Catalytic action of nano Bi2WO6 on thermal decompositions of AP, RDX, HMX and combustion of NG/NC propellant

Abstract

Nano Bi₂WO₆ was prepared by hydrothermal method and characterized by XRD, SEM and EDS. Catalytic decomposition effects of nano-Bi₂WO₆ on AP, RDX and HMX were studied by DSC method. Nano Bi₂WO₆ can reduce the decomposition temperature and apparent activation energy of decomposition process. The thermal behaviors of Bi₂WO₆-DB propellant were studied. The self-accelerating decomposition temperature and critical temperature of thermal explosion are 168.3 and 178.1 °C, respectively. Nano Bi₂WO₆ used as burning catalyst of NG/NC propellant can greatly increase the burning rate, decrease the pressure exponent and form specific high-pressure “platform” at 16–22 MPa. Nano Bi₂WO₆ exhibits good application performance in solid propellant.