showing a regular alternation along the c‐axis. Two orientations of these ribbons, called A and B, are observed. The crystal structures are then built with different distribution of these ribbons within the crystalline network.     

Eu2+‐doped strontium aluminum silicon nitrides having α‐SiAlON and polytypoid structures

Yellow single crystals of aluminum silicon nitrides containing strontium and europium were prepared by heating starting mixtures of Sr₃N₂, Si₃N₄, AlN, and EuN at 2050°C and 0.85 MPa of N₂ for 8 hours. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction revealed that prismatic crystals 20‐100 μm in size were Sr_0.31Al_0.62Si_11.38N₁₆:Eu (trigonal, a=7.7937(2) Å, c=5.6519(2) Å, space group P31c), which are isotypic with Sr‐α‐SiAlON, Sr_m/2Al_m+nSi_12?m?nN_16?nO_n, with m=0.62 and n=0. The Eu²⁺ content was approximately 1 at.% of Sr contained in the framework of corner‐sharing (Al/Si)N₄ tetrahedra with an occupancy of 0.154(2). Block‐shaped crystals with a side length of 50‐300 μm were a new polytypoid of Sr‐α‐SiAlON, Sr_2.97Eu_0.03Al₆Si₂₄N₄₀. Streak lines were observed in the direction of the c* axis in the X‐ray oscillation photographs, indicating stacking faults of the structure. The fundamental X‐ray reflections were indexed with a hexagonal cell (a=7.9489(3) Å, c=14.3941(6) Å). The structure was analyzed with a model of space group P in which one of the six Al/Si sites was statistically split into two sites with occupancies of 0.673(5) and 0.227(5). The atomic arrangements in the layers of the structure were similar to those of Sr‐α‐SiAlON, but the stacking sequences of the layers were different. The peak wavelengths and full widths at half maximum of emission spectra measured for the single crystals of Sr_0.31Al_0.62Si_11.38N₁₆:Eu and Sr_2.97Eu_0.03Al₆Si₂₄N₄₀ were 583 nm and 87 nm, and 584 nm and 91 nm, respectively, under 400 nm wavelength light excitation at room temperature.     

Synthesis and Characterization of 1,4‐Dimethyl‐5‐Aminotetrazolium 5‐Nitrotetrazolate

1,4‐Dimethyl‐5‐aminotetrazolium 5‐nitrotetrazolate ( 2 ) was synthesized in high yield from 1,4‐dimethyl‐5‐aminotetrazolium iodide ( 1 ) and silver 5‐nitrotetrazolate. Both new compounds ( 1, 2 ) were characterized using vibrational (IR and Raman) and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁴N, ¹⁵N), elemental analysis and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. 1,4‐Dimethyl‐5‐aminotetrazolium 5‐nitrotetrazolate ( 2 ) represents the first example of an energetic material which contains both a tetrazole based cation and anion. Compound 2 is hydrolytically stable with a high melting point of 190 °C (decomposition). The impact sensitivity of compound 2 is very low (30 J), it is not sensitive towards friction (>360 N). The molecular structure of 1,4‐dimethyl‐5‐aminotetrazolium iodide ( 1 ) in the crystalline state was determined by X‐ray crystallography: orthorhombic, F_ddd, a=1.3718(1) nm, b=1.4486(1) nm, c=1.6281(1) nm, V=3.2354(5) nm³, Z=16, ρ=1.979 g cm⁻¹, R₁=0.0169 (F>4σ(F)), wR₂ (all data)=0.0352.     

Microstructure and indentation damage resistance of ZrB2‐20 vol.%SiC ipo‐eutectic composites

Zirconium diboride with 20 vol.% silicon carbide bulk composites were fabricated using directionally solidification (DS) and also by spark plasma sintering (SPS) of crushed DS ingots. During the DS the cooling front aligned the c‐axis of ZrB₂ grains and its Lotgering factor of f_(00l) was high as 0.98. The Vickers hardness was anisotropic and it was high as 17.6 GPa along the c‐axis and 15.3 GPa when measured in an orthogonal direction. On both surfaces, even when using 100 N indentation load, no cracks were observed, suggesting a very high resistance to crack propagation. Such anomalous behavior was attributed to the hierarchical structure of DS sample where the ZrB₂ phase was under strong compression and the SiC phase was in tension. In the SPSed sample, the microstructure was isotropic respect to the direction of applied pressure. Indentation cracks appeared around the indent corners but not emanated from the diagonals, confirming high damage resistance.     

A Complete Solid Solution with Rutile‐Type Structure in SiO2–GeO2 System at 12 GPa and 1600°C

High pressure and temperature synthesis of compositions made of (Si_1?x,Ge_x)O₂ where x is equal to 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 0.7, and 1 was performed at 7–12 GPa and 1200–1600°C using a Kawai‐type high‐pressure apparatus. At 12 GPa and 1600°C, all the run products were composed of a single phase with a rutile structure. The lattice constants increase linearly with the germanium content (x), which indicates that the rutile‐type phases in the SiO₂–GeO₂ system form a complete series of solid solutions at these pressure and temperature conditions. Our experimental results show that thermodynamic equilibrium state was achieved in this system at 12 GPa and 1600°C, but not at 1200°C. At lower pressures (7 and 9 GPa) and 1600°C, we observed the decomposition of (Si_0.5,Ge_0.5)O₂ into SiO₂‐rich coesite and GeO₂‐rich rutile phases. The silicon content in the rutile structure increases sharply with pressure in the vicinity of the coesite–stishovite phase transition pressure in SiO₂.