Ammonium Perchlorate Encapsulated with TiO2 Nanocomposite for Catalyzed Combustion Reactions

Ammonium perchlorate (APC) is the most common oxidizer for highly energetic systems. The initial decomposition of APC is an endothermic process. This behavior withstands high activation energy and could render high burning rate. We report on the sustainable fabrication of TiO2 nanoparticles; a novel catalyzing agent for APC. Mono-dispersed TiO2 particles of 10nm particle size were fabricated using hydrothermal processing. XRD diffractogram demonstrated highly crystalline structure. The synthesized colloidal TiO2 particles were effectively integrated into APC particles via co-precipitation technique. The impact of TiO2 particles (1 wt%) on APC thermal behavior was investigated using DSC and TGA. APC demonstrated an initial endothermic decomposition (with absorption heat of 102.5J/g) at 242 degrees C, and two subsequent exothermic decomposition stages at 297.8 and 452.8 degrees C respectively. TiO2 offered a decrease in APC early endothermic decomposition by 80%. The two main exothermic decomposition stages were merged into one single stage with an increase in total heat release by 18%. These novel features could inherit titanium oxide particles unique catalyzing ability for advanced highly energetic systems.