Preparation and characterisation of the NBC/CL-20/AP nanoenergetic composite materials

In this study, a novel nitrated bacterial cellulose/2,4,6,8,10,12-Hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane/ammonium perchlorate nanoenergetic composite was successfully prepared by the sol-gel method and the freeze-drying technology. The structure and composition were characterised by means of scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer and Fourier-transform infrared. The results demonstrated that the structure of the gel nanoparticles was granted with unique network cross-linked porous, wherein the hexaazaisowurtzitane and ammonium perchlorate nanoparticles were embedded and dispersed uniformly in the gel matrix. The thermal decomposition properties of composites were analysed by differential scanning calorimeter-thermogravimetric analysis, and the results revealed that the composites exhibited only two exothermal peaks which correspond to the nitrated bacterial cellulose/hexaazaisowurtzitane and ammonium perchlorate. In addition, the impact and friction sensitivities of composites were also performed and showed outstanding safety performance. Hence, this preparation strategy of nitrated bacterial cellulose-based nanocomposite energetic materials may provide promising application in high-performance and low-sensitivity propellants.