Diaminofurazan (DAF): Thermolysis and evaluation as ballistic modifier in double base propellant.

Diaminofurazan (DAF) is used as a precursor in the synthesis of many high performance insensitive high explosives. This paper reports the thermal studies on DAF and its evaluation as a ballistic modifier in double base propellant formulations. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) revealed that DAF shows two-stage decomposition, whereas the kinetics of initial stage of thermal decomposition of DAF evaluated from TG data gave activation energy (E(a)) of 67 kJ mol(-1). The evolution of gases containing species such as CN, NH, OH and oxides of nitrogen during thermal decomposition of DAF was also revealed by hyphenated TG-FTIR data. Evaluation of DAF as a ballistic modifier in RDX incorporated double base propellant formulations indicated that it brings down the pressure index to 0.20 compared to 0.70 for a control composition in the pressure range 6.9-8.8 MPa when used in combination with basic lead salicylate (BLS). It was observed that DAF does not have adverse effect on vulnerability and chemical stability of the propellant formulation.

Studies on diaminoglyoxime (DAG): thermolysis and evaluation as ballistic modifier in double base propellant.

This paper reports thermolysis of diaminoglyoxime (DAG) and its evaluation as a ballistic modifier in double base propellant formulations. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and simultaneous thermal analysis (DTA-thermogravimetric (TG)) revealed that DAG decomposes in two stages. Kinetics of initial stage of thermal decomposition of DAG evaluated from TG data gave activation energy (E(a)) of 153 kJmol(-1). The high-temperature Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra of DAG suggested preferential cleavage of NO and CNH2 during decomposition. Mass spectral data also suggest possibility of similar process. The hyphenated TG-FTIR data also revealed the evolution of gases containing species, such as CN, NH, OH and oxides of nitrogen during thermal decomposition. Evaluation of DAG as a ballistic modifier in RDX incorporated double base propellant formulations indicated that it brings down the pressure index to 0.17 compared to 0.79 for a control composition in the pressure range 6.9-8.8 MPa when used in combination with basic lead salycilate (BLS). The study suggests that combination of DAG and BLS need to be optimized to achieve more remarkable effects than BLS alone. It was observed that DAG does not have adverse effect on vulnerability and chemical stability of the propellant formulation.

Studies on salts of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) and 2,4,6-trinitroanilino benzoic acid (TABA): potential energetic ballistic modifiers.

The Co/Cu/Ni/Fe salts of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) and 2,4,6-trinitroanilino benzoic acid (TABA) were prepared and characterized during this work. All the salts exhibited exothermic decomposition in DSC. The FT-IR spectra of the gaseous products evolved during TGA of NTO salts indicated the release of NO2 and cleavage of NTO ring during the course of decomposition. Thermal decomposition of TABA salts also produced NO2 on decomposition. The transition metal salts enhanced the burning rates of AP-HTPB composite propellant evaluated during this work. The best catalytic effect was obtained with Fe-NTO salt which increased the burning rate to the extent of approximately 80% as well as brought down the pressure index (n) to 0.18 (2-9MPa).

Synthesis, characterization, thermolysis and performance evaluation studies on alkali metal salts of TABA and NTO.

The lithium (Li) and potassium (K) salts of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) and 2,4,6-trinitroanilino benzoic acid (TABA) were prepared and characterized during this work. The synthesis was carried out by addition of a solution of lithium/potassium hydroxide to the aqueous solution of NTO and TABA, respectively. The products were characterized by elemental analysis, metal content determination and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrum. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) profile indicated that Li and K salts of NTO and TABA undergo exothermic decomposition in the temperature range of 257-360 degrees C suggesting their energetic nature. The thermo gravimetric (TG) weight loss pattern revealed loss of water for Li/K salts of NTO and TABA in the temperature range of 115-155 degrees C. Sensitivity results revealed that the compounds are insensitive to impact and friction (impact sensitivity--height of 50% explosion>170 cm and friction insensitivity up to 36 kg) stimuli despite even the parent molecule of NTO salts (NTO) being HEM in the hazard category of 1.1. The FTIR spectra of the gaseous products evolved during TGA of NTO and TABA salts indicated the release of NO2. The formation of products such as LiNCO and KNCO was also observed in case of NTO salts, whereas that of CO2 and NH containing products was indicated in case of TABA salts during this study. In order to assess the performance as energetic ballistic modifiers (EBMs), NTO and TABA salts were incorporated in the ammonium perchlorate-hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (AP-HTPB) composite propellants. The potassium salts enhanced the burning rate of the propellant. The best catalytic effect was obtained with K-TABA salt, which increased the burning rate to the extent of approximately 81% as well as brought down the n-value to 0.15 (pressure 2-9 MPa).