Efficiently Constructed Core-Shelled Structured AP-Based Composites with Excellent Balance of High Energy Release and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Energetic Materials

Background:

• Ammonium perchlorate (AP) is a key component in solid propellants due to its high performance and low cost.
• However, AP suffers from issues like non-concentrated exothermic reactions, high sensitivity, and hygroscopicity, limiting its applications.
• Developing modified AP with improved properties is crucial for advancing propellant technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create novel AP-based composites with tailored core-shell structures.
• To investigate the impact of different CuO and F2603 shell layer arrangements on AP properties.
• To enhance the stability, combustion, and safety of AP for solid propellant applications.

Main Methods:

• Solvent evaporation method used to create directional CuO and F2603 core-shell structures around AP.
• Theoretical calculations employed to determine interlayer binding energies and assess composite stability.
• Characterization of decomposition temperatures, combustion behavior, hydrophobicity, and sensitivity.

Main Results:

• Core-shelled AP composites exhibited enhanced stability, confirmed by theoretical calculations.
• Cupric oxide (CuO) reduced AP decomposition temperature from 440.4°C to 354.5°C and improved combustion via thermite reactions with Al.
• Fluororubber (F2603) significantly improved hydrophobicity, mechanical properties, and reduced AP sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• The developed core-shelled AP composites demonstrate a "5-in-1" improvement in properties.
• This strategy offers a new approach for targeted property modulation of energetic materials.
• The modified AP composites show great potential for use in advanced solid propellants.