In-situ synthesis of AP@Co/BIM composites with improved thermal performance and anti-hygroscopicity

• Published in: Materials chemistry and physics 2023-11, Vol.309, p.128347, Article 128347
• Main Authors: Xiaodong, Gou, Wei, Liu, Zhongliang, Ma, Mengqi, Zheng, Xiaoyu, Li, Xuan, Zhang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ammonium perchlorate; Anti-Hygroscopicity; AP@Co/BIM composites; In-situ synthesis; Thermal performance
• ISSN: 0254-0584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2023.128347

Reducing the hygroscopicity and thermal decomposition temperature of ammonium perchlorate (AP) is of great significance for its application in solid rocket propellants. The AP@Co/BIM composites was prepared in this work by the coordination reaction of benzimidazole (BIM) and Co2+ on the surface of small-size AP (s-AP) particles, which can significantly reduce the hygroscopicity and improve the thermal performance of s-AP. The prepared AP@Co/BIM composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimeter, thermogravimetric analysis and contact angle measurement. The results show that a dense and uniform Co/BIM complex is successfully coated on the surface of s-AP particles. Compared with the s-AP, the decomposition peak temperature of AP@Co/BIM decreases by 75.3 °C when the coating content is 25 wt% and its contact angle with water increases by 69.25°. At the same time, the hygroscopicity test shows that the moisture content of s-AP is only 3.2% of the s-AP after being placed at a relative humidity of 88% for 72 h. In addition, the burning rate of AP@Co/BIM based propellant increases by 5.28 mm s−1 compared with that of the s-AP. This study provides a reference for improving the thermal property and reducing the hygroscopicity of s-AP. It also has a certain application prospect in improving the combustion performance of propellants. •The AP@Co/BIM composites were successfully prepared.•The Co/BIM complexes can cover the surface of AP particles uniformly and compactly.•The AP@Co/BIM composites show good thermal decomposition performance.•The AP@Co/BIM composites exhibit good moisture resistance.•The AP@Co/BIM composites can effectively improve the combustion rate of propellants.