Preparation of PbCO3–CuO nanoparticles and catalytic performance on NC/NG and NC/NG/NQ propellants

ABSTRACTThis study demonstrates a direct, high-yield, and inexpensive route for preparation of nearly spherical PbCO3–CuO nanoparticles (NPs) through mechanical ball milling method. The NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, EDS, and dynamic light scattering techniques. Catalytic decomposition effects of PbCO3–CuO NPs and PbCO3/CuO raw material mixture on nitrocotton (NC)/nitroglycerin (NG) propellant were studied by DSC analysis. Then, the combustion properties of NC/NG and nitroguanidine (NQ)/NC/NG propellants with above catalysts were researched. The results showed that the NPs exhibited good catalytic effect on both propellants. By adding 1.5% NPs in mass, decomposition temperature of NC/NG decreased by 29.35°C, and the heat of decomposition increased by 606 J g−1. PbCO3–CuO NPs used as burning catalyst of above propellants can increase the burning rate, decrease the pressure exponent and form good “plateau” effect at 4–12 MPa. And the NP...