Thermal Decomposition Characteristics of 1,7-Diazido-2,4,6-trinitrazaheptane and its Application in Propellants

The thermal decomposition characteristics of1,7-diazido-2,4,6-trinitrazaheptane (DATH) and multi-component systems containing DATH were studied by using DSC, TG and DTG techniques. Three –NO₂ groups in the DATH molecule break away first from the main chain when DATH is heated up to 200°C. Following this process, the azido groups and the residual molecule decompose rapidly to release a great deal of heat within a short time. In the multi-component systems, DATH undergoes a strong interaction with the binder of the double-base propellant and a weak interaction with RDX. The burning rates of the two propellants were determined by using a Crawford bomb. The results showed that the burning rate rises by about 19–66% when 23.5%DATH is substituted for RDX in a minimum smoke propellant. Meanwhile, the N₂ level in the combustion gases is enhanced, which is valuable for a reduction of the signal level of the solid propellant. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.