Facile synthesis of RGO-Fe2O3 nanocomposite: A novel catalyzing agent for composite propellants

Abstract

Whereas ferric oxide particles are common catalyst for energetic oxidizers such as ammonium perchlorate (APC), reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with superior thermal conductivity as well as high interfacial surface area could be candidate substrate for advanced catalytic systems. This study reports on the facile synthesis of RGO-Fe2O3 nanocomposite as a novel catalyzing agent for APC oxidizer. GO was developed via oxidation of graphite using Hummer’s method, while RGO was developed via GO reduction with hydrazine hydrate. RGO-Fe2O3 nanocomposite was developed via direct precipitation method. Morphological characterization of RGO-Fe2O3 nanocomposite demonstrated the formation of hematite RGO-Fe2O3 nanocomposite in the form of rod-shaped crystals with average crystallite size 30 nm. The synthesized RGO-Fe2O3 nanocomposite was effectively-encapsulated into APC particles via co-precipitation technique. The catalytic performance of RGO-Fe2O3 nanocomposite on APC thermal behavior was evaluated using DSC and TGA. RGO-Fe2O3 nanocomposite demonstrated superior catalytic performance; APC initial endothermic decomposition was decreased by 16% which could be ascribed to enhance the thermal conductivity and catalytic efficiency of the developed hybrid. APC total heat release was enhanced by 83%; this could be ascribed to superior interfacial surface area. Gaseous products could be efficiently-adsorbed on the catalyst surface offering high combustion enthalpy.