Thermal decomposition characteristics of mixtures of ammonium dinitramide and copper(II) oxide

Ammonium dinitramide (ADN) is one of the most promising new solid oxidizers for rocket propellants, since its oxygen balance and energy content are relatively high, and it does not contain halogens. To gain a better understanding of the thermal decomposition mechanism of ADN, the thermal decomposition of ADN and copper(II) oxide (CuO) mixtures was investigated. The thermal behavior and activation energy associated with the decomposition of ADN/CuO mixtures were analyzed using sealed cell differential scanning calorimetry (SC-DSC). SC-DSC results showed that CuO affects the thermal characteristics of ADN and promotes its decomposition. Thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis-evolved gas analysis was also performed, and in addition, the decomposition behavior was observed using hot stage microscopy. From the results, a thermal decomposition mechanism was proposed for ADN/CuO. In this mechanism, copper dinitramide Cu[N(NO2)(2)](2) is generated at the surface of the CuO almost simultaneously with the melting of the ADN. Next, a significant exothermic reaction occurs, associated with the decomposition of Cu[N(NO2)(2)](2), followed by decomposition of CuO via [Cu(NH3)(2)](NO3)(2) and Cu(NO3)(2).