Thermal Decomposition of Energetic Materials 56. On the fast thermolysis mechanism of ammonium nitrate and its mixtures with mangnesium and carbon

Fast thermolysis studies of ammonium nitrate (AN) and its mixtures with magnesium and activated charcoal have been carried out by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy/temperature profiling technique. When subjected to rapid heating (ca. 80°C/s), AN Sublimes/decomposes around 300°. Sublimation dominates at ambient pressures. The IR-active products of decomposition are NH3, NO2, N2O and H2O. Reaction schemes accounting for the products are proposed which involve proton transfer leading to NH3 by the decomposition products of HNO3. The decomposition of AN is significantly enhanced when AN is mixed with magnesium powder or charcoal, and occurs at as low a temperature as 135°C. Whereas NH3 is the major product of decomposition of ANMg mixtures, no NH3 is observed from ANC mixtures. The results are explained by the reaction of HNO3 and NH3 with Mg or C.

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