Bidirectional catalysis between energetic perovskite and insensitive polymeric binder for enhanced decomposition

AbstractHigh-burning-rate solid propellants are in urgent demand for advanced aerospace and hypersonic propulsion systems. However, achieving high burn rates while maintaining safety and combustion stability remains challenging. Molecular perovskite energetic materials, represented by DAP-7, and the branched glycidyl azide polymer/plasticizer system (BGAP/A3) are promising candidates for high-energy propellant formulations due to their high energy density and favorable processing properties. Nevertheless, the thermal decomposition mechanism and interaction dynamics within the DAP-7/BGAP/A3 composite system are not yet fully understood, limiting their optimized application. This study systematically investigated the pyrolysis behavior, thermal decomposition kinetics and interaction mechanism between DAP-7 and BGAP/A3 binder system. The findings supported a strong interaction between DAP-7 and BGAP/A3, accompanied by a significant reduction in the decomposition temperatures and decrease in activation energy. Furthermore, the pyrolysis process of DAP-7/BGAP/A3 was studied, favoring the generation of small molecules such as NH₃, N₂, H₂O, CO and CO₂. A synergistic effect was proposed: the acidic environment and reactive intermediates devried from DAP-7 facilitate the cleavage of the BGAP/A3 backbone, while the decomposition products of BGAP/A3, in turn, promote the low-temperature decomposition of DAP-7, featuring lower reaction barrier. This work elucidates the bidirectional catalytic synergy and the efficient redox reactions between DAP-7 and BGAP/A3 and provides crucial support for the development of high-burn-rate solid propellants based on molecular perovskite energetic materials.