Study on the regulation of thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate by energetic composites formed with Fe-based coordination polymers

This study focuses on the thermal decomposition regulation behavior of AP achieved by Fe5B/AP nanoparticles, which are characterized using XRD, XPS and other techniques. When the mass ratio of Fe5B catalyst to AP was 3: 1, the high-temperature peak associated with AP decomposition advanced significantly by 181 degrees C, resulting in a more concentrated exothermic process. Additionally, solid propellant containing an optimal mass ratio of 1: 3 for Fe5B to AP exhibited higher burning velocity compared to Fe2O3 under low pressure condition with a 10 % increase in burning rate. Within the pressure range from 3.0 MPa to 9.0 MPa, the combustion rate of solid propellant containing Fe5B/AP (1: 3) remained similar to that achieved with Fe2O3 but displayed a lower pressure index. The mechanistic studies show Fe-based structural units and active metal centers served as intermediates for electron transfer,expediting electron transfer between ClO4-and NH4+ in the LTD process. Fe5B/AP particles generate iron oxides in situ, facilitating the adsorption of oxygen species and promoting increased heat release during the HTD stage. These findings highlight the potential application of Fe5B/AP as combustion catalysts for solid propellants by enabling controlled decomposition behavior of ammonium perchlorate. (c) 2025 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of The Society of Powder Technology Japan.