Investigation of a novel nanothermite colloid based on CuO coated CNTs on the thermo-analytical characteristics of 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane

Abstract

Nanothermite colloid is a promising field of research used to enhance the characteristics of energetic materials. In this study, pre-treated surfaces of multiwall-carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were catalysed to help the deposition of a metal and the coating process by copper (Cu) nanoscale layer through electroless deposition. The formed hybrids coated by Cu were treated at 250°C to form MWCNTs coated by CuO. Isopropyl alcohol was used to suspend the coated MWCNTs with aluminium nanoparticles (120 nm) in order to form nano thermite colloid by ultrasonic technique. The presence of CuO layer plays the role of an active oxidizer for the Aluminum nanoparticles. The obtained colloid was incorporated and dispersed in 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane (RDX). The influence of colloid on RDX decomposition kinetic was evaluated using the isoconversional methods (modified Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) methods). The mean value of apparent activation energy was reduced by 37.5 %. This dramatic change in RDX decomposition ascribed trait to the nano-thermite colloid reactivity and the facile integration of colloidal thermite particles with the RDX.