Energetic Materials at Extreme Conditions

David I.A. Millar's thesis explores the effects of extreme conditions on energetic materials and seeks to identify and structurally characterise new polymorphs obtained at high pressures and/or temperatures.The performance of energetic materials (pyrotechnics, propellants and explosives) can depend on a number of factors that include: sensitivity to detonation; detonation velocity; and, chemical and thermal stability. Polymorphism and solid-state phase transitions may therefore have significant consequences for performance and safety. In order to model effectively the behaviour of these important materials under operational conditions it is essential to obtain detailed structural information at a range of temperatures and pressures.