COMBUSTION AND IGNITION PROPERTIES OF AMMONIUM NITRATE AND ACTIVATED CARBON MIXTURES

Abstract

In order to obtain a better understanding of combustion and ignition properties of ammonium nitrate (AN) and activated carbon (AC) mixtures, friction test, thermal analysis, and 200-mL closed vessel combustion test were carried out and the influence of the mixing ratio on the combustion and ignition properties of various compositions of AN/AC mixtures was investigated. As a result of the BAM friction sensitivity test, all mixtures showed negative results. From differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test results, each AN mixed with more than 4 wt% of AC mixtures showed violent exotherm after the melting of AN and some of the mixtures exploded in a SUS crucible. The largest heat of reaction was observed at a higher concentration than the stoichiometric composition. The results of 200-mL closed vessel test showed that the powdered AN and the phase stabilized AN (PSAN) mixed with AC showed a fast reaction and a high pressure due to the large amount of gas release and the maximum pressure, and the maximum rate of pressure rise showed the maximum values at a higher concentration than the stoichiometric composition.