Physical cross-linked network κ-carrageenan/chitosan/NTO composites: Enhanced energy release efficiency and reduced...

The enhancement of energy release and safety performance is of great significance to the energetic crystal 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO). However, the practical utilization of NTO has been hindered by several critical challenges, including slow energy release kinetics, high decomposition temperatures, and poor safety performance. The physical cross-linked network polyelectrolyte κ-carrageenan (KC)/chitosan (CTS)/NTO composites were prepared by acidified sol-gel conversion method to improve the physical and chemical properties and performance characteristics of NTO. Through the characterization and analysis of the morphology and structure of the samples, it was observed that the KC/CTS/NTO composites did not undergo polymorphic transformation during the preparation process. At the same time, the experimental data reveal that the physically crosslinked polymeric matrix spontaneously assembled by KC and CTS effectively lowers the onset thermal decomposition temperature and activation energy of NTO, while concurrently enhancing its energy release kinetics. Notably, KC and CTS exhibit a dual-action mechanism: synergistically mitigating NTO's corrosive properties and elevating its insensitivity threshold, thereby establishing excellent safety performance. These findings collectively validate the potential of this synergistic composite strategy for broader applications in advanced energetic material systems.