Influence of a novel nano-thermite colloid based on CuO coated CNTs on the thermo-analytical characteristics of 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane

ABSTRACT

Nano-thermite colloid is a promising field of research used to enhance the characteristics of energetic materials. In this study, pre-treated surfaces of multiwall-carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were catalyzed to help the deposition of a metal and the coating process by copper (Cu) nano-scale layer through electroless deposition. The formed hybrids coated by Cu were treated at 250°C to form MWCNTs coated by CuO. Acetone was used to suspend the coated MWCNTs with aluminum nanoparticles (120 nm) in order to form nano-thermite colloid by ultrasonic technique. The presence of CuO layer plays the role of an active oxidizer for the aluminum nanoparticles. The obtained colloid was incorporated and dispersed with 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane (RDX). The influence of colloid on RDX decomposition kinetic was evaluated using the isoconversional methods (modified Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) methods). The mean value of apparent activation energy was reduced by 37.5%. This dramatic change in RDX decomposition ascribed trait to the nano-thermite colloid high reactivity and the facile integration of colloidal thermite particles with the RDX.

KEYWORDS:

• Electroless plating
• nanoparticles
• multi-walled carbon nanotubes (mwcnts)
• nano-thermites
• explosive

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).