Decomposition of Ammonium-Perchlorate-Encapsulated Nanoscale and Micron-Scale Catalyst Particles

What is it about?

Iron oxide is used as a catalyst in solid rocket propellants to increase burning rate. This fine powder causes the propellant mixture to be very thick and difficult to mix. By encapsulating it with another propellant ingredient, ammonium perchlorate (AP), this problem is greatly reduced and also enhances the burning rate of the propellant. Previously, only nanoscale catalyst particles have been encapsulated, and only fine AP-encapsulated catalyst particles have been synthesized. For the first time, we encapsulate micron-scale catalyst particles with AP. Additionally, we demonstrate for the first time the ability to synthesize coarse AP-encapsulated catalyst particles. The thermal decomposition of all particles is characterized through use of several techniques.

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