Design and preparation of AP/M(5-ATZ)4Cl2 (M = Cu, Co) self-assembled intermolecular energetic materials

Abstract

Intermolecular energetic materials (IEMs) have become the focus of attention due to their excellent performance in combustion, ignition, energy release and sensitivity. In this paper, two IEMs were successfully designed and prepared by the self-assembly of 5-aminotetrazole (5-ATZ) and transition metal ions on the surface of ammonium perchlorate (AP) particles. The scanning electron microscope, infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analyses, and differential thermal analyses were employed to characterize the prepared samples. The results show that the surface of AP particles is completely covered by a uniform and dense M(5-ATZ)4Cl2 (M = Cu, Co) self-assembled layer. Thermal analyses show that the high-temperature decomposition peak temperatures of AP/Cu(5-ATZ)4Cl2 (10 wt%) and AP/Co(5-ATZ)4Cl2 (10 wt%) are decreased by 93.3 °C and 127.1 °C compared to the case of pure AP, while the heat releases of them are increased by 539 J∙g−1 and 580 J∙g−1. In addition, the burning rates of AP/Cu(5-ATZ)4Cl2/Al (10 wt%) and AP/Co(5-ATZ)4Cl2/Al (10 wt%) are increased by 6.8 mm∙s−1 and 7.8 mm∙s−1 compared with the case of AP/Al. Moreover, the hygroscopicity tests show that the prepared samples do not agglomerate aftter being placed in the atmosphere with a relative humidity of 79% for 66 h. This research shows considerable application prospects in improving the combustion and energy performance of solid propellants, it is also a reference for the design and preparation of other novel IEMs.