Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate Encapsulated with Copper(II)/Iron(III) Oxide Nanoparticles

Thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP), as a high energy oxidizer in composite solid rocket propellants (CSRP), greatly affects the burning rate of the propellant. This paper summarizes the results of a study of the synergistic catalytic activity of nano-CuO/Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles on thermal decomposition of AP. AP micro-particles are efficiently encapsulated with 1 and 5 wt.% of nano-CuO and/or nano-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles by the fast-crash solventantisolvent technique. The efficiency of the encapsulation method was confirmed using FT-IR spectroscopy. Morphological characterization, performed using SEM-EDS microscopy, showed that encapsulation provides recrystallization and deagglomeration of AP and uniform nano-catalyst distribution. The catalytic efficiency of nano-CuO/ nano-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles on the thermal decomposition of AP was investigated using DSC, and an increase in released heat was observed from 1453 to 1628 J/g. The catalytic activities of performed nano-catalysts were proven by decreasing the HTD and merging with the low decomposition temperature peak. The highest catalytic effect was obtained after encapsulating with 5 wt.% of nano-CuO and nano-Fe₂O₃ combined in a 50/50 mass ratio due to multiple mechanisms of catalytic activity of nano-Fe₂O₃. The effect of AP encapsulation with nano-Fe₂O₃ on the burning rate of CSRP was investigated and the obtained results showed a favorable effect on the combustion rate law.