Thermogravimetric Decomposition Studies of Energetic Materials
Abstract
This proposal requests funds for the purchase of a species measurement system that allows simultaneous mass loss, heat release and species measurements during thermolysis of energetic materials. It includes 1) an interface to an existing FTIR spectrometer for transport evolved decomposition gases to the FTIR external detection unit, and 2) a simultaneous thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) made by Netzsch, which heats and measures changes in mass and heat release during programmed temperature change of the furnace and thus the energetic sample at rates up to 50K/min. The system will be used in two existing projects. In the first ARO-sponsored project, it will be used to identify species from slow and rapid thermolysis of RDX and mixtures of RDX with a high-nitrogen compound. Having knowledge of the mass loss and associated species evolution as a function of time will be very useful in validation a liquid-phase decomposition model of RDX. This measurement capability is not presently available here at Penn State. In the second project funded by AFOSR, the diagnostic system will be used to identify mass loss and species evolution of energetic materials containing nanoparticles. Such measurements will provide useful information for the identification and validation of proposed reaction channels affected (enhanced) by the presence of nanoparticles. This diagnostic system should readily be interfaced with existing pieces of equipment in these two previously mentioned projects. This proposal requests a start date of July 15, 2017. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 11, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710151
Entities
People
- Stefan Thynell
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Pennsylvania State University
- United States Army