Non-isothermal kinetic studies on thermal decomposition of energetic materials

Thermal stability and decomposition kinetics for two energetic materials, potassium nitroform (KNF) and 5-Nitro-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (NTO), were investigated to obtain information on their safety for handling, storage, and use. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and simultaneous thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) techniques have been used to study thermal behavior of these energetic compounds. The results of TG analysis revealed that the main thermal degradation for the KNF occurs during two temperature ranges of 270?C330 and 360?C430?°C. Meanwhile, NTO decomposes completely in temperature range of 250?C300 °C. TG-DTA analysis of KNF indicates that this energetic compound dehydrated (at about 108?°C) before its decomposition. However, NTO is thermally stable until its decomposition. The decomposition kinetic of energetic materials was studied by non-isothermal DSC under various heating rates. Kinetic parameters such as activation energy and frequency factor for thermal decomposition of energetic compounds were obtained via the methods proposed by ASTM E696 and Starink. Also, thermodynamic parameters correspond to the activation of thermal decomposition and critical ignition temperatures of the compounds were obtained.     

Thermal decomposition properties and compatibility of CL-20, NTO with silicone rubber

The new polycyclic nitramine 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW) has been focused as a considerable amount of research recently on investigating its polymorphs, relative stability, and respective reaction chemistry. It is known as CL-20 popularly, CL-20 is a very high-energy and relatively high oxygen balance value crystalline compound whose method of synthesis and detailed performance data are still classified. 5-oxo-3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole (NTO, or nitrotriazolone) was an insensitive molecule comparison general explosives, and the NTO based polymer bonded explosives (PBX) was a low vulnerability explosive. Both energetic materials are all very important high explosives, which is used in a variety of military formulations widely owing to the properties of high energy and desensitization of PBX, many researchers have demonstrated the usefulness of above two energetic materials in explosive component. In this work, the thermal decomposition characteristics of explosives CL-20 and NTO were studied using thermal analytical techniques (TG, DSC), then the compatibility of above two explosives with silicone rubber, and the decomposition kinetic parameters such as activation energies of decomposition, the frequency factor of the decompose reaction are also evaluated by non-isothermal DSC techniques.     

Preparation,characterization and compatibility studies of poly(DFAMO/AMMO)

Poly(3-difluoroaminomethyl-3-methyl oxetane (DFAMO)/3-azidomethyl-3-methyl oxetane (AMMO)) (PDA) can be used as an energetic pre-polymer in the binder systems of solid propellants and polymer-bonded explosives (PBXs). The cationic solution polymerization affords PDA using butane diol (BDO) and boron trifluride etherate (TFBE) as initiator and catalyst, separately. Its molecular structure is characterized and thermal decomposition behavior is investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The copolymer has good thermal stability and exhibits a three-step mass-loss process with the first two steps mainly belonging to the thermal decomposition of difluoroamino and azido groups, respectively. DSC method is performed to evaluate the compatibility of PDA with some energetic components and inert materials. More than half of the selected materials are compatible with PDA, which including cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), ammonium perchlorate (AP), ammonium nitrate (AN), potassium nitrate (KNO₃), aluminum powder (Al), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), 2-nitrodiphenylamine (NDPA) and 1,3-diethyl-1,3-diphenyl urea (C₁).     

Utilization of microcalorimetry for an assessment of the potential for a runaway decomposition of cumene hydroperoxide at low temperatures

The exothermic decomposition of cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) in cumene liquid was characterized by isothermal microcalorimetry, involving the thermal activity monitor (TAM). Unlike the exothermic behaviors previously determined from an adiabatic calorimeter, such as the vent sizing package 2 (VSP2), or differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal curves revealed that CHP undergoes an autocatalytic decomposition detectable between 75 and 90°C. Previous studies have shown that the CHP in a temperature range higher than 100°C conformed to an n ^th order reaction rate model. CHP heat of decomposition and autocatalytic kinetics behavior were measured and compared with previous reports, and the methodology and the advantages of using the TAM to obtain an autocatalytic model by curve fitting are reported. With various autocatalytic models, such as the Prout-Tompkins equation and the Avrami-Erofeev rate law, the best curve fit among models was also investigated and proposed.     

