Facile synthesis of RGO-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite: A novel catalyzing agent for composite propellants

Whereas ferric oxide particles are common catalyst for energetic oxidizers such as ammonium perchlorate (APC), reduced graphene oxide (RGO) with superior thermal conductivity as well as high interfacial surface area could be candidate substrate for advanced catalytic systems. This study reports on the facile synthesis of RGO-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite as a novel catalyzing agent for APC oxidizer. GO was developed via oxidation of graphite using Hummer’s method, while RGO was developed via GO reduction with hydrazine hydrate. RGO-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite was developed via direct precipitation method. Morphological characterization of RGO-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite demonstrated the formation of hematite RGO-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite in the form of rod-shaped crystals with average crystallite size 30 nm. The synthesized RGO-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite was effectively-encapsulated into APC particles via co-precipitation technique. The catalytic performance of RGO-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite on APC thermal behavior was evaluated using DSC and TGA. RGO-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite demonstrated superior catalytic performance; APC initial endothermic decomposition was decreased by 16% which could be ascribed to enhance the thermal conductivity and catalytic efficiency of the developed hybrid. APC total heat release was enhanced by 83%; this could be ascribed to superior interfacial surface area. Gaseous products could be efficiently-adsorbed on the catalyst surface offering high combustion enthalpy.