One-step synthesis of ferrocenyl glycidyl ethers as combustion catalysts for the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

Abstract

As an oxidant, the pyrolysis behavior of ammonium perchlorate is the key to the combustion of composite solid propellants. Seeking a suitable catalyst to promote AP decomposition has drawn much attention. Ferrocene-based compounds are often used as burning rate catalysts because of their excellent catalytic effect. However, ferrocene-based burning rate catalysts are prone to migration during storage of propellants. In this study, six ferrocenyl glycidyl ethers were designed and synthesized to improve the anti-migration properties, and the related spectra characterization techniques were adopted to confirm their molecular structures. Furthermore, their related properties and mechanisms were also studied. As a result, they showed good redox performance, positive promotion on AP decomposition, excellent combustion and mechanical performance. Meanwhile, they had a higher anti-migration behavior compared with catocene and ferrocene. This study demonstrates that ferrocenyl glycidyl ethers have great potential to be applied as multifunctional burning rate catalysts in composite solid propellants.