Abstract
Ammonium nitrate (AN) is a low-cost oxidizer with a low environmental impact; however, its low burning rate limits its application. In this study, a cocrystallization technique was used to enhance the burning performance of AN. An AN/4- amino-1,2,4-triazole (4ATA) cocrystal (molar ratio = 1:1) was prepared, and its crystal structure was investigated using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The friction sensitivity test proved to be sufficiently safe for the treatment of the cocrystal. 5-Amino-1H-tetrazole/strontium nitrate was blended with the AN/4ATA cocrystal or with a simple mixture of AN and 4ATA to evaluate the burning behavior using the deflagration test. The test results showed enhanced burning performance for the composition containing the AN/4ATA cocrystal compared to that containing the mixture of AN and 4ATA. The hygroscopicity test revealed that cocrystallization suppressed the hygroscopicity and also resulted in the phase stabilization of AN, as confirmed from sealed cell-differential scanning calorimetry analysis.
