Lattice Inclusion of Copper Ions in Ammonium Perchlorate through Co-crystallization: Impact on Lattice, Physical, and Thermal Characteristics

Abstract

Ammonium perchlorate (AP) is an important oxidizer extensively used in composite solid propellants. Any alterations in the lattice configuration of AP could bring in a dramatic change in its physical, thermal, and ballistic characteristics though the basic thermodynamic properties could remain unaltered. In this work, we attempt to dope AP with copper nitrate through co-crystallization and examine its impact on the lattice, physical, and thermal characteristics. The effect of copper ion on the crystal morphology, bulk density, friability, moisture content, and the decomposition behavior is compared with normal propellant-grade AP. The incorporation of copper ion into AP resulted in an increase in bulk density and aspect ratio and a marginal decrease in the average particle size. The shape factor remained intact. The presence of copper ion remarkably decreased both the low- and high-temperature decomposition and reduced the activation energy for both stages, confirming the catalytic nature of copper-doped AP.

Accelerated Decomposition Kinetics of Ammonium Perchlorate via Conformal Graphene Coating

“…To enhance electron transfer decomposition pathways, various catalysts have been integrated with AP, with those containing metal ions showing the largest effect. − Other heterogeneous catalytic schemes involve the use of graphene oxide (GO), perovskite crystals, boron nitride, and other carbon materials . In an attempt to maximize the contact area between the catalyst and AP, conformal coatings have been pursued, particularly for metal oxides and GO, although the limited electrical conductivity of these materials likely impede their effectiveness for electron transfer. ,, Furthermore, for the case of GO, incomplete coverage of the coating also failed to fully maximize the contact area between the catalyst and AP.…”

Impact of lattice inclusion of Cu and Fe ions on thermal decomposition characteristics of ammonium perchlorate

“…While the rpm of the agitator was set at slow rate that is 50 rpm; a fast cooling mode of 0.6 C/min was used to get doped crystal of substantial crystal properties and concentration. The crystallisation condition optimisation was done through a number of experimental trials and statistical calculation (Nair, Mathew & Reghunadhan Nair, 2020;. Two different concentrations each of copper doped AP and iron doped AP were prepared.…”

Polymeric Carbon Nitride/Iron Oxide Composites: A Novel Class of Catalysts with Reduced Metal Content for Ammonium Perchlorate Thermal Decomposition

“…As the major component of propellant fuel, the thermal behavior of AP has a direct influence on the propellant performance, which has been greatly affected by various factors, namely, oxidizer particle size, the surface area of the metallic fuel, oxidizer content, and the presence of a burn rate modifier. , Conventionally, metal oxides are employed as burn rate modifiers and the thermal decomposition of AP is extremely sensitive to the presence of these metal oxide additives . Being the most stable form of iron oxide, eco-friendly α-Fe 2 O 3 (commonly known as hematite), an n-type semiconductor ( E g = 2.1 eV), is receiving ample attention for versatile applications due to its low toxicity, abundance, high electrical conductivity, and magnetic nature. , Among all of the known metal oxide catalysts for propellants, α-Fe 2 O 3 is considered one of the most studied combustion catalysts due to its low cost, positive catalytic effect, and favorable stability .…”

“…Currently, great emphasis is being laid on the development of propellants that release innocuous combustion products. Even though this has been a vital global concern, ammonium perchlorate (AP) is the irreplaceable workhorse oxidizer for composite solid propellants due to its plentiful benefits including highly effective oxygen content, specific impulse, burning rate, density, and ease of handling. , Though ammonium nitrate is renowned as an eco-friendly green oxidizer, it has been greatly affected by polymorphism, which confines its application as a potential oxidizer. − Similar efforts have been devoted to the development of chlorine-free propellants using ammonium dinitramide (ADN), hydrazinium nitroformate (HNF), and hexanitroethane (HNE) as oxidizers, but they have many limitations like high hygroscopic nature and sensitivity toward impact and friction . Here, our effort is to upsurge the “green quotient” of propellant systems by designing new catalysts without compromising the energetics.…”