Understanding amorphous explosives

Amorphous explosives offer a number of advantages in comparison to conventional (crystalline) explosives. They are generally safer, can be more powerful, and easier to mould and shape. Moreover, they can provide critical insight into the crystallization of energetic materials at a molecular level and shed light on the fundamental reasons why amorphous explosives are less sensitive to initiation by shock and impact.

Focusing on a number of commercial energetic solids, this study will explore the factors that are important for the recrystallization of the amorphous state to the crystalline state, and will identify whether metastable intermediate phases can be isolated. The work will apply a broad range of diffraction and spectroscopic techniques (both in-house and central facilities), as well as material property testing (calorimetry and impact sensitivity testing). Any observed metastable states will also be explored with advanced first principles modelling techniques to rationalise and explain the differences between different polymorphic phases of the materials studied, and rationalise their different impact sensitivity behaviour. Of particular interest will be the long-term physical and chemical stabilities of these amorphous forms towards the effects of temperature, pressure, and shear forces, both as isolated materials and when combined with typical binder formulations.

The successful candidates will possess, or expect to obtain, a first class or upper-second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or a closely related discipline. Essential qualities include a strong background in characterisation techniques (such as powder X-ray diffraction, solid state NMR spectroscopy, and calorimetry), along with an awareness of computational chemistry modelling techniques. Other essential attributes are good presentation and communication skills (written and oral) and ability to meet deadlines. In the first instance, informal enquiries (accompanied by a CV) should be directed to: Prof. Colin R. Pulham ([Email Address Removed]) and Prof. Carole Morrison ([Email Address Removed]), School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, UK.
Formal applications to Edinburgh are made through the University’s EUCLID system. http://www.chem.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate-research/applications-and-entry-requirements
The position will remain open until filled and is available to start any time.

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