2,4-二硝基甲苯热解自催化特性鉴别及其热解动力学

为研究2,4-二硝基甲苯(2,4-DNT)的热危险性及其分解反应的特征, 利用差示扫描量热仪(DSC)对该物质进行了动态扫描测试, 得到其起始分解温度T₀范围为272.4-303.5℃, 分解热ΔH_d约为2.22 kJ·g^-1. 在此基础上, 采用瑞士安全技术与保障研究所提出的快速鉴别法(瑞士方法)及数值模拟技术, 对其分解反应的特性参数进行了推算, 结果表明其分解具有自催化性. 采用Malek法分析了该物质分解反应的最概然机理函数并得出了相关动力学参数, 表明其分解具有自催化性且符合Sestak-Berggren 双参数自催化模型(SB模型), 这与瑞士方法所得结论一致. 采用等温DSC测试获得了该物质的‘钟形’热解曲线, 从而验证了两种方法的结论.     

3,6-Bis(1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl-amino)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine–based energetic strontium(II) complexes: synthesis,crystal structure,and thermal properties

Two energetic strontium(II) complexes with nitrogen-rich 3,6-bis(1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl-amino)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (BTATz) were synthesized. The metal complexes were characterized by IR, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. DSC and TG-DTG were used to study the thermal behavior, non-isothermal decomposition reaction kinetics, self-accelerating decomposition temperature (T _SADT), thermal ignition temperature (T _TIT), critical temperature of thermal explosion (T _b), and the adiabatic time-to-explosion (t _TIad). The data indicate competitive energetic materials.     

Study on the decomposition kinetics of FOX-7 and HNF

At TNO Prins Maurits Laboratory the characterisation and application of energetic materials is one of the main research topics. In this respect, the activities are focussed on using thermal analysis techniques such as TG/DTA and DSC. Standard DSC and TG/DTA techniques usually apply a linear temperature increase. During this gradual temperature change, the sample may pass certain phase changes related to different crystal structures, followed by a melting/decomposition of the material. In this way physicochemical properties like phase change temperatures, melting point, enthalpy of melting, decomposition temperature, etc. can be determined. By applying different heating rates, an analysis of the decomposition kinetics can be performed as well, which gives additional information on the decomposition process of the material. In this way the activation energy of the decomposition process and the 'shelf-life' of the material, when stored at a certain temperature, can be assessed. In a co-operation with the Technical University of Aachen, two relatively new and promising energetic materials were investigated: FOX-7 and HNF. FOX-7, or 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene, is a less sensitive explosive, which could find application as a substitute of RDX (less sensitive but with preservation of performance). Hydrazinium nitroformate (HNF) is an oxidiser with potential use as a high-performance, chlorine-free ingredient in rocket propellants. The results of the TG/DTA and DSC tests, as well as the results of the analysis of the decomposition kinetics of these two materials, will be reported and discussed in this paper. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

分解反应自催化性质快速鉴别的实验方法

许多物质的分解都具有自催化特性,常用的自催化鉴别方法是利用差示扫描量热仪（DSC）、微量量热仪（C80）等进行等温实验判定（简称“等温法”）. 但等温法的温度选择较为困难,因此很有必要从实验角度找到一种简便有效的自催化鉴定方法. 本文基于Roduit理论模拟的结果,从实验角度提出了分解反应自催化特性的判定方法（简称“中断回扫法”）,并利用该法以及等温法对4种样品（硝酸异辛酯（EHN）、2,4-二硝基甲苯（2,4-DNT）、过氧化二异丙苯（DCP）以及过氧化氢异丙苯（CHP））的分解特性进行判定. 结果表明：EHN以及DCP的分解符合n级分解规律,而2,4-DNT以及CHP的分解符合自催化分解规律;中断回扫法可以快速、有效地用于鉴别物质分解是否具有自催化特性.     

分解反应自催化性质快速鉴别的实验方法

许多物质的分解都具有自催化特性,常用的自催化鉴别方法是利用差示扫描量热仪(DSC)、微量量热仪(C80)等进行等温实验判定(简称"等温法").但等温法的温度选择较为困难,因此很有必要从实验角度找到一种简便有效的自催化鉴定方法.本文基于Roduit理论模拟的结果,从实验角度提出了分解反应自催化特性的判定方法(简称"中断回扫法"),并利用该法以及等温法对4种样品(硝酸异辛酯(EHN)、2,4-二硝基甲苯(2,4-DNT)、过氧化二异丙苯(DCP)以及过氧化氢异丙苯(CHP))的分解特性进行判定.结果表明:EHN以及DCP的分解符合n级分解规律,而2,4-DNT以及CHP的分解符合自催化分解规律;中断回扫法可以快速、有效地用于鉴别物质分解是否具有自催化特性.     

