Effect of Fe₂O₃ in Fe₂O₃/AP Composite Particles on Thermal Decomposition of AP and on Burning Rate of the Composite Propellant

A technique of composite processing of Fe 2 O 3 and ammonium perchlorate (AP) was employed in making the propellant. The effects of composite processing of Fe 2 O 3 on catalytic activity, on the thermal decomposition of AP, and on the burning rate of the composite propellant were investigated in this paper. Fe 2 O 3 /AP composite particles were prepared by a novel solvent‐nonsolvent method. The results show that AP is successfully coated on the surface of Fe 2 O 3 . Composite processing of Fe 2 O 3 and AP can improve the catalytic activity of Fe 2 O 3 . Fe 2 O 3 exhibits better catalytic effect with increasing Fe 2 O 3 content. The larger interface between Fe 2 O 3 and AP and lower density of composite propellant (with the added Fe 2 O 3 /AP composite particles) are responsible for the enhancement of the catalytic activity of Fe 2 O 3 .