Kinetic study and advanced decomposition models of superthermite-based nitrocellulose nanocomposite

Abstract

ABSTRACT Superthermites are well-known for their exceptional combustion characteristics. α ferric oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using hydrothermal synthesis. Co-precipitation technique was employed to integrated superhermite (Al/Fe2O3) colloidal particles into nitrocellulose (NC) energetic matrix. Morphology NC nanocomposite was investigated using scanning electron microscope. The integration of superthermite particles into NC matrix experienced enhanced decomposition enthalpy by 40% using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) as the decomposition enthalpy has incresed to reach above 1640J/kg. In the mean time, superthermite particles offered decrease in NC activation energy by 17.3% and 16.0% using Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) approach and Kissinger models, respectively. The hydrous surface of ferric NPs could secure novel catalytic action. At low temperatures, the reactive hydroxyl groups could be released; active ȮH radicals would attack the NC heterocyclic ring and abstract hydrogen atom. Addition of NPs enhanced the rapid release of different decomposition products of NC such as NO2 ,CO, NO, HCHO, and HCOOH at low temperature. Kinetic models indicated that the heterogeneous solid-state reaction and A2 nucleation model were confirmed via KAS and Kissinger models.