Kinetic analysis of isothermal decomposition of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine using differential scanning calorimetry

Differential scanning calorimetry was used to study the thermal decomposition of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) in isothermal regime. The DSC curves were carried out at several constant temperatures lower than the melting temperature. The standard isoconversional analysis of the obtained curves suggests an autocatalytic decomposition mechanism. This mechanism is also supported by the temperature dependence of the observed induction periods.     

Thermal behavior and decomposition kinetics of ETN and its mixtures with PETN and RDX

Erythritol tetranitrate (butane-1,2,3,4-tetrayl tetranitrate, ETN) has become one of the most synthesized improvised explosives nowadays as it can be found on public internet discussion boards. However, the low melting point, nitrocellulose gelling ability, high energy content, and availability of its precursor make the substance potentially useful in industry as an energetic component or additive in certain gun propellants. Mixtures of ETN with other high explosives are also frequently discussed on web pages dealing with improvised explosives. This article describes thermal behavior and decomposition kinetics of pure ETN and its mixtures with pentaerythritol tetranitrate and cyclonite (1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane, RDX). The thermal behavior and decomposition kinetics of such mixtures are described using non-isothermal DSC and TG techniques. Kissinger method, Soviet manometric method, and modified Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose method were used for data evaluation.     

Reactive characterization of nanothermites

Conventional thermal analysis techniques (TG and DSC) give valuable information on the activation energy and the reactivity of energetic materials such as organic explosives. Here, we discuss the use of these methods for characterizing nanothermites, energetic compositions made of metallic oxides and a fuel (often a reducing metal). The experimental limitations of these analysis techniques are identified. It is difficult to ignite nanothermites with slow heating rates as those used in DSC. This is due to the inorganic nature of the thermite components and because the reaction involves interparticular heat and matter transfers. In addition, during the progressive decomposition of nanothermites, there is no change in mass, so it cannot be observed by thermogravimetric analysis. The use of laser ignition to prime the abrupt combustion of nanothermite pellets allows determining the ignition energy and analyzing the propagation of the combustion front. It also provides qualitative data that can be used to understand the combustion mechanism and to correlate it to the microstructure of the nanothermites. By analyzing several examples, we will show that the coupling of high speed video to existing thermal analysis techniques could significantly extend their utilization range for the characterization of new energetic materials.     

Synthesis and thermal decomposition of GAP-Poly(BAMO) copolymer

An energetic copolymer of glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) and poly(bis(azidomethyl)oxetane (Poly(BAMO)) was synthesized using the Borontrifluoride-dimethyl ether complex/diol initiator system. The synthesized copolymer exhibited the characteristics of an energetic thermoplastic elastomer (ETPE). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to study the thermal decomposition behavior and the results were compared with that of the constituent homopolymers. The main weight loss step in all the polymers coincides with the exothermic dissociation of the azido groups in the side chain. In contrast with the behavior of the homopolymers, the copolymer shows a broad exothermic shoulder peak at 298 °C after the main exothermic decomposition peak at 228 °C. Kinetic analysis was performed by Vyazovkin's model-free method, which suggests that the activation energy of the main decomposition step is around 145 kJ/mol and for the second shoulder it is around 220 kJ/mol. Fourier transform infra red (FTIR) spectra of the degradation residues show that the azido groups in the copolymer decompose in two stages at different temperatures which is responsible for the double decomposition behavior.     

Preparation of PMMA/mesoporous diatomite nanocomposites by in situ SR&;NI ATRP

The catalytic effect of lead oxide nano- and microparticles (PbO) on the thermal behavior and decomposition kinetics of energetic formulations composed of nitrocellulose (NC), triethyleneglycol dinitrate (TEGDN) and diaminoglyoxime (DAG) was investigated by simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that lead oxide nano- and microparticles could significantly alter thermal pattern of the studied energetic compositions. The effect of lead oxide content on thermal behavior of energetic compositions was also studied, and the results revealed that addition of different amounts of lead oxide caused to shift in the DSC peaks. Moreover, the catalyst decreases activation energy of the decomposition stage of energetic composition at about 20–40 kJ mol^?1. However, the catalyst enhances decomposition temperature of TEGDN/NC/DAG energetic compositions. By the aid of DSC data resulted by non-isothermal methods, the thermokinetic parameters such as activation energy (E _a), frequency factor (A), the critical ignition temperature of thermal explosion, the self-accelerating decomposition temperature (T _SADT) and also thermodynamic parameters of the studied energetic compositions were calculated and compared.     

