Structure of an Insensitive High Explosive formulation under a microscope

IMX-104 is an Insensitive High Explosive containing a mixture of 3-Nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO), 2,4- dinitroanisole (DNAN) and cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX). Due to its novelty, little is known about its potential toxicity and persistence in the environment and which has raised questions regarding its behaviour.

Small flakes were placed under a Leica DM LM microscope to observe their microscopic structure and investigate the formulation process. The picture was taken using a ten times lense (10x) and reflected light. The scale shows the size of the flakes (in mm) and the fragments in focus were approximately 70 µm.