Kinetic Study and Thermal Decomposition Mechanisms of Superthermite–Based Nitrocellulose Nanocomposite

Abstract

ABSTRACT As ferric oxide is a well-known catalyst, aluminum can act as a high energy dense material. Ferric oxide/aluminum can experience nanothermite reaction with novel synergistic characteristics. On the other hand, nitrocellulose (NC) is the most energetic polymeric matrix. This study reports on the facile development of thermite-based NC nanocomposite. Ferric oxide nanoparticles (NPs) of 5 nm size and aluminum NPs of 80 nm size were dispersed in acetone. Colloidal ferric oxide/aluminum NPs were integrated into NC matrix via anti-solvent technique. Nanothermite particles offered an increase in NC decomposition enthalpy by 38.59% using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The apparent activation energy of NC was reduced by 14% and 14.5%, using Friedman and OZAW models, respectively. Activation energy at different conversion extent was evaluated, and decomposition mechanisms have been suggested to be heterogeneous solid phase reaction. The developed NC nanocomposite is considered bespoke material for first-fire ignition systems; where molten solid particle and high decomposition enthalpy are highly appreciated.