Characterization of thermal decomposition mechanism and combustion performance of 4,4’-azobis(1,2,4-triazole)**

4,4’-azobis(1,2,4-triazole) (ATRZ), as a representative of high-nitrogen compound, has attracted extensive interests. This work explores the thermal decomposition mechanism and combustion performance of ATRZ. The thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-DSC-FTIR) of ATRZ was carried out at heating rate of 10 °C/min in an argon atmosphere. ATRZ has two peak exothermic temperatures, 110.24 °C and 306.85 °C respectively. The exothermic peak at 110.24 °C is the decomposition of ATRZ tiny debris, and the exothermic peak at 306.85 °C is the decomposition of the main part of ATRZ. The pyrolysis-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (PY-GC/MS) of ATRZ was carried out at 350 °C in an argon atmosphere. By combining TG-DSC-FTIR and PY-GC/MS, the thermal decomposition mechanism of ATRZ was speculated. The main reaction in the ATRZ pyrolysis process is the cleavage of two N−N single bonds in the nitrogen bridge, forming a nitrogen molecule and two triazole rings, which is the majority of the first step decomposition reaction. At the same time, a small number of triazole rings break off to form other intermediates. A small amount of nitrogen gas is generated and a large number of CN clusters are formed. Under the same testing conditions, ATRZ has a higher combustion heat (19318 J/g) than other traditional CHNO energetic materials. By comparing the laser ignition combustion of ATRZ and ATRZ+RDX, the combustion temperature of ATRZ+RDX is higher and the combustion duration is longer. The introduction of CHNO type ammonium nitrate explosives promotes the energy release of ATRZ.