Preparation and characterization of nano-NTO explosive

Nano-NTO particles (5-nitro-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-one) were prepared by the spray freezing into liquid (SFL) method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis methods were used to characterize the particles. The results show that the NTO particles have an elongated shape with a size of 70-90 nm. With NTO particle size reduced to the nanometer range, the XRD diffraction peaks broaden and the peak intensity weakens. Nano-NTO decomposes at a lower temperature and is less sensitive to impact stimuli compared with micro-NTO.