THE KINETICS OF THE THERMAL DECOMPOSITION OF MOLTEN SILVER AZIDE
Abstract
The report covers an investigation of the thermolysis of molten silver azide (AgN3), which process is considered to be fundamental for the ignition of the explosive by thermal stimulus. The isothermal decomposition of molten silver azide was investigated in the temperature interval 309-340C. Decomposition was found to occur at the metal-azide interface with an activation energy of 38 plus or minus 2.5 kcal/mole. Initially, the decomposition proceeds at a constant rate. After a while, the reaction becomes accelerated as a result of the formation of silver nuclei in the melt. The rate of reaction is then proportional to the third power of time, and an apparent energy of activation of 138 plus or minus 5 kcal/mole is measured. The activation energy for the growth of silver nuclei in the melt is estimated to be ca. 24 kcal/mole. The latter value can be interpreted as the activation energy for the migration of interstitial silver in the azide matrix.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0651062
Entities
People
- Herbert J. Mueller
Organizations
- United States Army Engineer Research and Development Laboratory