Synthesis of different morphology nano-CuO and its effect on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

The influence of different micro-structure nano CuO particles obtained with various preparation conditions on the thermal decomposition behavior of AP was investigated in this paper. The different micro-structure nano CuO particles were synthesized by liquid-phase precipitation and high-temperature calcination with different precipitants and calcination temperatures. The research aimed to reveal the microstructure, catalytic performance, and ignition combustion characteristics of these particles. Results demonstrate that CuO particles synthesized with NaOH as precipitant exhibited nearly spherical morphology with uniform particle sizes ranging from 150 to 200 nm, displaying exceptional dispersibility, high crystallinity, and a specific surface area of 11.19 m²/g. As the calcination temperature increased, the particle size of the prepared nano CuO exhibited a rising tendency while the specific surface area decreased. Nano CuO particles produced by NaOH at a calcination temperature of 300 °C showed optimal catalytic effects on AP thermal decomposition, reducing the peak temperature of high-temperature decomposition of AP from 453.02 °C to 325.51 °C, enhancing the average weight loss rate of AP from 0.59 %/°C to 1.82 %/°C, and increasing the total heat release of AP thermal decomposition from 575.48 J/g to 1293.47 J/g. In the case of AP/Al composite fuels, the incorporation of nano CuO effectively shortened the ignition delay time, heightened combustion flame intensity, and notably amplified flame width and height during stable combustion. With 2 % nano CuO content, the delay time for 50W laser ignitions reduced by 15 ms, while both flame width and height experienced substantial elevations, resulting in a significant enhancement in combustion intensity and energy release rates.