Effect of iron oxide on combustion and thermal decomposition of AN/MgAl-based pyrotechnic mixtures

Ammonium nitrate (AN) is widely used as an oxidizer in energetic-burning mixtures. However, poor ignition and low burning rate require special additives to speed up this process. MgAl alloy is used as a fuel to improve the burning characteristics of AN. Mg-50%Al Alloy was synthesized by a high-temperature diff usion bonding method. In addition, the eff ect of iron oxide on the burning characteristics of pyrotechnic mixtures was studied. The burning characteristics of pyrotechnic mixtures were determined by ignition in a high-pressure chamber. With the addition of iron oxide, the burning rate of pyrotechnic compounds increased up to two times. Also, the pressure defl agration limit of the pyrotechnic mixture was reduced from 2 MPa to 1 MPa. In addition, the thermal characteristics of pyrotechnic mixtures were studied, and activation energies were calculated.