Crystal Structures,Thermal Behavior Analysis and Thermal Safety of Two Energetic Salts of Hydrazinyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine with 3,5-Dinitrosalicylic Acid

Two energetic salts, DPHT·DNS·H₂O(1) and DHT·2DNS·2H₂O(2)[DPHT=3-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-6-hydrazinyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine; DHT=3,6-dihydrazinyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine], were synthesized from S-tetrazine with 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid(DNS). Compounds 1 and 2 were structurally characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The thermal behavior of the title compounds was studied by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) and thermogravimetry(TG). The non-isothermal decomposition kinetics of compound 2 were investigated. The self-accelerating decomposition temperature, thermal ignition temperature, and critical temperatures of thermal explosion were obtained to evaluate the thermal safety of compound 2. The results show compounds 1 and 2 decompose at 150.8 and 179.2℃, respectively. The T_SADT and T_b of compound 2 are higher than those of DHT, which indicates compound 2 is a potential candidate for energetic materials that have good thermal stability.     

用非等温DSC估算3,4-双(4’-硝基呋咱-3’-基)-2-氧化呋咱(BNFOF)放热自催化分解反应的热爆炸临界温升速率和动力学参数

A method of estimating the kinetic parameters and the critical rate of temperature rise in the thermal explosion for the autocatalytic decomposition of 3,4-bis（4＇-nitrofurazan-3＇-yl）-2-oxofurazan （BNFOF） with non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry （DSC） was presented. The rate equation for the decomposition of BNFOF was cstablished, and information was obtained on the rate of temperature increase in BNFOF when the empiric-order autocatalytic decomposition was converted into thermal explosion.     

含能材料热动力学行为和热力学性质的研究进展

针对近年来含能材料热力学和热动力学分析研究方面所取得的一些进展进行了回顾和概述;对新型含能材料如含能离子盐、FOX-7及其衍生物、新型高能氧化剂及高能添加剂等的热动力学行为和热力学性质进行了系统总结.此外,介绍了目前最新的一些研究方法和理论,讨论了当前研究中存在的问题,同时对未来的发展方向进行了展望.     

Estimation of Critical Rate of Temperature Rise for Thermal Explosion of First Order Autocatalytic Decomposition Reaction Systems by Using Non-isothermal DSC

A method of estimating the critical rate of temperature rise for the thermal explosion of first order autocatalytic decomposition reaction systems by using non-isothermal DSC is presented. The information was obtained on the increasing rate of temperature for the first order autocatalytic decomposition of nitrocellulose containing 13.86% nitrogen converting into the thermal explosion.     

Comparisons of <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>th-order kinetic algorithms and kinetic model simulation on HMX by DSC tests

Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) is a typical highly energetic material that has been widely used in national defense industries since the 1940s. The aim of this study was to establish a reaction kinetic model on thermal decomposition properties via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) by well-known kinetic equations and kinetic model simulation. Furthermore, the aim also was to compare kinetic algorithms for thermal decomposition energy parameters under various conditions. Experimental results highly depended on the reliability of the kinetic concept applied, which is essentially defined by the proper choice of a mathematical model of a reaction. In addition, the correctness of the methods is used for kinetics evaluation.     

一种新型含能材料s-四嗪钴盐的合成、热分解动力学及热安全性

四嗪类含能化合物因其高能、钝感、高燃速、低压力指数、良好的热安定性等特点被广泛应用于含能材料领域。然而却存在低密度、低热稳定性的问题,为提高四嗪类化合物的这一性能,制备的一系列金属衍生物得到了广泛关注。3,6-双(1-氢-1,2,3,4-四唑-5-氨基)-1,2,4,5-四嗪(BTATz)作为四嗪类高氮含能化合物一种,具有良好的催化性能及应用前景。本文以BTATz钾与硝酸钴在水溶液中反应合成了1,2,4,5-四嗪(s-四嗪)的钴盐。采用元素分析(EA)、傅里叶变换红外光谱分析(FTIR)及电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)对其进行了结构表征,推测其化学式为Co(C_4H_2N_(14))·4H_2O。采用差示扫描量热仪(DSC)和热重分析仪(TG/DTG)研究了其热分解行为及主放热反应的动力学方程。计算了自加速分解温度(T_(SADT))、热爆炸临界温度(T_b)、热点火温度(T_(TIT))和绝热至爆时间(t_(TIAD)),其值分别为509.69 K、556.31 K、524.93 K和88.40 s,并以此来评价化合物的热安全性。该金属盐的绝热至爆时间大于相应的Ca盐、Mg盐和Sr盐,放热量高于配体BTATz,有望成为良好的燃烧催化剂。