Pseudo-Oxide Metal Carbodiimides: Potential Burn Rate Modifier for the Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate

As a strong oxidizer, ammonium perchlorate (AP) is one of the most paramount raw materials in composite solid propellants (CSP) formulations, and the thermal decomposition features of AP would directly impact the energy release and the impulsion performance of CSP. CuNCN as an example of metal carbodiimides is explored as a burn rate modifier for AP decomposition, given their oxide counterpart belonging to typical burn rate modifiers. Our results reveal that the as-prepared CuNCN can effectively accelerate the thermal decomposition of AP. The CuNCN as additive in AP mixture can reduce the activation energy of decomposition of AP and bring down the HTD of AP decomposition by 84°C. The present study highlights on the effective application of metal carbodiimides in the thermally enhanced decomposition of AP.