Thermal decomposition of energetic materials 49. Thermolysis routes of mono- and diaminotetrazoles

Abstract

The gas products from rapid thermolysis of aminotetrazoles are discussed in terms of their potential to affect the burn rate of a composite propellant. 1,5- and 2,5-diaminotetrazole decompose by two competitive reactions. One reaction gives HCN, NH 3, and N 2 and the other gives NH 2CN, NH 3, and N 2. The observed product ratios reflect the competition of these two reactions. No melamine-like cyclic azines form from the self-reaction of NH 2CN because NH 2CN is rapidly evolved from the sample into the cool Ar atmosphere of the cell. Noncompetitive decomposition reactions occur with 1- and 5-aminotetrazole. 1-ATZ produces HCN, NH 3, and N 2 while 5-ATZ produces HN 3 and NH 2CN. However, at 850 psia of Ar, 5-ATZ produces melamine-like cyclic azine and NH 4N 3 aerosols. 5-ATZ is the only aminotetrazole that produces melamine-like products upon heating of the unconfined material.